Are you #ReadyMA? As we continue Emergency Preparedness Month, Kathleen Shepherd and Lauren Mahoney of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) invite you to learn what hazards impact Massachusetts and how you can prepare yourself and your family before a disaster strikes. Learn key tips on how to prepare, including how to build an emergency kit, creating an emergency family plan, and staying informed. This presentation will also provide an overview of how MEMA works.

About the presenters:

As the Community Engagement Specialist at MEMA, Kathleen Shepherd works closely with emergency management partners across the state to provide disaster preparedness materials. She plans events for the agency, including the Hurricane Preparedness Symposium and Bunker Birthday in 2023. Her role also includes presenting to local community members about emergency preparedness. Kathleen holds an MSc in Global Health and Disaster Risk Management from the University of Copenhagen.

Lauren Mahoney has been working at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for 10 years. Currently, she liaises with the 58 communities in Middlesex and Suffolk counties.  As a Local Coordinator, Lauren works with the municipality’s Emergency Management Director (EMD) and assists with planning for, responding to and recovering from disasters.  She also provides technical assistance when applying for emergency preparedness grants and provides training opportunities for local officials and citizens.