Monday, January 26, 2015
Governor Baker Declares State of Emergency/Travel Ban
With the impending snowstorm that is expected to hit
later this evening, Governor Baker has announced a State of Emergency and a
statewide travel ban. Posted below is a press release that was distributed
earlier today with further information:
Governor
Baker Declares State of Emergency Effective Immediately
Governor
signs State of Emergency, announces statewide travel ban effective at midnight
Boston - In
preparation for the approaching blizzard set to severely impact the
Commonwealth, Governor Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency,
effective immediately, to ensure statewide resources are available for
preparation and quick response for all cities and towns. Speaking at a
press conference today at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA),
Governor Baker announced that state offices and MBTA service will be closed on
Tuesday and issued a statewide travel ban effective at midnight:
"We
have declared a state of emergency for the entire Commonwealth to make sure
every city and town is prepared and has access to the necessary resources for
the upcoming storm. We encourage the public to make the appropriate
preparations, stay alert and make plans to safely commute home this evening.
As the storm progresses, we will work closely with the National Weather Service
(NWS), Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), National Guard and
local authorities, assuming all necessary precautions to keep people
safe."
A
statewide travel ban will be effective at midnight. The travel ban will be
lifted by county based on road conditions.
"As
the storm approaches, the people of the Commonwealth are strongly encouraged to
remain vigilant and frequently monitor alerts and updates from the MEMA and the
NWS, especially through social media in the event of power outages. Our
goal is to make sure the Commonwealth safely weathers this storm in every
county, which requires preparation and cooperation from all," said Lt.
Governor Karyn Polito.
The
citizens of the Commonwealth are encouraged to check www.mass.gov/mema
for critical updates and direct general questions to the 24-hour citizen
information telephone line by dialing 2-1-1.
The
following actions and precautions were announced by the Governor at MEMA
Headquarters this afternoon:
STATE OF EMERGENCY – EFFECTIVE
IMMEDIATELY: Governor Baker has signed a Declaration
of Emergency for Massachusetts ensuring state resources are available and
coordinated for storm preparation and to enable swift response among the state,
cities and towns. The state of emergency declaration will allow expedited use
of state resources, the ability to request and receive mutual aid assistance
from other states or the federal government if needed, the immediate
procurement and deployment of goods and services necessary for response and other
actions as considered necessary by the Governor. The state of emergency shall
remain in effect until notice is given in the Governor’s judgment that it is no
longer necessary.
STATEWIDE TRAVEL BAN – EFFECTIVE AT
MIDNIGHT: Governor Baker has signed an Executive
Order allowing for the enforcement of a statewide travel ban effective at
midnight. The following exceptions shall exist for the ban and all drivers are
encouraged to remain safe and use their best judgment:
·
Essential
emergency response professionals
·
Medical,
healthcare and human service workers, including shelter personnel
·
Essential
public transit and support workers
·
Public
and private personnel supporting public works and utility operations
·
Essential
state employees
·
Those
traveling for essential medical procedures
·
Vehicles
and personnel delivering essential supplies to healthcare facilities.
MBTA CLOSURE – TUESDAY, JANUARY 27th: MBTA
service will remain open during regular business hours today. Tomorrow, the
MBTA will be closed. Services are planned to resume Wednesday, and
additional announcements will be made by noon Tuesday.
STATE OFFICE CLOSURES – TUESDAY,
JANUARY 27th: The Governor has directed that
non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies should not
report to their workplace on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 due to weather
conditions. State offices are scheduled to be open on Wednesday, January
28, 2015. Employees should continue to check Mass.gov or call 211 for
additional updates and cold weather safety tips.
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