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LIVE BLOG | NWMIMT PUERTO RICO DEPLOYMENT

10/16/2017

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Sponsored by Coaxsher Wildland Gear

MEDIA
  • 10.26  Puerto Rico Is Now Largest Blackout in U.S. History - Weather Channel
  • 10.20  Alphabet balloon project to provide limited internet in Puerto Rico - Reuters
  • 10.20  Workers are dangling from helicopters to fix Puerto Rico's power lines - CNN
  • 10.20  What Puerto Rico Is Doing to Get the Power Back After Storm - NECN
  • 10.20  Hurricane Maria death toll rises to 49 in Puerto Rico - WWLP
  • 10.20  How a month of hurricane nightmares changed Puerto Rico and me - CNN
  • 10.20  Inside Puerto Rico’s Struggle to Recover a Month After Hurricane - Wall Street Journal
  • 10.20  Puerto Rico: 30 Days in 3 Minutes - Weather Channel
  • 10.19  Mass public safety employees join federal disaster relief efforts - Boston Globe
  • 10.17  Hartford Father Sold His Car To Bring Sons Home From Puerto Rico - NEPR
  • 10.17  Mass Deploys 10-Person Emergency Management Team to PR for Hurricane Response and Recovery - Boston Strong
  • 10.17  Western Mass. Incident Management Team Sent To Puerto Rico - WAMC
  • 10.17  Hurricane Maria: Inside a Puerto Rican Barrio's Fight to Survive - Rolling Stone
  • 10.17  Local emergency workers in Puerto Rico to assist in hurricane relief - The Recorder
  • 10.17  Greenfield Fire Chief deployed to assist Puerto Rico hurricane response - WWLP
  • 10.16  Puerto Rico facing a water crisis after Hurricane Maria - Today
  • 10.16  Puerto Ricans Are Still Without Food, Water, and Power One Month After Hurricane Maria - Travel + Leisure
  • 10.16  Stranded by Maria,Puerto Ricans Get Creative to Survive - New York Times
  • 10.16  Misery in Puerto Rico: No power, no job, 'enormous' lines - CNN Money
  • 10.16  What every American needs to know about Puerto Rico’s hurricane disaster - Vox
  • 10.16  Massachusetts deploying 10-person emergency management team to Puerto Rico - MassLIVE
  • 10.16  10-Person Emergency Management Team Deployment to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Response and Recovery - Mass.gov
  • 10.15  Maryland National Guard deploys to Puerto Rico to take part in recovery effort - WTOP
  • 10.14  Puerto Rico's death toll from Hurricane Maria climbs to 48 - CNN
  • 10.13  Puerto Rico still in the dark three weeks after 3 weeks - Los Angeles Times
  • 10.4  Puerto Rico accepts Massachusetts offer for law enforcement support - Mass.gov
  • 9.29  Baker-Polito Administration Announces Mobilization of Massachusetts National Guard to Puerto Rico - Mass.gov
  • 9.28  Baker-Polito Administration Announces Relief And Recovery Resources For The Citizens Of Puerto Rico - Mass.gov

