Northern Berkshire Emergency Planning Committee

11/18/2025

Thank you Adams Forest Wardens for assisting with organizing the Northern Berkshire CERT trailer. Can’t wait to share our regional response and event resources, community outreach programs, and announce new preparedness planning initiatives.

11/08/2025

Motivated to participate in a topic that is certainly a gap in many communities. Hoping to bring some great ideas to the region and build a great communications group with our public and private partners.

11/05/2025

Ready to respond? Be ready to recover. Register today!
https://911rc.enrollware.com/enroll?id=12477757

10/10/2025

Please be advised that Berkshire County SRT is training in New Ashford today. There are numerous communications related to ICE or other law enforcement operations. This is not correct and there is no reason for concern. Please share with other resources.

10/09/2025

Flu and Covid vaccine clinic today at MCLA in North Adams.
37 Blackinton Street from 3pm-7pm.

01/19/2025

Winter Weather Alert: Snowstorm and Arctic Cold Front Approaching

A significant winter storm is forecasted to impact our region, with snow accumulations potentially exceeding 8 inches. This will be followed by a powerful Arctic cold front, which will bring temperatures well below zero for the next few days. Please prepare now to stay safe during this weather event.

Key Weather Details:
Heavy snow expected, with accumulations of 8+ inches.
Followed by an Arctic cold front with dangerously low temperatures below zero.
Wind chill factors will make conditions even more hazardous, especially for outdoor activities.
Safety Tips and Best Practices:

For People:
Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure: Wind chills below zero can cause frostbite in minutes. If you must go outside, dress in layers, wear insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf, and cover exposed skin.

Frostbite prevention: Watch for signs of frostbite, including numbness, tingling, or pale skin. If you suspect frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.

Check on vulnerable individuals: Ensure that elderly relatives and neighbors, as well as young children, are safe, warm, and have adequate heat and food supplies.

Limit travel: Only travel if absolutely necessary. Roads may become hazardous due to snow and ice.

For Pets:
Limit outdoor exposure: Bring pets inside whenever possible, and ensure they have a warm, dry place to sleep.

Frostbite risk for pets: Pets can suffer frostbite just like humans, particularly on ears, paws, and tails. Limit time outside to essential bathroom breaks.

Protect paws: If pets must go outside, wipe their paws after each trip to remove snow and ice, which can cause discomfort or injury.

Heating Safety:
Use safe heating sources: If you need to use a portable heater, make sure it is UL-approved and keep it at least 3 feet away from any flammable materials, including curtains, blankets, and paper.

Never use a stove or oven to heat your home: This can lead to a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure that all carbon monoxide detectors in your home are functioning properly.

Device Safety:
Keep wireless devices charged: Power outages may occur during this storm. Make sure all mobile phones, laptops, and other essential devices are fully charged ahead of time.

Have backup power: If you have access to portable chargers or a backup power source, ensure they are fully charged in case of an outage.

Stay safe and warm,

NB-REPC

Send a message to learn more

01/18/2025

Train Incident:
Final Notice-the final update from our previous message regarding the reported train derailment in North Adams.
The responding agencies in collaboration with the employees from the railroad has inspected the train. There is no threat to the public. There is no derailment. There is a separation at one of the couplings, which caused the train to separate. Train crews are currently working to make repairs, which should be complete within the hour. Ashton Avenue will remain closed during this time.
There were no injuries during this incident, and all emergency response agencies have cleared the scene.

Thanks,

NB-REPC

01/18/2025

Train Incident:
Please be advised that at this time Ashton Avenue is closed on both sides. Although people may have heard that there was a train derailment it has been confirmed that there is no derailment. There’s a problem with one of the connectors on the train North Adams police fire and EMS along with Williamstown police And Crews from the train are currently working to resolve the issue. Updates will be provided as necessary. please know this is not a train derailment.

Thanks,

NBREPC

12/11/2024

Public Service Announcement: Storm Alert – Heavy Rains and Strong Winds Expected

The region is bracing for severe weather, including heavy rains and strong winds with gusts reaching 40 to 55 mph. These conditions are expected to lead to potentially lengthy power outages across the area.

National Grid has mobilized extensive resources, including their own teams, contracted services, and tree contractors, to address the impact of the storm. Community liaisons are actively engaging with local partners to ensure preparedness.

Please understand that power restoration during the storm may take time. It is unsafe for technicians to work in elevated positions during extreme weather, and restoration efforts must prioritize critical locations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis centers. We assure you that all efforts are being made to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

To help manage during power outages, we recommend the following:

Charge your wireless devices in advance.
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed as long as possible to preserve food.
If you experience an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Follow safety guidelines for using generators to avoid hazards.

We understand the difficulties that power outages can cause, especially when access to information is limited. The safety of our residents is a top priority, and we are committed to keeping you informed as conditions evolve. For more storm preparedness tips, visit www.ready.gov.

Stay safe, and we will continue to provide updates as the storm progresses.

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12/11/2024

The NB-REPC, MEMA, and numerous other agencies will be conducting an exercise today at the North Adams Police Department. It can be expected that numerous law enforcement, and other emergency service vehicles will be parked at the St. Anthony's parking lot today from 7:30am-1:30pm.
We appreciate the opportunity to work and train with our local, regional, and statewide emergency response partners to better prepare our community in the event of an incident.
We will provide updated information about the exercise later today.

Send a message to learn more