Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and the most active stretch usually falls from mid-August through early October. Many people think of hurricanes as a southern problem, but New England has a long history of tropical storms, from the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 to Hurricane Bob in 1991 and the remnants of other storms that brought flooding rain, downed trees and long outages. Even a weakened storm can do real damage when it meets full summer trees, saturated ground and crowded coastlines.
The good news is that tropical storms usually come with several days of warning. That lead time is valuable, but only if households and neighbors use it well. This guide focuses on what to do before a storm is on the forecast and what to do once it is.
Know Your Risk Before the Season Peaks
Start by understanding what a strong storm would mean for your specific home.
- Evacuation zones: Coastal communities in Massachusetts and other New England states have designated hurricane evacuation zones. Look up your address through your state or local emergency management office and write your zone down.
- Flooding: Low-lying streets, basements and areas near rivers can flood even far from the ocean. If water has pooled on your street during heavy rain, it will likely pool again.
- Trees: Note large trees or limbs that hang over your home, driveway or power lines.
- Power: Think about who in your household depends on electricity for medical equipment, refrigerated medication or mobility devices.
- Alerts: Sign up for your city or town’s emergency alerts and make sure wireless emergency alerts are turned on in your phone settings.
Prepare the Home and Yard
Much of the damage in a windy storm comes from ordinary objects that become projectiles. A little yard work in September pays off.
- Walk around your home and list anything that could blow away: patio furniture, grills, planters, trash and recycling bins, kids’ toys and bikes.
- Decide where each item will go when a storm is forecast, such as a garage, basement or hallway.
- Clear gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can drain away from the foundation.
- Move valuables and important papers off basement floors.
- If you rent, ask your landlord how storm preparation is handled and who to call for building problems.
Keep Storm Drains Clear
Clogged storm drains are one of the most common causes of street flooding during heavy rain. Leaves, litter and debris can block drains quickly. Neighbors can help by gently clearing the surface of drains near their homes with a rake, from the sidewalk and only when it is safe. Never reach into a drain, never lift a grate and never stand in moving water. If a drain is badly blocked or damaged, report it to your city or town through 311 or the public works department.
When a Storm Is in the Forecast
Once forecasters start discussing a possible storm, use the days ahead to prepare calmly rather than rushing at the last minute.
- Refresh your stay-at-home supplies: water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, batteries, a radio, medications and pet supplies.
- Charge phones, power banks and any rechargeable lanterns.
- Fill the car’s gas tank in case you need to leave or charge devices.
- Bring in or tie down outdoor items.
- Get some cash in small bills.
- Review your go-bag in case evacuation is recommended.
- Follow official updates from the National Weather Service and your local emergency management office rather than social media rumors.
Checking On Neighbors Before the Storm
The days before a storm are the best time to reach out to people who may need extra help. A short visit or phone call can make a big difference.
A simple script might sound like this: “Hi, it’s your neighbor from across the street. They’re saying the storm may hit Thursday. Do you have what you need, or is there anything I can help bring in or pick up?”
People who may especially appreciate a check-in include:
- Older adults who live alone
- People with disabilities or chronic health conditions
- New parents with infants
- Neighbors who recently moved in and may not know the area
- People who do not speak English as a first language and may miss local alerts
Offer specific help, such as carrying in patio furniture, picking up groceries or sharing a phone number for a check-in after the storm passes.
During the Storm
- Stay inside and away from windows during high winds.
- Never walk or drive through flooded streets. Water can be deeper and faster than it looks, and it may hide downed wires or open manholes.
- Use flashlights rather than candles.
- Never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in a garage, because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you are told to evacuate, go. Bring your go-bag, medications and pets.
After the Storm
The cleanup period is when neighborly help matters most, and also when people get hurt. Keep safety first.
- Stay far away from downed power lines and anything touching them. Report them to your utility and to 911 if there is immediate danger.
- Check on the neighbors you contacted before the storm.
- Photograph damage before cleaning up if you may need records later.
- Clear small branches and debris from sidewalks and storm drains only if it is safe. Leave large trees and anything near wires to professionals.
- Throw away refrigerated food that has been above safe temperatures for too long. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Share accurate information about warming or cooling centers, charging stations and food distribution from official sources.
A Simple Block Storm Plan
A street that has talked through storm plans ahead of time recovers faster. Consider gathering a few neighbors in September to agree on basics:
- Who has a generator, a chainsaw or a working landline, and who knows how to use them safely
- Who would like a check-in before and after a storm
- How you will share updates, such as a group text or a note on a shared bulletin board
- Where neighbors could gather if a home becomes unsafe
Storms are a fact of life along the New England coast. Preparing together turns a frightening event into a manageable one, and it builds the kind of trust that helps neighbors long after the skies clear.
Quick check: What is the safest way to help clear a clogged storm drain on your street?
- Lift the grate and pull debris out by hand
- Rake leaves off the surface from the sidewalk when it is safe, and report serious blockages
- Wade into the flooded street to reach it
Show answer
B. Clearing only the surface from a safe spot helps water drain, while lifting grates or entering floodwater can be dangerous.