PHOTOS + CAPTURES
Team arrived at JFK, driving back to Western MA later this evening | NWMIMT
The Puerto Rico power distribution system will take months to rebuild due to the destruction of Hurricane Maria | NWMIMT
Team winging north on flight, arriving New York JFK and then back to Western MA this evening | NWMIMT
End of mission photo of NWMIMT members with Purerto Rico State Police, Urban Search and Rescue and National Guard | NWMIMT
The interior of Puerto Rico still vulnerable due to limited access, number of landslides and unstable roads | NWMIMT
GIS specialist documented blocked and damaged roads using GPS | NWMIMT
Management of Hurricane Maria devastation in Puerto Rico transitioning from response to recovery and stabilization | NWMIMT
Recording severe storm damage during field mission in Puerto Rico | NWMIMT
Hurricane Maria stripped all foliage from trees and plants on this mountain side in Puerto Rico | NWMIMT
Team members verify damage and recovery activities. Photo shows landslide, road damage and power line repair | NWMIMT
Team member Butch ready to go with Homeland Security Investigation Agents to gather damage info in Puerto Rico | NWMIMT
San Juan Puerto Rico sunrise | NWMIMT
An inbound Black Hawk Helicopter flying low over San Juan Puerto Rico Tuesday morning | NWMIMT
Twin Ospreys fly over San Juan Puerto Rico Monday morning | NWMIMT
NWMIMT member Joe is acting Team Leader while other members of the team are deployed in Puerto Rico | NWMIMT
Pat and Mike coordinate with Giovanni, a pilot for the PuertoRico USAR | NWMIMT
Transport helicopter flies over San Juan Puerto Rico early Saturday morning, October 21st | NWMIMT
NWMIMT member Ryan GIS specialist makes maps, uses spatial tech + info management to assist the Plans Section | NWMIMT
NWMIMT member Bob is leading the afternoon Task Force Leaders Meetings | NWMIMT
NWMIMT member Cam working to ensure timely processing of incoming mission requests | NWMIMT
Members Butch + Tracy working Plans Section to collect, analyze + distribute a COP [common operating picture] | NWMIMT
NWMIMT Team Leader Dennis Annear - Retired Orange, MA FD now a member of Halifax, VT FD updates status boards during Puerto Rico deployment | NWMIMT
NWMIMT working together with MEMA staff 10/18 assignment | MEMA
Team arrives at the command post | NWMIMT
NWMIMT is helping supply isolated communities and improve infrastructure in Central Island District
NWMIMT members at Central Task Force in Puerto Rico | NWMIMT
Northwest Massachusetts Incident Management Team | NWMIMT PIO Mary Kersell
Deployments wouldn't be possible without the love and support of family members | NWMIMT PIO Mary Kersell
NWMIMT team member Ryan is ready to go | NWMIMT PIO Mary Kersell
Without power or backup generators, Puerto Ricans can't run air conditioners, keep life-preserving hospital equipment on, or charge phones to communicate. Because power can also keep water running, many are still without | Business Insider
Maria damaged emergency vehicles making rescue workers jobs difficult | Business Insider
No power, little access to water, dwindling food: the situation is dire | Vox
The National Weather Service measured wind gusts of over 200 mph before Maria made landfall. But many wind gauges broke during the storm, so we may never know how strong they were on this island | Business Insider
People walk next to a flooded gas station damaged by Hurricane Maria in Humacao, Puerto Rico | Business Insider
The storm's winds knocked down power lines, causing outages for 100% of the island | Business Insider
Through October 14th, 15 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 6 major (Category 3 or stronger) hurricanes had formed in the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season | Weather Channel
An image acquired by the GOES-13 satellite of Hurricanes Maria in the Caribbean (bottom) and Jose (L, top) in the North Atlantic Ocean | Mashable
Hurricane Maria makes landfall September 20th in Puerto Rico taking down energy infrastructure | Weather Channel

VIDEO
​

Only 15% of PR has power since Maria landfall
ABC News | October 15, 2017
Why PR will be without power for months
Vox | October 2, 2017
Hurricane Maria Devastates Humacao, Puerto Rico
iCyclone| September 29, 2017
Intense footage from the violent inner core of Category 4 Maria at ground zero: near its landfall point in SE Puerto Rico.
Island of Puerto Rico 'destroyed' by Hurricane Maria
ABC News | September 20, 2017
Puerto Rico's office of emergency management confirmed that 100 percent of the U.S. territory has lost power, noting that anyone with electricity was using a generator.

RESOURCES
  • FEMA Region 2
  • Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
  • Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker
  • Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
  • Northwest Massachusetts Incident Management Team (NWMIMT)

DEPLOYMENT LOCATION
Puerto Rico, USA

NORTHWEST MASSACHUSETTS INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release - October 31, 2017

​Mary Kersell - Public Information Officer
(413) 330-3496

nwmimtpio@gmail.com

GREENFIELD – The Northwest Massachusetts Incident Management Team (NWMIMT) returned to western Massachusetts on Monday October 30, after a two week deployment to Puerto Rico to assist with response and recovery efforts after the destructive impact of Hurricane Maria. The team worked alongside three emergency management personnel from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). “It was a true pleasure to have the opportunity to help the people of Puerto Rico who are still in such need”, said Dennis Annear, the NWMIMT Team Leader.

