Springfield Fire Department, Office of Emergency Preparedness
Be prepared for spring/summer storms
Western Mass READY Project
Being prepared is the best way for you, your family, your neighbors, and your community to survive a disaster. Visit westernmassready.org for information on making sure you and your family are prepared.
Western Mass Ready IRAA has a special section with in preparedness information specifically for Individuals Requiring Additional Assistance.
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 >>
Hurricane Season
Residents Encouraged to Prepare Now
Hurricane hazards come in many forms for the Springfield Metropolitan area: High winds, tornadoes, 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?
- What does it mean to you?
- What actions should you take to be prepared?
- 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.
What to do in Case of a Power Outage
- If you are without power, call Eversource 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 Eversource. There may be damage that they are unaware of.
When You Call Eversource
- Be prepared to give your account number, name, telephone number and address, as well as a cross street.
- Tell them if you have heard anything out of the ordinary, 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 when restoring power.
More information on power outages from the Eversource web site
What to do in Case of a Gas Leak
If you detect a gas leak through smell, sight (white cloud mist or fog), or sound (hissing or whistling), follow these three steps:
- Leave the building immediately. Do not light matches, touch and electrical equipment or switches, raise or lower windows, or use your house phone or cell phone before you leave.
- Call 911 from a nearby phone or cell phone once you’re away from the building.
- Watch from a safe location for the Springfield Fire Department and Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to arrive. Ask the Fire Department when it is safe to re-enter the building.
More info on gas leak emergencies from the Columbia Gas web site
More Emergency Preparedness Information
- Ready.gov emergency preparedness guide
Prepare for Emergencies - Connecticut River water level forecast
from the National Weather Service - National Weather Service forecast for Springfield, MA
- CDC Guide to seasonal flu
- FEMA for kids
