About NESEC

The Northeast States Emergency Consortium (NESEC) is a 501(c) (3) not for profit all-hazards emergency management organization, located in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Established in 1991, NESEC is the only all-hazard state consortium in the nation and is supported and funded by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont form the consortium. NESEC has a full-time Executive Director and assistant, and is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of the Directors of the State Emergency Management Agencies from the six New England States and the States of New York and New Jersey.

NESEC develops, promotes and coordinates "all-hazards" emergency management activities throughout the Northeast. This includes hazard risk evaluation and assessment, public awareness and education, hazard mitigation and information technology transfer. NESEC's work is a vital component to planning and response for the safety and welfare of the over 40 million people living in the Northeast. NESEC works in partnership with public and private organizations to reduce losses of life and property when the next disaster strikes the Northeast.

Disasters in the Northeast

The Northeast is susceptible to many hazards, including Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Floods, Fires, Hazardous Materials Incidents, Terrorism, Tornadoes, Winter Storms, Ice Jams and other natural and man-made disasters. Large, densely populated urban areas and extensive waterfront development has only increased our vulnerability to natural disasters.

There have been numerous major disasters throughout the northeast region, some of which are highlighted in the historical timeline below: