Emergency Management

The Director of Emergency Management Services is appointed by the Select Board to facilitate the town's response to emergency situations, and to coordinate the activities of various town departments in this regard. The Director of Emergency Management Services plays an integral role in preparing and execution of the town's comprehensive emergency plan, developed in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, statutes and regulations. The goal of Emergency Management is to enhance the town’s capabilities in the phases, or mission areas of an emergency. Those phases are:


Prevention  Prevent, avoid or stop an imminent, threatened or actual act of terrorism.

Protection  Protect our citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards in a manner that allows our interests, aspirations and way of life to thrive.

Mitigation  Reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of future disasters.

Response  Respond quickly to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs in the aftermath of a catastrophic incident.

Recovery  Recover through a focus on the timely restoration, strengthening and revitalization of infrastructure, housing and a sustainable economy, as well as the health, social, cultural, historic and environmental fabric of communities affected by a catastrophic incident.

Reverse 911

The Town works with the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center to provide mass notifications in the event of an emergency. For the system to work properly we need to have all residents’ phone numbers in a secure database. We do not have access to unlisted phone numbers, digital (VoIP) numbers, or cell phone numbers. It is vital that the town has access to these telephone numbers so that we can deliver alerts and critical notification and updates, such as shelter in place, evacuations, and other information during emergencies.   Please visit https://bcsoma.org/community-programs/vesta-alert-reverse-911-notification-system/ to sign up.

Contact Emergency Management

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Katherine A. Warden Emergency Management Director (413) 623-8934 Ext. 113