Sustainable Cambridge > Prepare for Extreme Weather

Prepare for Extreme Weather

Use this page to prepare for extreme weather before it arrives. Taking a few simple steps can help you and your community stay safe, protect your home or business, and recover more quickly if an emergency occurs.

Sign up for Cambridge Emergency Alerts

Extreme Heat

Climate change is heating the planet, and the last few years were among the hottest on record. Research suggests New England is warming faster than other parts of the world. In Cambridge, high temperatures are becoming more common – and heat waves are lasting longer. That means our bodies have less time to recover. Extreme heat can affect everyone, but older adults, children, outdoor workers, and people with existing illnesses are especially at risk. You can take steps to keep yourself, the City, and its residents safe.

Visit the Extreme Heat Page

Winter Storms

Climate change is making Cambridge’s winters “weird” — warmer on average, with more extreme swings between thaw and freeze, heavier precipitation, and more frequent flooding. Residents can prepare by improving their home’s resilience, staying informed about local flood risks, and building strong community connections. Visit the Snow Center Page

Flooding

Scientists warn that as sea levels rise, the lower portions of the Mystic and Charles Rivers face increasingly frequent and severe coastal flooding. Without intervention, the Amelia Earhart and Charles River dams will be overtopped in coming decades, flooding urban neighborhoods from areas in Chelsea and Everett to Arlington and Watertown, including Cambridge. Residents can prepare by taking steps to understand how flooding may affect their neighborhoods. Cambridge provides a free online FloodViewer map, showing potential flooding from heavy rain, storm surge, and sea level rise, based on the latest scientific models.
FloodViewer Map

Build Community

Cambridge is investing in “social resilience:” the relationships, networks, and support systems that help a community respond to change and challenges. When neighbors, organizations, and local institutions are connected, communities are better able to prepare for emergencies, care for one another, and recover after disruptions. Building social resilience ensures that people — especially those who may face greater risks during climate events — have the resources, connections, and support they need to stay safe and healthy. Community connections are an important part of creating a more resilient Cambridge. The City is creating a network of spaces where you can connect with community.

NeighborHubs: When temperatures climb, you can protect yourself and stay healthy by visiting a NeighborHub — a welcoming, community‑run space designed to help residents stay cool. NeighborHubs offer air‑conditioned indoor space, free water and refill stations, Wi‑Fi, heat‑health information, and a comfortable place to connect with others. Staff at each site are trained to spot early signs of heat illness and know when emergency services should be contacted. Right now, The Foundry is Cambridge’s first official NeighborHub, and more locations are coming soon as the City expands this citywide network of safe, trusted cooling spaces.

Resilience Hubs: When there’s a power outage, extreme weather, or another emergency, you can rely on the Cambridge Community Center — soon to be New England’s first official Resilience Hub — as a safe place to go for essential support. Upgrades now underway will allow the Center to stay powered for up to three days using solar energy, battery storage, and backup generation. That means you’ll be able to cool down or warm up, charge devices, access reliable information, and find a comfortable place to rest if you need it. All year long, the Center will continue offering programs, activities, and community services that residents already know and trust, while becoming even better equipped to support you during emergencies. As improvements continue, you’ll have a dependable, welcoming space to turn to — any day of the year, and especially when it matters most.

Resources for Homeowners, Renters, and Organizations

Climate Resilience Toolkits provide information and recommendations for residents, businesses, and organizations to prepare for increased risks from heat and flooding. The toolkits consist of "flyers" which address the actions to consider when extreme weather events are approaching. The "Climate Resilience Toolkits" cover actions to prepare in advance for extreme weather.

For Residents

Ready for Heat Flyer

Ready for Flooding Flyer

Climate Resilience Toolkit for Renters

Climate Resilience Toolkit for Homeowners

For Businesses and Organizations

Ready for Heat Flyer

Ready for Flooding Flyer

Climate Resilience Toolkit for Small Businesses

Climate Resilience Toolkit for Large Organizations

Organization Continuity Plan (Non-Profit)

Resources for Businesses

You can't predict when a disaster will affect your business, but you can ensure that you are prepared for when it does. Getting back to business after a fire, power outage, snowstorm or other disaster depends on planning that can be done today. Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful. And when local businesses bounce back, it helps the surrounding community return to normalcy. Take time now, before a disaster, to plan to protect your investment by using the resources below.

Climate Resilience Toolkit for Small Businesses

Build a Disaster Preparedness Kit

Use the CDC Business Planning Pandemic Check List

Create a Business Continuity Plan (For-Profit)

Enroll in the Red Cross Ready Rating Program

Check out the Business Continuity Presentation (2015)

Consider the Small Business Enhancement Program