MA · State guide

Massachusetts emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts Massachusetts's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $1.5 billion, rated Relatively Low. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes.

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National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:46 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

Massachusetts's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Moderate$943 million a yearHow to prepare →

HurricaneRelatively Moderate$193 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeRelatively Low$83 million a yearHow to prepare →

Coastal floodingRelatively High$61 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively Moderate$49 million a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively Moderate$40 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Low$38 million a yearHow to prepare →

Strong windRelatively Moderate$22 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes and cold waves

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

HurricaneHurricane preparedness checklist: what to do before, during and after a stormGear: Generators · Water storage containers

EarthquakeEarthquake preparedness: Drop, Cover and Hold On, and what to do afterGear: First aid kits · Fire extinguishers

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

Official help in Massachusetts

State emergency management: Emergency Management Agency
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More Massachusetts government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for Massachusetts

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

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