Northern Berkshire Emergency Planning Committee

07/31/2026

August Is National Emergency Management Awareness Month

The Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee is proud to recognize August as National Emergency Management Awareness Month, a time to highlight the people, partnerships, and planning that help keep our communities safe.

Each Northern Berkshire community has an Emergency Management Director responsible for helping the municipality prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. These professionals work closely with local government, police, fire, EMS, public works, public health, utilities, schools, human-service organizations, volunteers, and regional and state partners.

Emergency management is often most successful when the public never sees everything happening behind the scenes. Long before a storm arrives, a river rises, the power goes out, or another emergency affects the region, Emergency Management Directors are asking important questions:

• What could happen?
• Who may be affected?
• What resources will be needed?
• How will agencies communicate and coordinate?
• How will we support residents with additional needs?
• How will essential services continue?
• What is the backup plan, and does the backup plan have a backup plan?

Emergency management is not limited to major disasters. It includes all-hazards planning, emergency communications, training and exercises, shelter and warming-center coordination, resource management, public information, damage assessment, recovery planning, and helping communities prepare for the unexpected.

The Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee strives to bring our eight communities and regional partners together to strengthen those capabilities. Emergencies rarely stop at a municipal boundary, and neither should preparedness. By sharing knowledge, plans, equipment, training, and personnel, our communities become stronger and more resilient together.

Throughout August, we will share weekly information explaining the role of emergency management, the responsibilities of local Emergency Management Directors, how regional coordination works, and the partnerships that support our communities before, during, and after an emergency.

Then, in September, we will recognize National Preparedness Month by sharing practical tips and resources for individuals, families, older adults, people with disabilities, pet owners, schools, organizations, and businesses. Preparedness does not require an underground bunker or a lifetime supply of canned beans. It begins with understanding your risks, making a plan, staying informed, and taking a few reasonable steps before an emergency occurs.

We invite everyone to follow along, learn more about emergency management, and become a partner in building safer and better-prepared communities.

Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee
Eight Communities - One Resilient Region

07/19/2026

Hometown Heroes Night with a Touch-A-Truck community event. The NB-REPC is on-site ready for some community outreach education. CPR, Stop the Bleed and much more. Come see just a small sample of the resources we have available to support our region. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

07/15/2026

Air Quality Update for Western Massachusetts

Smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada is contributing to hazy skies and reduced air quality across portions of Western Massachusetts.

The current regional Air Quality Index is approximately 87 and is forecast to rise to approximately 90 tomorrow. Both levels remain within the Moderate air-quality category.

AQI 51–100: Moderate
Air quality is generally acceptable. However, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Those individuals should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

People who may be more sensitive include:
• Children and older adults
• Individuals with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
• People with heart disease
• Pregnant individuals
• Anyone who is unusually sensitive to smoke or air pollution

Recommended precautions:

Monitor local air-quality conditions before prolonged outdoor activity.
Consider shortening or reducing strenuous outdoor exercise if you experience coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or unusual fatigue.
Keep windows and doors closed if smoke becomes noticeable indoors.
Use air conditioning on the recirculate setting when available.
Keep prescribed medications and rescue inhalers readily available.
Follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.

These conditions are not expected to affect everyone and this information is not intended to cause alarm. It is being shared so residents, particularly those in sensitive populations, can remain informed and take reasonable precautions.

Air quality may vary by community and can change based on wind direction and weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s MassAir system for updated conditions and forecasts.

https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/dep/massair/web/ #/pollution/map/max

The Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee and local Emergency Management Directors will continue monitoring conditions and will share additional information if public health recommendations change.

07/02/2026

Community information regarding Cooling Centers. Please if anyone in the area knows of other locations, please just add it into the comments below. If you feel ill from the heat, please get to a cool place and call 9-1-1!

07/01/2026

🌞 EXTREME HEAT SAFETY MESSAGE FROM THE NORTHERN BERKSHIRE REGIONAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE 🌞

The Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee encourages everyone throughout our region to take extra precautions as dangerously hot temperatures and high humidity move into our area.

Extreme heat can affect anyone, but older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and pets are especially vulnerable.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. If possible, exercise or work outdoors during the early morning or evening hours.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space if you work outside.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, not even for a few minutes.
• Check on family members, neighbors, friends, and anyone who may need assistance during prolonged periods of heat.

Know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, or loss of consciousness are all signs that immediate action may be needed. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Water Safety Best Practices:
• Wear Neon Green, Pink or Orange bathing suits for best visibility
• Never swim alone
• Wear life jackets
• Make sure there is a Water Watcher
Many communities may open cooling centers during periods of excessive heat. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local social media resources for information on cooling center locations, operating hours, and other heat-related resources available in their community.

A little preparation goes a long way. By looking out for one another, staying hydrated, and making smart choices during extreme heat, we can help keep our families and communities safe all summer long.

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Check on others. Together, we build a more prepared and resilient Northern Berkshire Community.

06/26/2026

Welcome to North Adams and Solid Sound Weekend!

A warm Northern Berkshire welcome to Jeff Tweedy, all of the incredible performers, and the thousands of music lovers joining us this weekend. We hope you enjoy everything that makes our community special, from the amazing music and art to our local businesses, restaurants, and the incredible people who call North Adams home.

With the city buzzing with energy, let's all do our part to make this a safe and memorable weekend. Please be patient with increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, slow down as you travel through downtown, and remember that many of our guests are taking in the sights for the very first time. They may stop suddenly for a photo, cross the street unexpectedly, or simply be soaking in the experience.

Offer a smile, wave, say hello, and don't be afraid to make a new friend. A little kindness goes a long way and helps show why North Adams is such a special place. Many of these visitors come back throughout the year.

To our visitors, thank you for spending your weekend with us. To our residents, thank you for being the welcoming community that makes people want to come back year after year.

Have a fantastic weekend, enjoy the music, support our local businesses, and let's make this one of the safest and most memorable Solid Sound Festivals yet!

Welcome to North Adams... enjoy the shows!

06/23/2026

Please be aware!

NOTICE: Road closure

Route 8 is closed at the Adams Cheshire line, due to power lines being taken down. Crews are on scene addressing the issue. Officers are on scene aiding with traffic detours.

05/03/2026

A message from our friends the the Cheshire Fire Department:

Morning everyone. Reminder we are participating in a fire academy class at the Community House so please expect different traffic patterns than you may be used too. We left plenty of parking in one of the community house parking lots and the Catholic Church parking lot is not being used by us at all. We apologize for any inconvenience we may cause. This training is very important for our members and members of the County to have. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your support.