HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
Getting Ready for Hurricanes
Every summer and fall brings the threat of hurricanes to the East Coast of the United States, including New Bedford and the New England Region. New Bedford is a coastal City with its waterfront being part of the very fabric of where its residents live, work, and raise their families. That same waterfront also puts parts of the City at an elevated risk of damage from hurricanes and other severe weather events.
The City has been preparing for severe weather emergencies for a number of years, including:
- Modernizing infrastructure for wastewater and storm run-off to reduce flooding threats.
- Revising departmental operational plans to better respond to storm impacts.
- Conducting emergency response tabletop exercises to better coordinate city departments and outside stakeholders.
- Analyzing past storm impacts and conducting debriefings after all major storm events.
In New Bedford, it may be necessary to evacuate parts of the city to protect residents from storm surge flooding. There are three evacuation zones in New Bedford, with the most at-risk areas around the peninsula in the South End.
It is critical that New Bedford residents know what evacuation zone they fall into. Residents can use the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s online interactive map to type in their address and find their evacuation zone designation. The information can also be obtained by calling the City’s Department of Emergency Management at 508-961-3060.
Evacuation Routes and Shelters
Should city officials call for an evacuation of certain areas, residents are encouraged to prepare their properties and leave as soon as possible. Evacuation routes in general run from south to north, away from the water and further inland.
All South End residents living north of South Rodney French Boulevard will evacuate north, Brock Avenue to Route 18. Residents west of Padanaram Avenue will evacuate northwest, Bolton Street to Rockdale Avenue.
The city and the American Red Cross have designated Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Blvd., as the city’s primary Mass Care shelter, with New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Blvd., as the backup shelter.
Click here for more information about evacuation routes and shelters.
Stay Informed
Getting the latest information before, during and after a weather emergency is critical. New Bedford residents have several options to get the key information about weather emergencies:
- NB Alert is an emergency notification system that residents can sign up for to receive calls, texts or emails directly to their landlines, mobile phones or email accounts. Visit www.nbalert.com to sign up, and call the Emergency Management Department at 508-961-3060 for more information or if you have questions.
- Key updates can also be found on the City’s website, www.newbedford-ma.gov, as well as on its social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Emergency notifications can also be found in several local media outlets, including the New Bedford Cable Network (Channels 9, 18 and 95 on local Comcast) and online as well. Residents can also find notifications on the radio on 1420 WBSM, on television on Channels 10, 12 and 6, and online on SouthCoastToday.com and NewBedfordGuide.com
Click here for more information about staying informed during a weather emergency.
What Residents Can Do to Prepare
If a hurricane or severe storm is headed toward New Bedford, there are several steps residents can take in advance to reduce the risk and stress associated with weather emergencies.
- Be prepared to evacuate: Know your evacuation route and where you’re going to go, whether a City shelter or the home of a friend or family member. Click here for more information on evacuations.
- Assemble an emergency kit: Start with the basic items, such as drinking water and nonperishable food, clothing and medication, and tailor it to your family. Also, try having a to-go bag packed and waiting by the door in case of an emergency. Click here for more information on assembling an emergency kit.
- Make plans with family and friends: How will you communicate with family and friends if you have to evacuate? Think about a central meeting place. Click here for more information on making hurricane plans.
- Prepare your property: Severe storms bring strong winds and heavy rains, so prepare your home or yard to reduce the risk of damage. Clean your gutters, take loose items inside, keep trees and shrubbery clean. Click here for more information on protecting your property.
More Resources
2024 Hurricane Preparedness Briefing
Hurricane Maps: New Bedford’s evacuation zone and route maps are available online.
General Hurricane Information: What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm? What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale that is used to categorize the storms?
Hurricane Scale: Information on the differences between Category 1-5 hurricanes. A Category 1 hurricane has winds from 74-95 mph while a Category 5 hurricane has winds topping 155 mph.
Protect Your Property: Heavy winds can turn unanchored items into flying sharp objects. There are some precautions homeowners can take to protect their properties from severe weather.
Hurricane Watch: This is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. What to do if a watch is issued in New Bedford.
Hurricane Warning: This is issued with hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours or less. What to do is a warning is issued.
After the Hurricane: We’re not out of the woods when the storm passes. Continue checking for the latest information, stay alert, and help any injured or trapped persons. More steps to take after the storm has passed.
Inspecting Utilities: Residents are urged to use caution when inspecting utilities in a damaged home.