The request for assistance from Puerto Rico came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which is the national emergency management mutual aid system that facilitates state- to-state disaster assistance. The requesting territory (Puerto Rico in this case) fully reimburses the assisting state for the total costs incurred. All personnel and other resources are coordinated between state emergency management agencies.

The 10-person incident management team worked for the Central Island Coordination Task Force to provide support and administrative assistance to the Puerto Rico Urban Search and Rescue Team. Additionally team members developed relationships and partnerships with a variety of Emergency Support Function groups to organize delivery of water, food, infant supplies, pet food, blue tarps and camp stoves to individuals and communities in remote and isolated areas of central Puerto Rico.

“We were extremely fortunate to have a strong team of dedicated, trained and experienced professionals who were willing and available to help,” said Dennis Annear. Team members worked twelve hour shifts daily for two weeks. This deployment was the culmination of thousands of hours of volunteer time for training, meetings and preparation on the part of NWMIMT members. While in Puerto Rico it was gratifying to recognize and be recognized by many people in the field of incident management that team members had met previously, either during deployments or in training sessions.

The NWMIMT members who were in Puerto Rico hail from Greenfield, Lanesboro, Leyden, New Salem, Northfield and Halifax Vt. Team members supporting the effort from our home base live in Amherst, Hatfield, New Salem, Northfield and Shelburne.

After seeing the long-term, devastating consequences of the storm on people’s lives, the team noted how critical it is to take emergency preparation seriously. A general guideline here in Massachusetts is to be prepared to keep your family safe by having an emergency plan and a well-stocked emergency kit. You are the help, until help arrives.

NWMIMT is available to assist any community in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire Counties in need of some extra help during emergency response, or large event management.

The team is thankful for the support and funding it has received from the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council, the Tri-State Fire Mutual Aid Association and MEMA.
​
For more information or interviews contact NWMIMT Team Leader Dennis Annear  nwmimt.annear@gmail.com or 978-821-9914


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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
​
For Immediate Release - October 16, 2017


Baker-Polito Administration Announces Deployment of 10-Person Emergency Management Team to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Response and Recovery

Puerto Rico accepts Massachusetts offer for emergency management support

BOSTON - The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that Puerto Rico has accepted an offer from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to deploy a 10-person emergency management team from Massachusetts to assist in Puerto Rico. The request for assistance from Puerto Rico came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which is the national emergency management mutual aid system that facilitates state-to-state disaster assistance.

“Massachusetts is proud to be able to deploy additional resources and personnel to assist with hurricane recovery and relief operations in Puerto Rico during this difficult time,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “As we continue to monitor requests for assistance and offer aid to disaster survivors traveling to Massachusetts, these experienced emergency managers will provide critical on the ground support for teams coordinating relief operations on the island.”

While deployed in Puerto Rico, the team is expected to work with the Central Island Coordination Task Force, which coordinates the delivery of goods and services across the island. The team includes three MEMA employees and seven members of the Northwest Massachusetts Incident Management Team (NWMIMT). The team is traveling to Puerto Rico on October 16th, and is expected to be deployed for 14 days.

“The deployment of these emergency managers from Massachusetts will assist Puerto Rico with the coordination of relief efforts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We continue to take steps to assist those impacted by the recent hurricanes by preparing for those residents who choose to self-evacuate to Massachusetts, partnering with the Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund, and monitoring requests for assistance, and we urge everyone looking to help to support disaster relief operations through cash donations to organizations listed on the state’s website.”

“Public safety personnel from Massachusetts have previously been sent across the nation to assist in the aftermath of disasters,” said Secretary of Public Safety Dan Bennett. “We are proud to continue this tradition by sending additional personnel to Puerto Rico and thank the deploying personnel who have offered to support Puerto Rico in their recovery.”

“EMAC is an important component of emergency management,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “Massachusetts has previously been both the recipient and provider of EMAC assistance and we are fortunate to be able to offer Puerto Rico these specialized personnel during their time of need.”

MEMA continues to monitor the EMAC system and look for opportunities to offer personnel, equipment and resources to Puerto Rico. 

