Hurricane Preparedness

Although the Atlantic hurricane season is officially June 1 through November 30, the most active time for these storms in Massachusetts is late August through September.

The following information has been provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). For additional resources, visit MEMA's website or follow MEMA on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube. View a full list of tips for what to do before, during, and after a significant storm.

How You Can Prepare

Know your evacuation zone
Learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Make an emergency plan
Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do in a tropical cyclone including making an evacuation plan, planning for individuals with access and functional needs, and any extra considerations during COVID-19 pandemic including how you might evacuate and to where you might evacuate. If you are in a high risk population, the safest option may be to evacuate to a location without the general public, such as a hotel, relative's home, or other destination.  

Build an emergency kit
Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store and customize for your family’s needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, include face coverings, masks, hand sanitizer, and other cleaning supplies that you may need.

Prepare for possible power outages
In the event your residence loses power, ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. If you have life-support devices or other medical equipment or supplies which depend on electricity, notify your utility and work with your medical provider to prepare for power outages.

Stay informed
Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems. 

The Town of Wakefield uses the CodeRED system for important notifications. It allows officials and public safety leaders to deliver timely information to our residents through various communication channels, including phone, email, and text. All residents are encouraged to sign up for this system.

What to Do During a Hurricane

Avoid driving or going outdoors during a storm.
Flooding and damaging winds can make traveling dangerous. If you must be out in the storm:

• Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet.
• Remember the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Don’t drive through flooded roads. Cars can be swept away in just two feet of moving water. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• Do not drive around road barriers.

Follow instructions from public safety officials
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take only essential items, and bring your pets, if possible.
If told to shelter in place:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Listen to local television or radio for updates.
• Conditions may change quickly; be prepared to evacuate to a shelter or neighbor’s home if necessary.