Staying Safe During Massachusetts Storms: A Guide for People Without Stable Housing

Massachusetts storms can become dangerous quickly, especially for people living outdoors, in vehicles, or in unstable housing. Cold, heavy rain, snow, wind, flooding, and power outages can threaten health and safety. This guide shares practical steps for staying safer and finding support. It is written with compassion for people experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental illness—conditions that deserve care, dignity, and support, never judgment.

Before the storm

If a storm is forecast, try to move to a safer indoor location before conditions worsen. Contact a local shelter, warming center, emergency housing provider, outreach team, library, community center, or faith-based organization. Keep identification, medications, phone chargers, water, food, warm layers, socks, and important phone numbers together in a waterproof bag if possible.

During extreme cold, snow, or wind

• Go indoors when possible. Frostbite and hypothermia can happen even when someone does not feel cold or is using substances that affect awareness.

• Keep clothing dry, cover your head and hands, and change wet socks as soon as possible.

• Never use a grill, camp stove, or generator inside a tent, car, room, or enclosed shelter because of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire risk.

• Check on people who may be isolated, including friends managing depression, psychosis, withdrawal, or substance use. Offer help without pressure and call emergency services if there is immediate danger.

Flooding, lightning, and power outages

Avoid flooded roads, underpasses, riverbanks, and downed power lines. Do not touch electrical equipment while standing in water. If you are in a vehicle and water rises, leave only if you can do so safely and move to higher ground. Follow local emergency alerts and ask first responders or outreach workers where safe shelter is available.

Medication, substance use, and mental health safety

Storm disruption can make it harder to access medications, treatment, transportation, or supportive people. Keep medications protected from freezing and water, and contact a prescriber or pharmacy if supplies are running low. If someone may be overdosing, call 911, give naloxone if available, and stay with them. In Massachusetts, 988 is available 24/7 for emotional distress or mental health crisis support. For immediate danger, call 911. Asking for help is a safety step, not a failure.

A simple storm safety plan

• Choose one safer place to go and one backup place.

• Write down 911, 988, a trusted person, and a local shelter or outreach contact.

• Pack water, snacks, warm clothing, naloxone if available, medications, and a charger.

Everyone deserves protection during a storm. If you are worried about someone, approach with respect, offer practical help, and connect them with trained local services. Small acts of safety and compassion can save lives.