On October 4th, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the deployment of local and state law enforcement officers to Puerto Rico for hurricane Response and Recovery. The first 24 officers arrived in Puerto Rico on October 7th, and the remaining officers will deploy in two-week rotations over the next month.  While in Puerto Rico, the law enforcement officers will assist with traffic and security duties.

On September 29th, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the mobilization of the Massachusetts National Guard to Puerto Rico for hurricane response and recovery. The National Guard’s Joint Site Incident Satellite Communications Capability (JISCC) team will support satellite-based data and mobile communications on the island, where communication lines have been severely damaged.

Governor Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Representative Jeffrey Sánchez and members of the Boston Foundation also announced the Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund to support and respond to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma.  The fund has been formed in partnership with the Latino Legacy fund and in cooperation with the Alliance for Puerto Rico. Funds raised will be distributed for reconstruction and relief on the island of Puerto Rico and to support self-evacuees arriving in Massachusetts from Puerto Rico for temporary or permanent residence.

The Baker-Polito Administration has formed a state task force that is working to ensure that the state is prepared to support the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for individuals who choose to self-evacuate the island and seek temporary or permanent residence in Massachusetts. 

State officials remain in communication with the Government of Puerto Rico and federal authorities and are ready and willing to offer emergency assistance, such as personnel and equipment, at the request of Puerto Rico. 

Volunteers & Donations:

Donations - Donating cash to recognized disaster relief organizations is the best way to help people in need after a disaster. Cash donations are efficient, flexible to use, and require no transportation. Consider donating to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, or other disaster relief organization that is a member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): https://www.nvoad.org/current-disasters/werespond/

Volunteers – Those looking to volunteer are encouraged to get involved with an established disaster relief organization.  This ensures that volunteer efforts are coordinated and that the needs of disaster communities and survivors are met.  People are asked not to self-deploy to a disaster area.  Information on volunteering is available through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): https://www.nvoad.org/current-disasters/werespond/ 


Picture
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release - October 16, 2017

​Mary Kersell - Public Information Officer
(413) 330-3496

nwmimtpio@gmail.com


​GREENFIELD - The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that Massachusetts is sending more help to Puerto Rico as the island continues to recover and rebuild after the destructive impact of Hurricane Maria. The Commonwealth has assembled a joint team of emergency management personnel from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Northwest Massachusetts Incident Management Team (NWMIMT) for a fourteen day deployment. “We are honored that our team has been chosen to go with MEMA to help get people back on their feet”, said Dennis Annear, the NWMIMT Team leader. “We are extremely fortunate to have a strong team of experienced professionals willing and available to help.” 

Monday afternoon, the 10-person incident management team of seven NWMIMT and three MEMA personnel will leave Hartford for Puerto Rico. They will be working for the Central Island Coordination Task Force to assist with response planning and logistics. The NWMIMT members who will be going to Puerto Rico hail from Greenfield, Lanesboro, Leyden, New Salem, Northfield and Halifax Vt. Collectively they have decades of experience managing complex incidents.

The request for assistance from Puerto Rico came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which is the national emergency management mutual aid system that facilitates state-to-state disaster assistance. The requesting territory (Puerto Rico in this case) fully reimburses the assisting state for the total costs incurred. All personnel and other resources are coordinated between state emergency management agencies.

NWMIMT is a group of highly dedicated volunteers from across Western Massachusetts, each of whom has extensive training in the National Incident Management System. The team has been deployed locally multiple times over the years for missions involving hazardous waste spills, search and rescue operations, brush fires and tornado response. Further afield, the team was part of an EMAC request to New York State after Hurricane Sandy to operate a Logistics Supply Area located at Citi Field in New York City. In Massachusetts the team assisted MEMA in the operation of the staging area for the Out-of-State snow removal equipment for the Greater Boston Area in 2015 at Hanscom Field in Bedford. 

The team is thankful for support and funding it has received from the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council, the Tri-State Fire Mutual Aid Association and MEMA.

Throughout the Puerto Rican deployment, Public Information Officers will provide updates to the team Twitter account @NWMIMT and to www.fireground360.com

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