The Boston Marathon tragedy has put the city, state, country and world on alert. Anyone affected by the blasts, whether trying to locate loved ones or figuring out how to navigate the city will find the resources below a helpful guide. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has released an official statement; our thoughts go out to all.

For Residents and Businesses of Back Bay

Full public access to Boylston St. and affected areas was restored as of 3AM on Wednesday, April 24.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced plans for re-entry to the Back Bay area. Details can be found here. 

The business and resident resource center at Hynes Convention Center will be open 8AM-5PM 4/24 or call the Mayor's Hotline at 617-635-4500.

For additional resources, information, or to make a donation visit the City of Boston's One Boston website.

Resources for families trying to reach loved ones:

Call the Mayor’s Hotline 617-635-4500

Red Cross Safe and Well – 1-800-REDCROSS or redcross.org/safeandwell

Person Finder – Boston Marathon

For crisis counseling:

Events of mass violence can trigger overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger or fear. The Department of Mental Health has identified a number of resources to help you cope with the trauma, grief and aftermath of this incident.

The Federal Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990,can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.  This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is also available via SMS (text TalkWithUs to 66746) to anyone experiencing psychological distress as a result of this event.  Callers and texters are connected to trained and caring professionals from crisis counseling centers in the network.  The Helpline staff provides confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.

You can also visit the Federal Disaster Distress webpage on distress and coping with incidents of mass violence 

Visit the American Red Cross website

Claiming Property from the Scene:

Items not taken as evidence by the FBI will be turned over to Boston Police. Items can be collected in three ways: 

1. Visit in person at One Schroder Plaza, Media Room – 8am to 8pm beginning Tuesday 4/23 to Friday 4/26.  Bring proper identification. Parking will be available on Tremont St. Please follow direction of officers.
2. Email lostproperty.bpd@cityofboston.gov with name, phone number, email address and description of items lost (as detailed as possible). You will be contacted if the item is in possession of BPD.
3. Call the Mayor’s Hotline at 617-635-4500 with a description of lost items.  You will receive a follow up call from BPD.

Police will also attempt to personally deliver items to owners if the items contain owner information.

How to help: 

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. Visit onefundboston.org to donate.

Traffic and Commuter Information:

Expect delays and increased law enforcement presence throughout the city and the transit system. For additional information visit the Department of Transportation Blog

TRANSPORTATION CLOSURES / RESTRICTIONS

• The MBTA Copley Station is reopened

A crime scene perimeter was established in Back Bay.

If you have any photos or knowledge of the events or persons involved, please contact the Boston Crime Tips Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS or the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (Prompt #3).

For more information, visit the City of Boston website and be sure to follow organizations listed below on Twitter for real-time updates:

Boston Police – @Boston_Police

Massachusetts State Police – @MassStatePolice

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency – @MassEMA

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick – @MassGovernor

City of Boston Emergency Notifications and Alerts – @AlertBoston

City of Boston Office of Constituent Engagement – @NotifyBoston

MBTA – @mbtaGM

And utilize the hashtags #BostonMarathon or #BostonHelp to join the Twitter conversation with any information or offers of assistance.  

AGENCY ACTIONS

American Red Cross:

• The American Red Cross will be conducting canteen operations to support responders in several locations in Boston today. These will include The Public Garden, Arlington Castle, and in the vicinity of the crime scene perimeter.
• ARC is working with DPH and the Dept. of Mental Health to support mental health needs.

Department of Public Health (DPH):

• DPH is working with The Dept. of Mental Health, Boston Public Health Commission, and US Dept. of Health and Human Services to coordinate resources and needs for crisis counselors.

Tags: Boston, Boston Marathon, Marathon, Red Cross