FRAMINGHAM, MA -- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared July 9-15, 2023, to be “Hurricane Preparedness Week,” recognizing the importance of preparing for the impact of extreme weather.

While the Atlantic hurricane season runs [officially] from June 1st through November 30th -- the most active time for these storms in Massachusetts is August and September.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which is headquartered in Framingham, "Hurricanes have the power to cause widespread devastation, and can affect both coastal and inland areas. Threats from hurricanes include: storm surge, high winds, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, subsequent tornadoes, ocean rip currents".

Of course, many people worry about losing electric, phone, cable and internet service, water in their basement, or ruined summer plans -- but severe storms can cause property damage, destroy roads and bridges and damage other infrastructure, as well as cause injuries and even deaths.

“As climate change fuels extreme weather across the country, every Massachusetts community must plan and prepare for the potential impact of tropical storms and hurricanes,” said Governor Healey. “During Hurricane Preparedness Week, I encourage residents of coastal and inland areas alike to visit MEMA’s website for preparedness information, make a plan, and stay informed about how to take care of yourself and your loved ones before, during and after a storm.”

How Residents Can Prepare:

MEMA offer resources for residents and municipalities to learn what they can do before, during, and after a powerful storm to stay safe and protect property from hurricane-related hazards.

The following links to pages on the MEMA and MASS.GOV websites can help you and your family prepare for Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and other weather emergency situations:

• MEMA - Hurricane Season Preparedness webpage includes interactive evacuation zone maps, multi-lingual social media toolkits and flyers, preparedness tips, videos, and more.
• Make an Emergency Plan: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan
• Build an Emergency Kit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit
• Stay Informed: www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts

Get Official Info During a Storm:

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (www.hurricanes.gov) provides real-time maps and info about hurricanes, tropical storms, cyclones, and other atmospheric "disturbances" with weather reports, forecasts, news, data and other related info, (from the U.S. National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service).

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