The purpose of the Western Massachusetts Evacuation Plan is to provide emergency responders on the local, state, and federal levels with the resources necessary for conducting a regional evacuation in as efficient and effective a manner as possible. The plan provides maps and lists of evacuation routes, population centers, infrastructure, and other critical assets. Contact information for municipal and state officials, as well as major employers, schools, and hospitals is also provided.

The plan was completed in conjunction with other emergency plans that have been developed or are currently being developed for western Massachusetts, including a regional sheltering plan and regional communications plan. Data and recommendations from these plans has been integrated into this plan and referenced as needed.