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Emergency Preparedness

Be prepared for winter storms

Snow storm, Florentine Gardens

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.

Current Weather Conditions

Detailed conditions from the Springfield DPW weather station

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  >>

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Call 911 from a nearby phone or cell phone once you’re away from the building.
  3. 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 Bay State Gas web site

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

Emergency Help

Mass 2-1-1 - Get information about critical health and human services available to the Springfield community by dialing 2-1-1 24 hours a day. The toll-free TTY number for hearing impaired residents is (877) 211-6277.

Family Disaster Plan - Download this form to create an emergency plan for your family.


The Office of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive plan for responding to manmade and natural disasters and for coordinating the city's implementation of the Federal Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act provisions relating to hazardous material response planning, training, and operations. The office also staffs the city's Emergency Medical Services Commission which contracts for ambulance services and oversees the radio link between ambulances and hospitals in the city. The mayor appoints the director.



Page last updated:  Friday, October 28, 2011 03:04 pm