FEMA Awards Over $3 M to Mass for COVID-19 Response Costs

Print Story | Email Story
BOSTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the costs of providing virtual triage services for hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The $3,056,275 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the commonwealth for contracting to provide virtual triage to reduce transmission that could occur if triage were to occur in crowded, in-person hospital settings between March 2020 and February 2021.
 
The contractor also provided dissemination of information to the public across Massachusetts regarding guidance about the individual's risk of having contracted COVID-19; and provided dissemination of public health information from federal and state agencies.
 
"FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with these costs," said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. "Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation."
 
FEMA's Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
 
So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
 

Tags: FEMA,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshires Opens Warming Centers, Provides Safety Resources Ahead of Frigid Weekend

Staff Reports
A back-to-back weather threat is developing as an Extreme Cold Warning tonight gives way to a major Winter Storm Warning starting Sunday morning. Dangerously cold wind chills of 25 to 35 below zero will persist through Saturday afternoon, creating a high risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Conditions will remain life-threatening for those without proper shelter or heating, and pets should be kept indoors.
 
Beginning at 7 AM Sunday and lasting through 7 PM Monday, a long-duration winter storm will then impact all of eastern New York and western New England, bringing 12 to 18 inches of heavy snow. Travel will become very dangerous, particularly Sunday night when snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour, severely reducing visibility. If you must travel, the National Weather Service advises keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle with a flashlight, food, and water.
 

Regional Warming Centers: Where to Stay Warm

 
Local public safety departments and community organizations have established the following short-term warming sites to provide refuge from the sub-zero temperatures.
 
North Adams
  • Police Station Front Lobby: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
  • North Adams Public Library: Open Friday (10 am to 5 pm), Saturday (10 am to 1pm) 
  • Living Hope Church: Open Friday (8 am to 1 pm), Saturday (8 am to noon)  
  • First Baptist Church: Open Saturday (9 am to noon) 
  • North Adams City Hall: Open Friday (8 am to 4pm)

Williamstown

  • Williamstown Police: Open Saturday and Sunday (Residents in need of shelter can call dispatch at (413) 458-5733 to gain access).

Pittsfield

  • Pittsfield Police Department Lobby
  • The Ralph J. Froio Senior Center

Great Barrington

  • Town Hall

  • libraries 

  • Claire Teague Senior Center

  • Berkshire South Community Center (Standard Hours)

Essential Cold Weather Safety Tips

Home Protection & Water Safety

The Dalton Fire and Water Departments, along with other regional agencies, recommend the following to prevent property damage:

  • The "Drip" Rule: Allow a very thin stream of water to run from faucets located on exterior walls to prevent pipe freezes.

  • Thermostat Consistency: Avoid dropping the heat at night; keep a steady temperature to ensure pipes in walls stay above freezing.

  • Open Cabinets: Keep kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

  • Pipe Thawing: If pipes freeze, use a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.

Personal Health & Pets

  • The Three-Layer System: Wear a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer (wool/fleece), and a windproof outer shell.

  • Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors. If they must go out, limit time to a few minutes and wipe paws to remove salt and ice-melt chemicals.

  • Check on Neighbors: Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors or those living alone to ensure their heating systems are functioning.

Winter Storm & Municipal Impact

Following the extreme cold, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Sunday and Monday, with up to 16 inches of snow possible.

  • Williamstown Town Hall: Closed Monday, Jan 26.

  • Pittsfield Snow Ops: Moving to 12-hour shifts starting early Sunday.

  • Road Salt Warning: DPW officials warn that road salt becomes significantly less effective in temperatures below 10°F. Expect icy surfaces even after treatment.

Emergency Contact Directory

  • Emergencies: 9-1-1

  • North Adams Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 664-4944

  • Williamstown Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 458-5733

  • Dalton Fire District: (413) 684-0500

  • National Grid (Power Outages): 1-800-465-1212

  • Berkshire Gas: 1-800-292-5012

 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories