Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
On a global scale, sea levels are rising at a higher rate than in previous centuries. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, seas have risen at a rate of .12 inches per year over the past two decades, compared to .04 to .1 inches per year in the previous 80 years. Scientists expect the rate to accelerate further, with a projected total rise of between 1 and 4 feet by the end of this century.
As seas rise, so does the potential for serious erosion, compromised ecosystems, altered coastlines, displacement of hundreds of millions of people, and higher storm surges with increased risk of flooding.
With nearly 200 miles of coastline and more than 1,500 miles of tidal shoreline, Massachusetts faces the potentially damaging effects of this trend. Plum Island residents have already witnessed the harm of beach erosion, and storm surges frequently cause road closures and washouts on the South Shore. On Cape Cod, homebuyers are becoming more nervous about purchasing oceanfront property.
Major flooding – whether related to a storm, rising sea levels, or both – can not only damage municipal structures, but can also result in data and records loss, physical displacement, local communication system problems, serious infrastructure issues, and recovery challenges for both municipal staff and residents.
As evidenced by recent natural disasters, the financial impact of flooding can be significant. Residents from New Jersey and other coastal states are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy two years after it hit, with the total cost of losses around $50 billion. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused more than $100 billion in losses in New Orleans and the Gulf region.
Plan now, ensure continuity later
Advance emergency planning is crucial. While the specific weather-related challenges may differ for coastal communities, inland municipalities can follow many of the same guidelines. Josh Smith, public sector manager for Agility Recovery, a company that provides business continuity solutions after a disaster, recommends a comprehensive approach to planning that includes conducting a full risk assessment with a thorough review of historic weather events as well as environmental risks.
On Cape Cod, scientists with the Woods Hole Sea Grant have completed a 3D computer simulation that illustrates the potential impact of rising seas to coastal areas in the region – in large part to help emergency planners assess risks and find ways to reduce vulnerability. The tool they developed leverages data from the MassGIS (statewide spatial map) and the National Hurricane Center to show multiple sea level changes – both with and without storm surge flooding – and reveals how, as sea levels rise, so does the potential for damage when a storm hits.
Because Marshfield lies on the coast, it recently worked jointly with two neighboring towns to commission a regional study on sea level rise, including predictions for the next 100 years – allowing them to more closely examine infrastructure and make plans.
“We have a sewage plant that’s close to the coast, and we also have to consider how seawalls would be affected, power lines, water lines and more,” said Town Administrator Rocco Longo. “In the future, I think towns will need to rebuild and remodel with studies like this one in mind.”
In addition to assessing risk, Smith recommends evaluating critical functions that are important for day-to-day operations – such as emergency response, municipal services and operations – and identifying the resources and personnel needed to restore them if lost. It is also important to ensure that data is backed up daily, off-site, and is tested regularly.
Finally, Smith advises developing an emergency response plan (and making sure everyone knows where it is), as well as creating a crisis communication strategy that factors in email alerts, texts, social media and/or whatever systems are available.
Marshfield has appointed an emergency management director, who also serves as a police lieutenant. When an emergency does occur – such as a strong coastal storm – the director activates the town’s Emergency Operations Center, which is adjacent to the police station. There, town personnel work closely together to track public safety issues, downed trees, impassable roads, and any other challenges that arise. They proactively communicate with schools and employees, and a local radio station sets up shop onsite to help provide on-the-air alerts to area residents.
“Storms seem to be coming more frequently, so we’re getting a lot of practice at it,” Longo says. “We haven’t gone a winter without activating the center in recent years.”
Avoid common pitfalls
Smith advises municipalities to have a back-up provider or system in place when and where possible.
“One of the biggest mistakes municipalities make in terms of planning is having a single source for a potential point of failure – for example, a single communications provider,” he said.
Smaller communities may not have other options for some systems, but when possible, they should identify contingencies in advance for communications as well as for recovery sites, personnel, fuel supplies, power generators, and means of communication.
Another common mistake is failing to properly prepare employees in advance – not only with knowledge of the municipal plans, but also with information about how to be prepared on a personal level at home, Smith said. Some planners have a tendency to focus too much on information technology recovery only, and some don’t properly and regularly test any emergency plans in advance, he said. Failure to sufficiently insure – and to anticipate costs – can also cause issues later.
Access available resources
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov) provides a range of templates for both communities and individuals on its website and through the agency’s current PrepareAThon outreach program. Insurance providers, including MIIA, often provide members with planning resources and advice as well.
Joe Callahan is MIIA’s Marketing Manager, and John Kelly is MIIA’s Operations Director.