Hurricane Evacuation Maps & Zones
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completed hurricane evacuation zone maps for Massachusetts coastal communities, based on Hurricane Inundation Maps (see below). These Hurricane Evacuation Zones can be used as a resource for local evacuation decision-making during hurricanes. These maps are available on the MEMA website both with an Interactive Mapping Tool and in PDF Maps by Community. Should you have any issues locating the maps or have questions about them, please contact your MEMA regional office.
MEMA's public facing "Know Your Zone" Campaign encourages residents and visitors to learn if they live, work, or vacation in a hurricane evacuation zone: www.mass.gov/knowyourzone
Hurricane Inundation Maps
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has developed hurricane inundation maps for coastal communities in Massachusetts. These maps are created using a Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) to estimate potential storm surge for Category 1-4 hurricanes.
Emergency managers and public safety officials in communities along the coast or in communities with waterways connecting to the ocean should view their respective Hurricane Inundation Maps to determine potential inundation areas. You should also use this information to inform your community of potential risk and for preparedness and emergency planning efforts, including the need for evacuations in conjunction with above Hurricane Evacuation Zones (above).
Hurricane Inundation Maps (interactive)
Hurricane Inundation Maps (PDF files)
Mass Care and Shelter Plan, Toolkit, and Pandemic Guidance
During a tropical storm or hurricane, mass care operations may be needed for those impacted by the storm.
In addition to the Mass Care and Shelter Coordination Plan and Toolkit; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has developed guidance to address changes to, and additional requirements for, the provision of mass care in a pandemic environment. Although this guidance was developed during the Spring 2020 COVID-19 response and incorporates lessons learned, guidance specific to COVID-19, and best practices from that response, it was intentionally developed to provide guidance for use in any pandemic.
Cape Cod Emergency Traffic Plan
The Cape Cod Emergency Traffic Plan (CCETP) has been developed to facilitate the egress of a high volume of traffic from Cape Cod in the event of a hurricane or other potential high hazards, particularly during peak tourist season. It is important to emphasize that this is NOT an evacuation plan. Although there are a number of areas of the Cape that would evacuate from low-lying, flood prone areas to higher ground, many of these individuals would access local shelters and not necessarily leave the Cape. During the summer season however, (particularly the holiday weekends) most tourists will attempt to leave the Cape if a serious hurricane is predicted. The Plan is a tool that can be used to assist expediting traffic flow regardless of the hazard and should be looked upon in all-hazard scenarios. Visit the Cape Cod Emergency Traffic Plan webpage to learn more and see the full plan.
Hurricane Preparedness Resources
MEMA's Hurricane Preparedness Resources includes flyers, messages & social media toolkit, and graphics library that can assist you in messaging to residents.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Individuals, Families, and Homeowners
MEMA's Hurricanes webpage has resources and tips for residents to prepare for hurricanes. Please feel free to link to and share this material to help get your community more prepared for hurricanes.