Blizzards, heat waves, coastal storms, and flooding are a fact of life for residents of Boston. We have information to help you before, during, and after a natural disaster. Please note: if you're in the middle of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
guide
Dealing with Natural Disasters
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Need help now?
Contact: 311
If you're experiencing an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
If you are dealing with a non-emergency situation in the City of Boston, please contact BOS:311.
REPORTING POWER OUTAGES OR FLOODING
Please contact your utility company to report any outages or clogged storm drains. You can also call 3-1-1 with any concerns or questions.
Cold and heat
Contact: 311
Stay safe during extreme cold
When you know severely cold weather is coming, remember to take steps to prepare:
- Take caution when using portable heating devices like space heaters.
- Cover exposed skin and watch out for frostbite.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe on your car is clear of snow, as well as your house's heater vent.
- To prepare for power outages, stock up on batteries, flashlights, and canned goods.
Heat emergencies
During periods of extreme heat, we'll declare a heat emergency and open community centers as cooling centers.
- BCYF Community Centers become cooling centers during a heat emergency.
- Never leave children and pets alone in cars. Cars heat up quickly even if the windows are slightly open.
- Drink more water no matter how active you are.
- Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing.
Snowstorms
You can find more tips about dealing with snow in the City through our Winter in Boston guide:
What to do with your car when it snows
Be aware of what to do before, during, and after a snowstorm.
Snow emergency parking
We don't allow parking on certain roads during declared emergencies.
What to do with your trash when it snows
Crews have a tough time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts.
Preparing for a hurricane
Learn about what actions to take when you receive a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning.
Emergency Maps
Emergency shelter map
Type in your address to locate the nearest neighborhood emergency shelter.
Hurricane evacuation map
Find out if your address is in a hurricane evacuation zone.
Restricted streets and snow emergency parking map
You can also find parking lots available during snow emergencies.
Boston Heat Map Explorer
Extreme temperature maps were produced for the 2022 Heat Plan. These maps include: daytime and nighttime temperatures, heat event duration, and urban heat island index.
Massachusetts Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer
Learn about the Massachusetts Coast Flood Risk Model projections for sea level rise and storm surge in Boston and across the Commonwealth.
Federal flood hazard maps
Flood hazard maps, also called Flood Insurance Rate Maps, show levels of flood risk.
