BOSTON — In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, Boston has been chosen to receive a $1.4 million Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant from FEMA, Mayor Marty Walsh announced on Tuesday.
Boston was one of eight cities in the country picked for this grant and, along with San Francisco, received the largest amount awarded of the $10 million program.
"I am pleased that the City of Boston has been selected to receive this grant that will allow us to proactively prepare and build up our emergency response to protect our city and our residents," Walsh said.
"National Preparedness Month provides the ideal opportunity for residents to evaluate individual and family plans in the event of an emergency. Resident safety in the City of Boston is non-negotiable and we encourage all residents to take simple, preventative steps to ensure their safety and preparedness."
With the grant Boston hopes to build state and local capacity to manage catastrophic incidents, especially around disaster housing by improving and expanding regional collaboration for preparedness.
Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security, National Preparedness Month encourages people to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools and communities.
The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management suggests making a plan ahead of an expected disaster, including choosing a meeting spot for you and your family, knowing where the closest emergency shelter is, and making an emergency supply kit with water, food and flashlights, among other items.