A month after tornados devastated parts of central and western Mass, FEMA is opening two disaster recovery centers in MA. Last evening (Sunday) the Massachusetts HAN (Health Alert Network) sent out its latest in a series of calls to nurses for volunteers for the shelter particularly for the overnight (11pm-7 am shifts) for the coming 2 weeks. The Region 4bMRC says that there are cots for volunteers to sleep on and police officers available.
Note that there is NO liability coverage in Massachusetts for nurses who choose to offer their time and expertise as disaster volunteers.
Rep Sean Garballey has been moving forward on HB 593, which would provide various liability protections for nurses. The bill was developed by the MNA EP Task Force and members gave testimony at a hearing on it and other similar legislation last week at the State House.
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Feds open tornado recovery centers in Mass.
By Associated Press
Monday, June 20, 2011 –
SPRINGFIELD — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is opening seven more disaster recovery centers in the next two days in the areas of Massachusetts affected by tornadoes.
That’s on top of two that opened over the weekend.
The centers are scheduled to open Monday in Agawam, Brimfield, Sturbridge and Wilbraham, and on Tuesday in Monson, Southbridge and Westfield. Recovery centers opened in Springfield and West Springfield on Saturday.
They are open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. seven days a week.
People who lost property in the tornadoes that tore across Hampden and Worcester counties on June 1 can meet with specialists from FEMA, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, as well as other state agencies and charities.
Those seeking assistance are encouraged to register with FEMA before going to a recovery center.
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Online: http://www.disasterassistance.gov
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