Program Summary 

Disaster Profile 

In winter of 2015, a relentless series of snowstorms, arctic cold, and bone-chilling winds brought about record breaking snow levels throughout New England. Boston and surrounding areas were hit especially hard with nearly 100 inches of snow reported within one month’s time.

Our Work 

211 and other organizations were overwhelmed by hundreds of calls from homeowners, mostly elderly and disabled, requesting help with snow removal. We were asked by the MA VOAD (MA Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) to deploy the Boston area to help and were assigned the southern Boston quadrant which included the South Shore area.

Most requests were to help “dig” residents out of their homes. We also helped remove snow from roofs to prevent the weight of the snow from causing the roofs to collapse. There was also an urgent and impending fear of residents running low of propane fuel. The gas company were unable to deliver gas until a path was established between the road to the propane tank, so we also helped to fulfill those requests to prevent running out of a heating / cooking source. Fulfilling critical prescriptions and health care to elderly also became an increasing concern.

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