Hazards
It is important for you to know what hzards may impact Boston. The City of Boston has created this information source to educate and prepare you so that you are ready for any hazard, any time.
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Blackouts
Blackouts can happen anywhere, and to anyone, so being prepared is important. The largest Blackout in U.S. history occurred on August 14, 2003, leaving roughly 50 million people within the U.S. and Canada without power.
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Cyber Security
All residents and public and private sector partners should be educated on cyber threats and how to safeguard themselves at home, work and school. Our critical infrastructure depends on information technology systems for essential operations and residents should safeguard their digital information.
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Earthquake
An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of tectonic plates. Massachusetts experiences an average of five earthquakes per year. Since it is impossible to predict when an earthquake will occur, it's best to prepare now.
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Extreme Heat
In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. These conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
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Fire
Fire spreads quickly. In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening, leaving very little time to gather your family and escape.
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Flood
Flooding is a common natural disaster throughout the country and continue to occur in Boston. Therefore, it's important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live.
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Hurricane
Boston is not generally prone to major hurricanes, however the effects of these storms can cause significant damage regardless of severity.
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Influenza Pandemic
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and causes serious illness. Visit the Boston Public Health Commission's website for more information.
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Terrorism
A terrorist's primary objective is to create fear. With accurate information and basic emergency preparedness, you can fight back. Keep in mind that terrorism can take the form of many different hazards.
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Thunderstorm & Lightning
All thunderstorms can be dangerous since each one produces lightning. Annually 300 people are injured and 60 people are killed by lightning in the United States.
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Tornado
Tornadoes, spawnd from powerful thunderstorms, are nature's most violent storms with the ability to cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour.
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Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines, and hypothermia.
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Other Hazards
There are many different hazards that could potentially impact Boston. It is important to know more about them and how you can prepare yourself and your family. Visit Ready.Gov
News & Press Releases »
- A Letter to Residents & Businesses Located in Impacted Boylston St. Area
- City Prepares for Another Weekend Snowstorm
- Mayor Menino Announces Continued Blizzard Preparedness Efforts Underway
Preparedness Tools
- Emergency Shelter Finder (Use Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox)
- Family Preparedness Planner (Flash required)
Multimedia & Downloads »
Social Media »
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The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management is on Facebook.
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Ready Boston is on Twitter.
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