Springfield Fire Department Office of Emergency Preparedness

Be prepared for spring/summer storms

• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• National Weather Service forecast for Springfield, MA
• WMECO power outage reports
• Check your flood risk profile on FloodSmart.gov

Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft for Review

The City of Springfield is in the final stages of adopting its Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is intended to serve as the foundation for a community's long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage in the next disaster.

A draft of the plan can be found here. Hardcopies will also be made available at the Mayor’s Office for all residents, businesses and other concerned parties.

Protect Yourself During Earthquake Shaking

Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you’re at home, work or school. Taking the proper actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, can save lives and reduce your risk of death and injury. Learn more  >>

Current Weather Conditions

Detailed conditions from the Springfield DPW weather station

Hurricane Season

Hurricane hazards come in many forms for the Springfield Metropolitan area: High winds, tornados and flooding.  This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

You should be able to answer the following questions before a hurricane threatens. Here are links to some tips from the NOAA National Hurricane Center Hurricane Preparedness web site:

• What are the Hurricane Hazards for the Springfield area?
• High Winds
• Tornadoes
• Inland Flood
• What does it mean to you?
• What actions should you take to be prepared?
• Family Plan
• Supply Kit
• Place to Go
• Secure Home
• Pet Plan
• What actions should you take when a hurricane threatens?
  When a Hurricane Watch is issued YOU SHOULD:
• Check your Disaster Supply Kit.
  Make sure nothing is missing. Determine if there is anything you need to supplement your kit. Replenish your water.
• Activate your Family Disaster Plan.
  Protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time.

http://www.fema.gov/kids/

What to do in Case of a Power Outage

• If you are without power, call Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WMECO) at 781-4300 and report your outage. An automated system can walk you through the process.
• Turn off your lights (except one) and unplug major appliances and electronics to prevent electrical overload when the power is restored.
• Leave one light on so you'll know when power is restored.
• If your neighbor's power comes back on but yours does not, call WMECO. There may be damage that they are unaware of.

When You Call WMECO

• Be prepared to give your account number, name, telephone number and address, as well as a cross street.
• Tell them if you heard a loud boom, can see an accident, can see sparks or know of downed trees or poles in your neighborhood. Be as specific as possible as this information is helpful to us when restoring power.

More information on power outages from the WMECO web site

WMECO power outage map

More Emergency Preparedness Information

• Ready.gov emergency preparedness guide
  Assemble a kit, make a plan and be informed
• Connecticut River water level forecast
  from the National Weather Service
• National Weather Service forecast for Springfield, MA
• CDC Guide to seasonal flu
• Massachusetts Public Safety portal
• Massachusetts Homeland Security & Emergency Response
• FEMA for kids