Massachusetts Issues Declaration of Emergency Effective Immediately due to Winter Storm

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is experiencing a winter storm with up to two feet of snow falling across large areas of the Commonwealth within a thirty-six hour period; 

 

WHEREAS, the cumulative effects of this storm, following so close in time to two prior significant snowfalls, have taxed the resources of the state and local communities causing the widespread closing of government offices, schools and businesses and disrupting transit services; 

 

WHEREAS, declaring a state of emergency for the Commonwealth will facilitate the Commonwealth's protection of persons and property from the impacts of the storm and expedite the use of Commonwealth resources, as well as the deployment of federal and interstate resources, to provide necessary assistance in the Commonwealth's emergency response and recovery efforts; 

 

WHEREAS, the declaration of emergency will specifically permit the Commonwealth to request and receive mutual aid assistance from other states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact; 

 

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that a number of communities will declare local states of emergency and will request resources and support from the Commonwealth's departments and agencies to assist them in dealing with this storm; 

 

WHEREAS, the declaration of emergency will also facilitate the immediate procurement and deployment of goods and services necessary to ensure a prompt and effective response to, and recovery from, this storm; and 

 

WHEREAS, the declaration of emergency will allow the Governor to issue such emergency orders as are necessary to protect the Commonwealth's residents and ensure the health, safety and security of their property; 

 

NOW THEREFORE, I, Charles D. Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, pursuant to the power provided by Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950 do hereby issue this proclamation that there now exists in the Commonwealth a STATE OF EMERGENCY. 

 

Pursuant to the powers granted to the Governor in Sections Five, Six, Seven, Eight and Eight-A of Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950, as amended, and other provisions of the law, I shall from time to time issue recommendations, directions and orders as circumstances require. 

 

This proclamation of a STATE OF EMERGENCY is effective immediately for the Commonwealth and shall remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to my judgment that the STATE OF EMERGENCY no longer exists.

 

Given in Boston at 5:20pm this 9th day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen and of the Independence of the United States of America two hundred thirty-nine.

 

Signed,

 

 

 

Charles D. Baker

Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts