Massachusetts · Preparedness Guide
Nor'easters that bury Boston in days, coastal flooding from every hurricane that passes offshore, and a power grid that fails every major ice storm — Massachusetts demands year-round readiness.
About this guide
Massachusetts packs a surprising amount of hazard into a small, densely populated state. The coastline from Gloucester to Falmouth faces Atlantic storm surge and coastal erosion. Boston sits in a tidal basin — sea level rise is making historic harbor flooding more frequent. Western Massachusetts gets the worst of inland nor'easters — the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires are regularly buried under 2-3 feet of snow. The Connecticut River floods Springfield and Northampton. The 2011 June 1 tornado outbreak killed 3 people in Springfield. The winter of 2014-2015 dropped 110.6 inches of snow on Boston in 90 days, paralyzed the MBTA, and demonstrated how fragile an old, dense city is under sustained extreme weather.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Nor'easters & Blizzards, Coastal Flooding & Storm Surge, Flooding
MA has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5a (Berkshire highlands) to 7a (Cape Cod / Islands / South Shore coast)
Unemployment: up to $1,105/week for 30 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the MA risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours