Healey-Driscoll Administration Builds Flood Safety Awareness in Massachusetts

The Healey-Driscoll Administration, in coordination with the National Weather Service Boston/Norton office, encourages all Massachusetts residents to know their flood risk and take steps to protect themselves and their homes.

FRAMINGHAM — The Healey-Driscoll Administration, in coordination with the National Weather Service Boston/Norton office, encourages all Massachusetts residents to know their flood risk and take steps to protect themselves and their homes during Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 9-15. Flooding is the most common natural hazard in Massachusetts and nationally, 90 percent of all presidentially declared natural disasters involve flooding.

“I've visited communities after severe flooding and seen firsthand the

devastating damage it causes to homes, businesses, schools and roads,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re taking steps to better understand and address future flood risk across the state, and we urge all residents to do their part as well to help protect their families and homes from flooding.”  

“Multiple flood events across Massachusetts in recent years have demonstrated how flooding can affect our homes, businesses, farms and infrastructure,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Whether you live on the coast or inland, you should have a plan for what you will do to stay safe if a flood warning is issued for your area and check whether your insurance includes flood coverage.”

Flood Safety Tips:

• Stay informed. Be aware of weather forecast information, whether its heavy rain or a warmup that causes snowmelt. Have more than one way to receive weather warnings and find out whether your property is in a flood-prone or high-risk area.
• Protect your family. Create an emergency plan so you and your loved ones know what to do and where to go in case a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area. Practice the plan and make a list of emergency numbers and important contacts.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood losses are typically not covered under renter and homeowner’s insurance policies. Flood insurance is available in most communities whether or not your building is in a flood-prone area.
• Keep water out of and away from your house. Clean gutters regularly, direct downspouts away from your foundation, repair cracks in your foundation, improve grading so water flows away from your house, and cover window wells.
• Move valuables out of the basement. Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel, as well as any valuable items stored in the basement to minimize damage from basement flooding.

While some areas are more susceptible to flooding, every part of the state has a potential risk. Roughly 25 percent of all national flood insurance claims come from properties outside designated flood plains, according to the NFIP.

“The threat of flooding extends across the state — including areas that may not be designated as flood-prone locations,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “Flooding can occur quickly and catch people off-guard, which is why it’s important to plan ahead and be ready to move to higher ground or evacuate if needed. Prior planning is especially important for people who have disabilities or lack transportation, so check with your loved ones to make sure they have a plan for flooding and other emergencies. While flood insurance isn’t required in all areas, it is available to any homeowner and can provide valuable financial protection in the event of a flood. If full coverage isn’t an option, explore lower-cost policies or other resources that may help safeguard your home and finances.”

"Over the last several years, we have seen firsthand how flooding due to extreme weather and snowmelt events affects residents and businesses across Massachusetts," said Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Brian Arrigo. "Our team at DCR looks forward to working with our partners at MEMA during Flood Safety Awareness Week to help train our local emergency management directors and provide them with the tools to ensure our communities are prepared in the event of a flood in their area.”

During Flood Safety Awareness Week, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will share flood tips and resources on the agency’s social media channels. Follow MEMA on Facebook and X. MEMA and the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Flood Hazard Management Program will also host a series of webinars for local emergency management directors across the state to better understand FEMA flood maps for their areas. More information on what to do before, during and after a flood can be found at Mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips.