Hazards

Though many of the threats reviewed in this section have not occurred in Boston or even in Massachusetts, it is important for you to know what to do in the unlikely event that one does occur. Other hazards, such as snow storms, are commonplace in Boston but unfortunately not everyone is sufficiently prepared or has ample knowledge to know what to do when a major storm is approaching. The City of Boston wants you to be ready for the expected and unexpected and has created this information source to educate you and prepare you. Regardless, to be ready, a vital part of your preparedness is to know what hazards face Boston. A Household Emergency Plan, Household Emergency Kit, and a Go-Bag serve the same function whether the emergency is a man-made or natural disaster.

  • Blackout (75)

    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 (75)

    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 and computer networks for essential operations.

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  • Earthquake

    Earthquake

    An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of tectonic plates. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually 45 states and territories throughout the United States that are at moderate to high risk for earthquakes. Although many probably go unnoticed, Massachusetts experiences an average of five earthquakes per year. Since it is impossible to predict when a serious earthquake will occur, it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time.

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  • Extreme Heat

    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 for those who don't take the proper precautions. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.

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  • Fire

    Fire

    To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. This is why it is so important to learn about fires and how to protect yourself and your family.

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  • Flood

    Flood

    Flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster. Floods have, and continue to occur in Boston, and the circumstances that trigger flooding can vary significantly. Some floods can develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. It's important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live.

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  • Hurricane

    Hurricane

    While Boston is not generally prone to major hurricanes, Category 1 and 2 hurricanes have struck here in the past. By the time many hurricanes reach the Boston area they are down graded to tropical storms. Nevertheless, these storms can cause significant damage, mostly from flooding.

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  • Influenza Pandemic

    Influenza Pandemic

    A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population and the virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. The federal government, states, communities, and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic. For more information on influenza pandemic visit the Boston Public Health Commission's website.
  • Terrorism

    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

    Thunderstorm & Lightning

    All thunderstorms can be dangerous since each one produces lightning. On average, 300 people are injured and 60 people are killed each year by lightning in the United States. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

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  • Tornado

    Tornado

    Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can 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. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Although no tornadoes have been recorded in the City of Boston, minor ones have occurred elsewhere in Massachusetts and every state is at some risk from this hazard.

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  • Winter Storms & Extreme Cold

    Winter Storms & Extreme Cold

    Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. The Boston area has a history of severe and damaging winter storms. In Massachusetts, northeast coastal storms known as nor'easters occur one to two times per year. 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

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