Blackmon: “In the past two-and-a-half years, we’ve had five storms that have hit Boston that, had they hit at high tide, they would have caused 100 year flooding event.”

That’s Austin Blackmon, Boston’s Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. He’s seen firsthand how rising seas are putting coastal cities at greater risk of flooding.

Blackmon says Boston is redesigning and fortifying city structures where possible. Officials are also fine-tuning evacuation plans and determining how to get food into the city if major roadways are flooded. But Blackmon stresses it is also critical that city residents learn how to prepare for and recover from severe weather events.

Blackmon: “We’ve got great resources on our websites that help people understand what they need to do to create an emergency plan, and also have 72 hours’ worth of food and water . . .”

. . . and other, often forgotten items, like water for pets and diapers.

Residents can also stay informed by signing up for “Alert Boston,” an e-mail and texting system that provides guidance on how to evacuate and return to the city safely.

The City of Boston is seasoned when it comes to preparing for snow storms. Now it’s time to become equally flood-ready.

Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media/Jill Gorey.

More Resources
The inevitability of sea level rise
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Boston’s Climate Plan
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How coastal cities are preparing for and adapting to rising sea levels
Walsh announces regional effort to tackle climate change