June is Atlantic Hurricane Season

FRAMINGHAM — In conjunction with the beginning of Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announced a series of online resources for the Commonwealth's residents to deepen their awareness of and prepare for the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Residents are encouraged to go online, make a plan, and stay informed about storms that may emerge this season. 

"With severe weather events occurring more frequently due to our changing climate, it's more important than ever that Massachusetts is prepared to respond before, during and after emergency weather situations like hurricanes," said Governor Maura Healey. "Our administration has a host of helpful resources available, and we encourage everyone to go online, make a plan and stay informed about potential storms to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seasonal outlook predicts near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year, but it only takes one storm to cause significant impacts.

"History shows that regardless of where you are in Massachusetts – on the coast or inland – a tropical storm or hurricane can have significant impacts on your area," said MEMA Acting Director Dawn Brantley. "Ensuring Massachusetts communities are prepared for hurricane season requires immense collaboration among emergency management partners at the state and local levels, as well as participation from all residents to prioritize personal preparedness."

The beginning of hurricane season is a timely reminder for all residents to prepare for the effects of a hurricane by learning if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, developing an emergency plan that reflects your local conditions, building an emergency kit to meet your household needs, and staying informed before, during, and after the storm. If you have a disability or care for someone who does, it may require extra planning to handle an emergency.

Steps to Prepare

Know Your Evacuation Zone – Visit www.mass.gov/knowyourzone to learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone. If you live in an area that may flood and may need assistance evacuating, plan with family, neighbors, and friends who may be able to assist, and contact your local public safety officials to make them aware of your needs.

Make an Emergency Plan – A plan should address how your family would communicate, evacuate, and shelter in place if needed. Be sure to account for the needs of all your family members, including seniors, children, individuals with access and functional needs, and pets: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan. If you receive medical treatment or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home or have to evacuate.

Build an Emergency Kit – Build an emergency kit that will sustain your household for three to five days without power. For tips on what to include, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit

Stay Informed – Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools, including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, social and traditional news media, Mass 2-1-1 and local notification systems: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts

MEMA will share preparedness and safety information throughout hurricane season. For more resources, visit the Hurricane Safety Tips section of MEMA's website at https://www.mass.gov/mema/hurricanes.

Pittsfield Council Gives Preliminary OK to $82M School Budget

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:31PM / Thursday, May 23, 2024

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, with Superintendent Joseph Curtis, says the Student Opportunity Act if fully funded this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council left no stone unturned as it took four hours to preliminarily approve the school budget on Monday. At $82,885,277, the fiscal year 2025 spending plan is a $4,797,262 — or 6.14 percent — increase from this year.

It was a divisive vote, passing 6-4 with one councilor absent, and survived two proposals for significant cuts.  

"I think we have fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of Pittsfield and to have a budget that is responsible, taking into consideration the huge increase in taxes that it had the last couple of years, the last year in particular," said Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso, a former School Committee chair, who unsuccessfully motioned for a $730,000 reduction.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren responded with a motion for a $250,000 cut, which failed 5-5.  

The Pittsfield Public School budget is balanced by $1.5 million in cuts and includes about 50 full-time equivalent reductions in staff — about 40 due to the sunsetting of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. With 27 FTE staff additions, there is a net reduction of nearly 23 FTEs.

This plan does not come close to meeting the needs that were expressed throughout the seven-month budget process, Superintendent Joseph Curtis explained, but was brought forward in partnership with all city departments recognizing that each must make sacrifices in financial stewardship.

"With humility, I address the council tonight firmly believing that the budget we unveiled was crafted admits very difficult decisions, struggles, along with some transformative changes," he said.

"It is still important though that it did not even come close to accommodating the urgent requests we received throughout the entire budget process."