Seven Hurricane Preparedness Tips:
- Know your zone. Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone that may flood during a hurricane and evacuate if you are told to do so — Mass.Gov/KnowYourZone.
- Prepare for power loss. Have a plan and supplies for extended power outages.
- Make a family emergency plan. Make a plan to evacuate, including where you will go and what you should bring.
- Prepare your home. Take steps to prevent damage from wind and flooding.
- Prepare for medical needs. If you or a family member has special medical needs, equipment, or treatment, include these in your plan and talk to your care provider for additional advice or assistance.
- Build a kit. Include supplies that your family would need for 3-5 days: bottled water & food that doesn't need to be refrigerated; flashlights, a radio, & extra batteries; phone chargers; special medical equipment if needed; personal care items; copies of important documents.
- Prepare for pets and service animals. Include food, supplies, medications, carriers, and other items your pet or service animal needs if you have to evacuate.
Download the MEMA Hurricane Preparedness tip sheet here.
Before, During, and After the Storm
- Stay informed. Monitor storm updates through local media and messages from emergency officials. Sign up for your local reverse 9-1-1 system if your community has one. Also, check to make sure your smartphone can receive emergency and public safety alerts. Ready.gov/alerts
- Be a good neighbor. Check on people in your neighborhood who may need additional help before, during, and after a storm.
- Listen to emergency officials. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you have evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe to do so. Check with local officials or call 2-1-1 to find shelter locations and other disaster information.
- Keep track of property damage. If your home or property is damaged during the storm, take photos or videos to document the damage, which can help with insurance claims and recovery.
- Contact us if you have a claim to file. If your home is damaged by a storm, please contact us to report your loss. For emergencies that occur after hours or on weekends, call your insurance claims company directly for assistance. Find our list of our insurance carriers and contact information here.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings — Know the Difference
Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning to know what to do to stay safe.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Watch:
- Hurricane Watch — Hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
- Tropical Storm Watch — Tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Warning:
- Hurricane Warning — Sustained winds ≥ 74 mph associated with a hurricane are expected to affect a specified area within 24 hours.
- Tropical Storm Warning — Sustained winds of 39–73 mph associated with a tropical storm are expected to affect a specified area within 24 hours.
Important Links
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) - Download the MEMA flyer here.
National Weather Service Boston/Norton Office
Sources: Mass.gov
