Risk Reduction: Massachusetts
Find Your Flood Map
The first step to understanding the risks in your area begins with reviewing flood maps.
On the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) you may research, view and download (free) the available inventory of products such as flood maps, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report that accompanies the flood map and other mapping products.
FEMA's Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program empowers individuals, organizations and communities to take proactive steps to reduce flood risk. Whether you are an engineer performing a flood risk analysis, a state planner designing and implementing a hazard mitigation plan, or a well-informed homeowner who has purchased flood insurance, learn how Risk MAP can help.
Minimize Risk in Massachusetts
Risk Reduction for Your Home
Investing in actions to reduce risks now can mean far less impact from floods or other hazards. It can also improve property values, enhance public spaces to enjoy now and protect for tomorrow and reduce National Flood Insurance Program policy premiums.
Effective mitigation isn’t always grand and expensive. Efforts vary from person to person and are dependent on property, flood zone and many other variables. For example, it might not be necessary to elevate your home. Elevating electrical appliances or using flood-resistant materials, like tile instead of carpet, can still offer financial protection for a property.
State building codes often contain requirements designed to mitigate many kinds of hazards. The building code in Massachusetts is based on the 2015 version of the International Building Code and International Residential Code. To learn more about the hazard mitigation requirements of the International Codes, visit the National Building Code Adoption Tracking Portal.
More Resources
- Browse a listing of activities you can use use to reduce risk.
- Learn more about floodplain management in Massachusetts from the Massachusetts State Floodplain Management Program.
- Read Massachusetts's State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Environmental Requirements
Potential impacts to the environment and cultural resources must be considered when a community applies for FEMA funding through Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Preparedness Grants.
- Find resources to help conduct an environmental and historic preservation review
- Get guidance for grant applications
- Visit FEMA's repository of environmental assessments, environmental impact statements and related National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents.