National Guard on hand throughout MA for storm help

FRAMINGHAM (WHDH) -- The Massachusetts National Guard was mobilizing Friday for the storm.

Major General Scott Rice of the National Guard said the timing of the weekend’s blizzard was fortunate. The National Guard had already been prepared for their normal training drill weekend which happens once a month and brings in between 5 and 6,000 servicemen and women for the weekend. So the National Guard force was well-prepared and well-positioned across the state for any emergencies that could arise.

General Rice remarked that in Massachusetts there is a strong Emergency Management Agency.

“Under the agency and the direction of Dir. Schwartz we are positioned in the bunker, with him in Framingham and we have forces here, and we have forces at our headquarters up in Hanscom Air Force base. With the system as people and local commune these and towns, with their local emergency managers call in for assistance that comes into the emergency management center in Framingham. As a group we decide what is the best force and capability to put out there to provide assistance. One of those is the National Guard and we're ready, able and willing and in fact, honored to be a part of the community and provide the service,” said Rice.

General Rice’s advice for residents was a reiteration of what Gov. Patrick had said in his Boston snow emergency statement.

“Most of our best resilience in our communities is your own resilience and the fact that you think about how you prepare and prepare yourself for what could happen,” said Major General Rice.

Major General Rice said that the National Guard is ready and willing to help the communities in whatever way they need it.

“It’s quite an honor to be living in the community, to be part of the community and serve the community.”