Inspired by the November 2003 Alliance for Response Forum in Boston, Coordinated Statewide Emergency Preparedness in Massachusetts (COSTEP MA) is a collaborative of representatives of cultural and historical institutions and agencies as well as first responder and emergency management professionals from federal, state, and municipal governments.

The purpose of COSTEP MA is to build and foster a statewide emergency planning process that serves the cultural and emergency management communities and addresses disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The process will ensure an ongoing dialogue that promotes mutual understanding and coordination between these communities, both of which are committed to protecting the Commonwealth’s cultural heritage.