Concord Preps Emergency Shelter for First Time in 13 Years

When Betty Knake heard her town needed volunteers to test its emergency shelter system, she didn't hesitate to show up, even though she wondered if they'd want someone her age.

Concord, Massachusetts held its first emergency shelter drill in 13 years on February 20, transforming the Harvey Wheeler Community Center into a temporary refuge complete with green cots, screening stations, and workers in bright vests. Assistant Fire Chief Walter Latta said the practice was long overdue, especially as climate change brings more unpredictable weather patterns to the region.

Residents like Knake volunteered to play shelter seekers, arriving as if they were fleeing a real emergency. Staff from fire, police, health, and human services departments worked together to check them in, asking about allergies, pets, and special needs.

Each volunteer went through a medical screening where some added realistic challenges to the drill. Finance Committee Clerk Karlen Reed told screeners her arm was broken, testing how staff would handle injuries during a real crisis.

After screening, volunteers received cots and toiletry bags with essentials like toothpaste and shampoo. The whole process mimicked what would happen if a major storm or other disaster forced residents from their homes.

Public Health Director Melanie Dineen, who led the shelter during training, called it a success despite small hiccups. The biggest miss was forgetting to check people out when they left, but that's exactly why the drill mattered.

Fire Captain Peter Ostroskey noted the timing proved perfect. Just days after the drill, a major snowstorm hit the area, and while the shelter wasn't ultimately needed, everyone now knew exactly how to set one up.

The Ripple Effect

The drill sparked something beyond emergency preparedness. Volunteers Donald and Claire Moir left with a clear message about bringing medication to any shelter, while the experience gave them comfort knowing their town has a plan.

Now the Health Department plans to spend the coming months helping residents prepare their own emergency kits at home. Latta suggests making a simple list of essentials you'd need for a night or two away, from CPAP machines to medications to small comforts like his beloved ChapStick.

The coordination required multiple departments working as one team, creating relationships and procedures that will matter most when minutes count. What started as a training exercise became a community builder, connecting neighbors and officials around shared safety.

Concord now stands ready for whatever weather or crisis comes next, with both an activated shelter plan and residents who know they have a safe place to go.