Northeast Homeland Regional Security Advisory Council (NERAC)

The Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC) serves as the policy making body for the Northeast Homeland Security planning region. The northeast planning region is defined by the Massachusetts State Homeland Security Strategy, which was developed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) in 2004.

NERAC is a sixteen-member committee; members represent all relevant public safety disciplines including law enforcement, fire service, emergency management, local public health, hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), public works, transportation, corrections, and local government administration.

The role and responsibilities of NERAC are to develop a regional Homeland Security Plan and oversee all grant program expenditures. Learn more about NERAC by visiting http://www.nerac.us.

MAPC's Role with NERAC

EOPSS reached out to regional planning agencies to help facilitate and draft the regional plans and to act as fiduciaries in their implementation and provide additional planning and facilitation services to the Councils as needed. MAPC serves in this role for NERAC.

What's New: “It’s Up to You to Stop the Flu” Toolkit

Stop the Flu Press Release - September 2009

(NERAC) is pleased to provide the “It’s Up to You to Stop the Flu” Toolkit. Funded by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant, this public information campaign provides ways to stay healthier and advises people to:

• Get the flu shot;
• Wash your hands or sanitize often;
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve;
• Stay home when sick – don’t bring the flu bug to work or school.

The materials enclosed in this kit will help to provide you with essential preventative steps, engage people of all ages, educate, inform, and can be used in a variety of settings. These materials also illustrate how the flu is spread, reinforces simple behaviors that prevent flu, and encourages individuals to take responsibility for everyone’s health because “It’s Up to You to Stop the Flu!”

View the Toolkit

Public Service Announcement: An effective 30-second video that uses retro footage and music to demonstrate how the flu is spread, how to prevent it and behavior modification. View it below or download it at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKdKCWjMVxk 

•  Use it for: distribution to local television and cable outlets; stand-up presentations; post it on your website; run during announcement time or at assemblies in schools.

Flu Prevention PowerPoint Presentation: Covers the risks of flu to various populations and the differences between pandemic and seasonal flu; gives detail on prevention behaviors and presents guidelines on what to do if you think you have the flu.

• Use it for: all audiences including schools, senior centers, nursing home training sessions, Red Cross training, rotary clubs and any public education venue.

Flu Prevention Poster: The poster displays information about how to prevent the flu from spreading.

• Use it for: Publicizing your presentation. Provide awareness. Hang it in waiting areas, staff rooms, schools, and offices.

Requesting Hardcopies of the Toolkit

To obtain hardcopy materials of the toolkit, please contact Brenda Jones at MAPC: bjones@mapc.org. Supplies are limited.