The purpose of the Southwick Emergency Management Agency is to coordinate all town departments within Southwick, adjacent communities, as well as state and federal agencies when an actual disaster or emergency occurs.  All town departments participate in the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). The plan is comprehensive as it encompasses not just emergency response but mitigation and recovery from any possible scenario.

Four Phases of Emergency Management:

MITIGATION
Those activities which eliminate or reduce the probability of disaster.

PREPARATION
Those activities which governments, organizations, and individuals develop to save lives and minimize damage.

RESPONSE
To prevent loss of lives and property and provide emergency assistance.

RECOVERY
Short and long term activities which return all systems to normal improved standards.

SARA Title III: Right To know - Addressing hazardous materials stored in and moving though Southwick, Massachusetts.

Outreach

We have speakers available for community training for any organization or group interested. We have many printed materials also available on a number of emergency related topics.  Members of the Southwick Emergency Management Agency participate in these programs:
 

A.R.E.S.	NWS SKYWARN	R.A.C.E.S.

Mission Statement

To ensure the safety of the residents of the town during possible emergency situations, and to maintain open lines of communications necessary for the local government to perform its duties without interruption.

Many possible hazards exist within the community.

Natural Hazards; Severe weather, floods, forest fires, and earthquakes

Weapons Related Hazards; biological, chemical and nuclear

Other Related Hazards; civil disorder, terrorism, hazardous materials accidents, and major transportation accidents.

To maintain Emergency Preparedness plans for the Town of Southwick (known as the CEMP) where threats are identified and contingencies for emergencies of all types are developed.

To foster strong partnerships and serve as liaison between other emergency services, adjacent local town and city governments, the State and Federal government, public service agencies, industry and the citizens of the town of Southwick.

To maintain an Emergency Operations Center and Mobile Incident Command Post for field operations during crisis situations.

To provide the Town of Southwick the support it requires to recover from all forms of disasters in a timely fashion.