Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Committee (MVP) @ Mar 11, 2026 12:30 PM EDT

[sup...@mytowngovernment.org]

The following meeting has been scheduled:

Town(s): Petersham, MA;
Board: Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Committee (MVP)
Time: Wednesday March 11 @ 12:30 PM EDT
Location: Lower Town Hall

Agenda:
Meeting with Town Seniors & COA
Follows CoA lunch


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[sup...@mytowngovernment.org]

The following meeting has been updated:

Town(s): Petersham, MA;
Board: Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Committee (MVP)
Time: Wednesday March 11 @ 12:30 PM EDT
Location: Lower Town Hall

Agenda:
Meeting with Town Seniors & COA
Follows CoA lunch

Agenda
Introductions

Consultant CSS will lead discussion of Communications plan issues:


Agenda
Town of Petersham | Council on Aging
Emergency Communications Plan Discussion

Attendees
• Petersham Community Members
• Edward Burman – CSS
• Patti Grigas – CSS
• Mark Caddy – LB Comms, LLC

Welcome and Purpose of the Meeting
• Purpose: To understand how older adults in Petersham currently receive and share information during emergencies.
Overview of Recent or Potential Emergencies
• Brief discussion of types of emergencies that may affect residents:
o Severe weather (snowstorms, ice storms)
o Power outages
o Extreme heat or cold
o Public health emergencies
How Seniors Currently Receive Emergency Information
• Open Discussion
o How do you usually learn about an emergency in town?
o Do you receive alerts on your phone, email, or television?
o Do you rely on neighbors, family members, or local organizations?
o Do you use town alert systems such as Reverse 911 or CodeRED?
o Do you listen to local radio or watch local cable channels?



Communication Methods Used to Reach Others
• Open Discussion
o If you need help during an emergency who do you contact?
o What methods would you use? (landline, cellphone, text, email, social media)
o Do you have a list of emergency contacts?
Barriers to Communicate
• Limited internet access
• Difficulty using smartphones or apps
• Power outages affecting phones or internet
• Lack of awareness of town emergency systems
What Communications Methods Work Best for You?
• Open Discussion
o Which communication methods feel most reliable?
o What would help you receive information more quickly during an emergency?
CodeRed Emergency Notifications
• About CodeRed
• What kind of alerts are distributed?
• How you receive CodeRed alerts
• How to sign up
Next Steps
• Review information gathered
• Identify possible improvements to communications systems
• Consider future outreach and preparedness efforts
Question/Answer