Northern Berkshire Emergency Planning Committee

09/24/2026

Weekend Nor'easter

Before anyone gets too excited, this is expected to be a rain-and-wind event, thankfully not snow.

There is still uncertainty about the storm’s track, which will determine the impact here in Western Massachusetts. Forecasts may change several times before the weekend, and this is New England, so it’s certainly not our first rodeo. At the moment, “annoyingly wet and windy” may be the best description we've seen.

The Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee will continue monitoring the storm and communicating with our local Emergency Management Directors and response agencies. We are hopeful for minimal impacts, but we are staying connected and prepared to support our communities if needed, especially with several community events planned this weekend.

A few friendly reminders:

⚡ Downed power lines: Don’t touch them. Don’t drive over them. Don’t poke them with a stick. And don’t stand nearby while your friend says, “I’m pretty sure that one’s dead.” Assume every wire is energized, stay well away, and call 9-1-1.

🌳 Trees and limbs: Stay away from damaged or leaning trees. Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, decorations, signs, trampolines, and anything else that might decide to visit a neighboring community.

🌊 Flooded roads: Please don’t drive through them. Your vehicle may have all-wheel drive, heated seats, seventeen cameras, and a button with a mountain on it, but it is still not a submarine.

🔌 Generators: Operate generators outside and away from the house, never in a basement, garage, mudroom, or enclosed porch. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly.

🔥 Backup heat: Use fireplaces, woodstoves, and portable heaters only as designed. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away, and never use an oven, grill, or outdoor heater to heat your home. Yes, some people already have their heat on!

🔦 Power outages: Charge your phones and flashlights ahead of time. Battery-powered lighting is much safer than candles. Candles may seem cozy until a child, pet, or unexpected gust knocks one over.

Remember; IT IS NOT SNOW.

There is no need to purchase eleven gallons of milk, fourteen loaves of bread, and enough eggs to open a breakfast restaurant.

Keep an eye on the forecast, check with event organizers for updates, use good judgment, and we’ll see what Mother Nature decides to do.

Special thanks to our friends at the Great Barrington Fire Department for lending some humor and common sense to this public service announcement!

Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee

07/19/2026

Hometown Heroes Night with a Touch-A-Truck community event. The NB-REPC is on-site ready for some community outreach education. CPR, Stop the Bleed and much more. Come see just a small sample of the resources we have available to support our region. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

07/15/2026

Air Quality Update for Western Massachusetts

Smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada is contributing to hazy skies and reduced air quality across portions of Western Massachusetts.

The current regional Air Quality Index is approximately 87 and is forecast to rise to approximately 90 tomorrow. Both levels remain within the Moderate air-quality category.

AQI 51–100: Moderate
Air quality is generally acceptable. However, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Those individuals should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

People who may be more sensitive include:
• Children and older adults
• Individuals with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
• People with heart disease
• Pregnant individuals
• Anyone who is unusually sensitive to smoke or air pollution

Recommended precautions:

Monitor local air-quality conditions before prolonged outdoor activity.
Consider shortening or reducing strenuous outdoor exercise if you experience coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or unusual fatigue.
Keep windows and doors closed if smoke becomes noticeable indoors.
Use air conditioning on the recirculate setting when available.
Keep prescribed medications and rescue inhalers readily available.
Follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.

These conditions are not expected to affect everyone and this information is not intended to cause alarm. It is being shared so residents, particularly those in sensitive populations, can remain informed and take reasonable precautions.

Air quality may vary by community and can change based on wind direction and weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s MassAir system for updated conditions and forecasts.

https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/dep/massair/web/ #/pollution/map/max

The Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee and local Emergency Management Directors will continue monitoring conditions and will share additional information if public health recommendations change.

07/02/2026

Community information regarding Cooling Centers. Please if anyone in the area knows of other locations, please just add it into the comments below. If you feel ill from the heat, please get to a cool place and call 9-1-1!

07/01/2026

🌞 EXTREME HEAT SAFETY MESSAGE FROM THE NORTHERN BERKSHIRE REGIONAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE 🌞

The Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee encourages everyone throughout our region to take extra precautions as dangerously hot temperatures and high humidity move into our area.

Extreme heat can affect anyone, but older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and pets are especially vulnerable.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. If possible, exercise or work outdoors during the early morning or evening hours.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space if you work outside.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, not even for a few minutes.
• Check on family members, neighbors, friends, and anyone who may need assistance during prolonged periods of heat.

Know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, or loss of consciousness are all signs that immediate action may be needed. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Water Safety Best Practices:
• Wear Neon Green, Pink or Orange bathing suits for best visibility
• Never swim alone
• Wear life jackets
• Make sure there is a Water Watcher
Many communities may open cooling centers during periods of excessive heat. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local social media resources for information on cooling center locations, operating hours, and other heat-related resources available in their community.

A little preparation goes a long way. By looking out for one another, staying hydrated, and making smart choices during extreme heat, we can help keep our families and communities safe all summer long.

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Check on others. Together, we build a more prepared and resilient Northern Berkshire Community.

06/26/2026

Welcome to North Adams and Solid Sound Weekend!

A warm Northern Berkshire welcome to Jeff Tweedy, all of the incredible performers, and the thousands of music lovers joining us this weekend. We hope you enjoy everything that makes our community special, from the amazing music and art to our local businesses, restaurants, and the incredible people who call North Adams home.

With the city buzzing with energy, let's all do our part to make this a safe and memorable weekend. Please be patient with increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, slow down as you travel through downtown, and remember that many of our guests are taking in the sights for the very first time. They may stop suddenly for a photo, cross the street unexpectedly, or simply be soaking in the experience.

Offer a smile, wave, say hello, and don't be afraid to make a new friend. A little kindness goes a long way and helps show why North Adams is such a special place. Many of these visitors come back throughout the year.

To our visitors, thank you for spending your weekend with us. To our residents, thank you for being the welcoming community that makes people want to come back year after year.

Have a fantastic weekend, enjoy the music, support our local businesses, and let's make this one of the safest and most memorable Solid Sound Festivals yet!

Welcome to North Adams... enjoy the shows!

06/23/2026

Please be aware!

NOTICE: Road closure

Route 8 is closed at the Adams Cheshire line, due to power lines being taken down. Crews are on scene addressing the issue. Officers are on scene aiding with traffic detours.

05/03/2026

A message from our friends the the Cheshire Fire Department:

Morning everyone. Reminder we are participating in a fire academy class at the Community House so please expect different traffic patterns than you may be used too. We left plenty of parking in one of the community house parking lots and the Catholic Church parking lot is not being used by us at all. We apologize for any inconvenience we may cause. This training is very important for our members and members of the County to have. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your support.