Disability Commission - 09/29/2026

The Town of Bridgewater Disability Commission met on September 29, 2026, to discuss winter and summer storm preparedness with the fire and police chiefs and senior services staff. Officials described coordination with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, highway department, National Grid, schools, and Elder Affairs before, during, and after storms; staffing and equipment adjustments; welfare checks; and planned warming, cooling, and shelter locations. The William School and high school are shelter sites, while the senior center serves as a warming and cooling center; the town is also exploring Bridgewater State University as a shelter site, with buses potentially available for transportation. Discussion focused on communicating emergency information, maintaining accessible routes, checking on residents who may need assistance, and clarifying shelter access for pets and backup power in apartment buildings. The police chief said the sheriff’s department operates the reverse 911 system and that residents can add phone numbers to receive alerts.

The commission also approved its August meeting minutes and discussed future agenda items, including the town’s self-evaluation and transition plan and accessible voting information. Other topics included property-fraud alerts and scam awareness. No contracts, purchases, budget allocations, or other procurement activity were identified.