Emergency Management

We coordinate emergency management, emergency preparedness, and homeland security planning for the City of Boston.

Page Sections

Our mission is to enhance the City's capacity to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from major emergencies.

Contact

617-635-1400

OEM@Boston.gov

1 City Hall Square
Room 204

Boston, MA 02201

Temporary COVID-19 hours

City Hall is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Get prepared

Cold weather safety

Tips for dealing with a flood

How to make an emergency kit

Getting ready for a hurricane

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime

Our AlertBoston system is for residents, businesses, and visitors to the City of Boston. We'll notify you by phone, text, or email in the event of an emergency. By enrolling in AlertBoston, you're taking an important step to keep you and your family safe.

You can select different languages for alerts in our form. If you would like alerts through TDD/TTY devices, please contact us at 617-635-1400 or oem@boston.gov.

Your email address

Your phone number

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Message & data rates may apply

First name

Last name

Address

City

State

Zip code

Language

Upcoming events

There are no upcoming events available at this time.

Ready Boston

ReadyBoston is a City-wide community emergency preparedness initiative.

Get yourself ready

Emergency Maps

Maps

Neighborhood emergency shelter map

See a map of the emergency shelters in the City of Boston.

Hurricane evacuation zones

View a map of the different levels of hurricane evacuation zones in the Boston area.

About our department

Working in close partnership with Boston's public safety and public health agencies, our department:

plans and prepares for emergencies
educates the public about emergency preparedness
conducts training exercises and drills, and
performs other services to support the City’s preparedness.

We follow an all-hazards approach, preparing for various types of emergencies – whether they are natural or man-made.

We also manage the Boston Emergency Operations Center, which facilitates planning and aid in the aftermath of a disaster. The center is made up of a staff of professionals and liaisons from City public safety agencies. Learn more about our work.