Emergency Preparedness
The Manchester Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is devoted to protecting the lives of our town citizens. We are a department that is prepared to handle all types of disasters, both natural and man-made. We encourage the public to BE PREPARED for such events. This website will provide you with information to help protect you and your family during an emergency.
DISASTER PLANNING
The next time disaster strikes you may not have much time to prepare. A family emergency plan can help the family cope with unexpected conditions.
"Preparing Makes Sense"
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are differences between natural and man-made disasters that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.
REMEMBER! While the Federal, State and Town governments plan for all hazards, they may be overwhelmed by the scope of the disaster, such as a major snowstorm, hurricane or other large-scale emergency. DEMHS, FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend that every family should plan for and create an emergency supply kit that will have enough supplies to last for 5 to 7 days for each person in your household. If you have a special needs person living in your house (such as a person dependant on electricity to keep life support equipment operating), you should plan to have back-up power (not battery power - but generator power) on hand.
The Town of Manchester, Office of Emergency Management will make every attempt to get to you and your family as soon as possible, you must remember that other Town residents are in the same situation that you are. The Town has a limited number of resources and must deploy those resources in a manner that helps the most people affected while expending the least amount of its limited resources (this may negate the "first-come, first-served" process). We will respond to you as soon as we can possibly do so.
BIO-TERRORISM & SMALLPOX
The threat of bio-terrorism has been an increasing concern for Americans since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Many local residents have questions concerning anthrax and smallpox vaccines, as well as antibiotic treatment, and what should be done to prepare for a bio-terrorist attack.
Please visit our LINKS page for additional resources on these and other concerns.