[9/2/2021] Barnstable County’s Multi-Agency Coordination Center Response to NSW Tornado Warnings
How Barnstable County Responds to Severe Weather Events and All Hazards
Many residents might not know that when our region is experiencing severe weather, such as the tornado warnings on September 1st and 2nd, Barnstable County activates the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC), a National Incident Management System (NIMS) standard entity, poised for a regional response, and to assist the 15 towns making up Barnstable County.
What is the Purpose of the MACC?
The MACC is designed to provide local Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) with resources and information during major countywide or regional incidents. The MACC captures, consolidates, and coordinates local requirements and communicates and coordinates with regional, state, federal, utility, and non-governmental resources to deliver requested resources back to the local EOCs. It uses ICS standard operating procedures within the framework of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Overview of MACC Response to Weather Events on September 1 and September 2
The Barnstable County Multi Agency Coordination Center was activated by MACC Manager Mike Walker and staff at 11:30 PM on Wednesday night, September 1, just prior to the National Weather Service tornado warnings. The MACC operated in its hybrid mode, monitoring storm related issues across the Cape and Islands, and supporting community requests. This included site visits in conjunction with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service in their evaluations of possible tornadic activities.
The MACC closed closed operations for this weather event at 1:30 PM today.
