Deerfield’s Operation Neighborhood (DON)

If a disaster were to occur in the Town of Deerfield residents may experience a loss of power, disruption of normal services, damage to their home, or contamination of drinking water. In the event of an Avian Flu Pandemic, closing of schools, canceling of public meetings, church services, closing of stores and businesses, and sheltering in place could be a reality.
To face these challenges and best prepare its residents the Town of Deerfield has developed Deerfield’s“Operation Neighborhood” (DON). This program has several goals. First, to determine the status of the safety and health of your neighbors in a disaster, and to gauge the amount of assistance that might be needed. This determination will lessen the burden of the already taxed Emergency Medical System (EMS) and other Town services. Secondly, aid in communication of reliable information. Communication in time of disaster is a major concern. Information given to the residents in the Town of Deerfield will decrease fear and anxiety and will reduce the impact of the disaster. With the help of our neighborhood coordination system information will be dispersed in a timely manner without flooding the Police and Town Offices with individual phone calls. Our third objective is to encourage all families to make a Personal Preparedness Plan and Kit. These steps are critical for the well being of your family and pets and are the best defense against any disaster. Lastly, education of the various types of disasters that could occur in our Town will give us a better understanding of what to expect. This knowledge will lead to a reduction of uneasiness and an increased understanding of how to prepare. Then ultimately, a successful recovery will occur.
To accomplish these goals, the streets of Deerfield have been placed in groups. Each group of streets has been assigned one or several “Neighborhood Coordinators” who will carry out the objectives of “Operation Neighborhood.”
The Town of Deerfield is taking a Proactive rather than a Reactive philosophy concerning disasters. Making a Family Preparedness Plan and Kit is that Proactive action that will best protect our families in time of disaster.
"DON" Preparedness Brochure

Deerfield’s Operation Neighborhood Steering Committee:

Carolyn Shores Ness
Liz Kugler
Beverly Healy
Deb Gordon
Zack Smith
Lisa White
Town of Deerfield, 8 Conway Street, Deerfield, MA 01373 PH: (413) 665-4645
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