Foxborough To Host Community Preparedness Night: What To Know

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Foxborough fire and EMS officials will be hosting a Community Preparedness Night on Sept. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will be held in the McGinty Room at the Foxborough Public Safety Building, 8 Chestnut St.

Fire and EMS officials will be joined by Foxborough Human Services, Veterans' Services, Foxborough Health Department, and the Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communications Center (SEMRECC) to provide information and demonstrations for community members to learn how to prepare for, react during, and know what resources are available after a crisis.

Foxborough Fire Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Public Health Nurse Tom Kenvin organized the event to highlight September as National Preparedness Month and promote community and family emergency preparedness, according to a news release from the town.

The event will aim to mirror FEMA’s outreach principles to Foxborough.

“The goal of this event is to provide training and information to our community so they are better prepared for when a crisis occurs and what services are available to use during and after an emergency,” said Kenvin.

“By gaining knowledge of basic training on CPR, stopping the bleed, and applying a tourniquet, you are empowered to act quickly to help save the life of a friend or loved one until help arrives.”

Human Services Community Social Worker Pam McGuire will attend to provide information on the department's programs such as the Lock Box Safety Program, Personal Emergency Response Systems, and referrals to community resources relating to emergency preparedness.

The Human Services Team can provide referrals to energy assistance programs, housing resources, mental health resources and other programs during times of personal crisis or emergency need.

"Social workers play a crucial role in communities hit by disasters as people manage their day-to-day lives, promoting healthy coping, and recovery after trauma by providing support and interventions to respond to the social impacts of emergencies. We are able to provide support and assistance to Foxborough residents of any age in need of social services," said McGuire.

Director of Public Health Matthew Brennan and the Health Department will be distributing Emergency Preparedness information which includes a free “Know, Plan, Prepare” Document Bag, as well as information on building an emergency kit for your home and creating an emergency communication plan.

Free at-home COVID antigen test kits will also be available to anyone attending the event.

Veterans’ Services Director and VSO Ally Rodriguez will provide information and resources for Veterans and their families on benefits and programs available for those who have served their country.

Representatives from SEMRECC, will be available to discuss with residents when they should dial 911, what a caller should expect if they should have to call 911, the availability to text 911, and the silent call process.

Also offered by SEMRECC is the information on how to register for family health profile information through RapidSOS.