Community Corner

What to Do in Case a Hurricane Hits Boston This Year

Hurricane season peaks in Boston in late August to mid-October, and officials say 2013 could be an above-average year. Here's what you can do to prepare now instead of at the last minute.

By Sara Jacobi

Bostonians have been lucky in recent years. Last year's hurricane Sandy, although deadly and damaging, did not have the effect up here that it did in New York and New Jersey, and although 2011's Hurricane Irene caused 16th deaths and caused the U.S. an estimated estimated near $15.6 billion, its effects in Boston were limited. 

In fact, we have to think back to 1991 to remember the effects of Hurricane Bob, a Category 2-3 storm that hit Southeastern Massachusetts and Boston with winds of over 110 MPH in some places.

But every year is a new year, with a new potential to bring a large storm to Boston. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) most recent 2013 outlook, released last week, there's a 70 percent chance this year will be an above-normal season. 

Estimates call for a total of 13-19 named storms, 6-9 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. 

And just because a storm is not a Category 5 hurricane doesn’t mean it can’t do lots of damage. Hurricane Sandy was responsible for 147 deaths and $50 billion in damage to homes and businesses, according to the NOAA. 

Tips to Prepare Now

So what can we do in Boston to be ready for a large storm before it hits? 

The time to start picking up emergency supplies is not in the days before a large storm. Batteries, battery-powered radios, flashlights, and first-aid kits are all available for purchase throughout the year. 

Before a storm, the Boston Public Health Commission recommends having food, drinking water, batteries, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, important paperwork, medications, a phone charger, and other daily necessities on hand in your home, and another emergency kit for your car that includes food, road flares, jumper cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and sleeping bags. You should also compile games and activities that don't need electricity to help you avoid cabin fever while waiting out the storm.

Store a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food and water (about 5 gallons per person) in an area that is not at risk of flood damage. 

"You can freeze perishable food items to keep them fresh for longer periods of time," said BPHC's S. Atyia Martin. "Food in an unopened fridge will stay cold for about four hours, and a full freezer can keep food at a safe temperature for up to 48 hours."

In the days directly ahead of a storm, fill your up your car's gas tank, and make arrangements with family, friends, and neighbors to help one another with transportation during an emergency or evacuation. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here