Public Health Emergencies

Public Health Emergencies are pandemic or epidemic diseases either through infections or from the spread of a biological toxin. These diseases can cause significant human fatalities or lasting health impacts or disabilities. On Martha’s Vineyard, the joint Boards of Health monitor disease rates, transmission, and prepare for the possibility of a public health emergency.

For more information regarding the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, click here.

In addition to viral disease emergencies, our weather and climate can cause a state of emergency. Also given the Vineyard’s location, geography, and limited infrastructure, we are more at risk for extreme climate or weather events. While the Boards of Health do not actively oversee emergency response, they do collaborate with the Dukes County Emergency Management Association on the health-related aspects of emergency response planning. Below are some helpful tips in what to do in an emergency with links to more information.

Floods

Additional information on flood preparedness can be found on the MA Department of Public Safety Website. To learn more about flood patterns on MV, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

Hurricanes

The Dukes County Emergency Management Association has a Hurricane Resource list, which can be accessed here. To learn more about increasing severe storm conditions on MV, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

Extreme Heat Advisories

Additional information on extreme heat precautions can be found on the MA Department of Health Website. For information on what to do in a heat emergency, visit the Dukes County Emergency Management Association.

Extended Power Outages

The State of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has a Power Outage Resource page, which can be accessed here. To learn more about energy use on the Island and energy research, visit the MV Commission.

Extreme Winter Weather / Cold Temperatures

The Dukes County Emergency Management Association has a Winter Storm Resource list, which can be accessed here.