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Emergency Management
Mission Statement
The Taunton Emergency Management Agency is the city agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, volunteer, and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the City of Taunton. The Taunton Emergency Management Agency develops plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; trains emergency personnel and volunteers to protect the public; provides information to city residents; and assists individuals, families, and businesses to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man-made.
- Does Taunton Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) assist with basement flooding?
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The Taunton Emergency Management Agency no longer provides routine assistance to homeowners with flooded basements. The agency will, however, respond to bon afide flooding emergencies in which a homeowner is handicapped, elderly, or who experience flooding when most retailers are closed. In the event the agency is able to provide this service, the homeowner of record will be required to sign a waiver, authorizing the Taunton Municipal Light Plant to disconnect the electrical power of the home before any pumping service may take place. In the event the agency is unable to provide flooding assistance, the homeowner may request (at no charge) one of the agency's small electric submersible pumps. If available, the pump will be on loan to the homeowner for a period of no longer than 24 hours. Unless the homeowner is handicapped, elderly, or experiences flooding when most retailers are closed, the homeowner will be required to pick the pump up at the Emergency Management office at 88 Ingell Street. In addition, the Taunton Emergency Management Agency will post a comprehensive list of local retailers who sell and/or rent pumps and a number of private companies who provide pump-out service for a fee.
The decision to pump out a flooded basement rests with the director or assistant director of the Taunton Emergency Management Agency. This service will be provided by TEMA volunteers, based on their availability.
- How does one become a volunteer?
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The Taunton Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is the only city public-safety agency that welcomes volunteers. To become a TEMA volunteer, one must be at least 18 years old. In addition, one must complete an application and a CORI check. While there are no special skill requirements, all volunteers must be able to work well with others, be TEMA players, and attend certain training programs. The agency is fortunate to have many great volunteers, and it continues to welcome new individuals willing to assist the agency during emergencies.
- Where can I find detailed information on what I need to be prepared?
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You always may call our office directly at 508-821-1026. We will be happy to assist you. You also may click on the different resource links provided on our home page. A good one for individuals, businesses, and kids is the "Get Ready Now" site.