Dukes County Emergency Management Association

05/29/2026

Make a plan ahead of time if you live in an area prone to wildfires. If you see one, report it right away. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Stay informed & learn what to do before, during, & after a wildfire: ready.gov/wildfires

05/22/2026

🔥🌲 Join Us for May’s “Ready Together: Community Preparedness” Presentation! 🌲🔥

May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, and here in West Tisbury, wildfire preparedness matters. With our rural landscape and the nearby Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, understanding wildfire risk and how to protect your home, family, and community is more important than ever.

Join West Tisbury Emergency Management for “Wildfire Ready: Protecting Your Home, Family & Community” — an informative and practical presentation focused on wildfire awareness, prevention, and preparedness.

📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕞 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 West Tisbury Free Public Library

Topics will include:
✅ Reducing wildfire risk around your home
✅ Defensible space & vegetation management
✅ Outdoor burning & fire safety tips
✅ Emergency alerts & evacuation planning
✅ Go-bags & emergency preparedness
✅ What to do during a wildfire emergency

This session includes practical preparedness tips, local relevance, take-home resources, and interactive discussion to help residents stay safe and ready before wildfire season.

Free & open to the public! Let’s continue getting for a safer, more resilient West Tisbury. 🌿🚒

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

🌪️ National Hurricane Preparedness Week is Here! 🌪️

We encourage all residents and visitors of Martha’s Vineyard to take time this week to prepare for hurricane season.

🌀 Hurricane season begins June 1st — and preparation now can make all the difference later.

Take action today:

✅ Build or refresh your emergency kit
Include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.

✅ Make a plan
Know your evacuation routes, shelter options, and how you’ll communicate with family.

✅ Stay informed
Sign up for local alerts through CivicReady and monitor trusted sources like US National Weather Service Boston MA and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

✅ Prepare your home
Secure outdoor items, clear gutters, and understand your flood risk—especially in coastal areas.

✅ Don’t forget pets and neighbors
Plan for animals and check in on those who may need extra assistance.

🌊 Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and power outages to our island community. Being prepared helps keep you, your family, and our community safe.

📲 Learn more from FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency Ready at www.Ready.gov

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

Applications are due no later than May 15th, 2026 at noon!

05/05/2026

Aquinnah Police Department Hiring Police Sergeant: The Aquinnah Police Department is currently accepting applications for a Police Sergeant.

For more information, including requirements, a job description, the application and more, click the link.

https://aquinnahpolice.us/2026/05/04/aquinnah-police-department-hiring-police-sergeant/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

05/05/2026

Text alerts are live.

Stay updated on service changes, delays, and important announcements right on your phone.

Text 'VTA' to (855) 768-4533 to sign up.

05/02/2026

04/23/2026

🌎 Earth Week Event – Climate Resilience Symposium (Today!)

Join us this afternoon in Aquinnah for a powerful Earth Week conversation focused on strengthening our Island’s resilience in the face of climate change and extreme weather.

📍 Aquinnah Town Hall
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📌Part 1: Climate Resilience & Emergency Planning Panel (3–4 PM)
Hear from local leaders on how we can better prepare for future weather events following the Blizzard of 2026.

Moderated by:
• Sakiko Isomichi, Martha's Vineyard Commission Climate Resilience Planner

Panelists include:
• Jennelle Gadowski, West Tisbury Emergency Management Director
• Forrest Filler, Aquinnah Emergency Management Director
• Bill Lake, Aquinnah Energy & Climate Committee Chair
• Kathie Olsen, Aquinnah CERT
• Jennie Gadowski, Up-Island Council on Aging (Howe’s House)

📌Part 2: Planting for Climate Resilience (4–5 PM)
Explore how everyday landscapes and native plantings can help build a more climate-resilient community.

Come be part of the conversation and learn how we can build a stronger, more resilient Martha’s Vineyard—together.