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Your comprehensive, actionable guide to navigating emergencies in Boston.
This guide uses AI-researched data and is being verified by our team. Routes and locations should be confirmed before use in an emergency.
Boston's evacuation is complicated by its peninsula geography, tunnel-dependent highway system, and limited bridge crossings. The Big Dig tunnels (I-93) and harbor tunnels (Ted Williams, Sumner, Callahan) can flood during coastal storms. Surface roads through the city are narrow and colonial-era street patterns cause confusion.
I-93 North, I-90 West (Mass Pike), and I-95 South are the primary vehicular corridors. During nor'easters and blizzards, the state may issue travel bans on all highways. In that case, shelter in place with 3-5 days of supplies. The MBTA can also serve as evacuation transport when roads are gridlocked.
Communication: Establish primary (cell/text) and secondary (out-of-state contact) methods. Boston cell networks can fail during nor'easters. Text messages are more reliable than calls. Download offline maps covering Boston, Cambridge, and surrounding communities.
Meeting Points: Primary: Boston Common (Parkman Bandstand). Secondary: Your nearest MBTA T station. Out-of-area: Pre-designated contact in NH, RI, or western MA.
Roles: Assign roles: Person A - documents, medications, CharlieCard/MBTA pass. Person B - food, water, children. Person C - pets, vehicle (if available), warm clothing packs.
Use this guide as a base for your personalized strategy.