Hazard Mitigation Plan

The purpose of the Tufts University Hazard Mitigation Plan is to provide guidance for hazard mitigation of both natural and human-caused hazards. The plan identifies the risks and vulnerabilities associated with these hazards and provides goals, objectives, and recommended mitigation actions for the university that will increase the resiliency of our community and reduce our overall vulnerability.

A planning project is underway at Tufts University to prepare a Hazard Mitigation Plan Update in accordance with FEMA guidelines for Hazard Mitigation Planning.  Tufts University has hired iParametrics to assist in facilitating this project.  Tufts University’s updated plan will address mitigation of multiple natural hazards that may affect the community, including but not limited to flooding, coastal hazards, hurricane/tropical storms, drought, extreme temperatures, severe winter weather, thunderstorms (including hail/lightning/wind), and tornadoes.  The plan will also address mitigation of human-caused hazards including but not limited to conflagration or explosion, hazardous material release, transportation accidents (vehicular and pedestrian), utility failure, active shooter, and cyberattack. 

 Tufts University has participated in Hazard Mitigation Planning in all our host communities, and we will welcome all our host communities in the update and revision of our current FEMA approved plan which is set to expire in May 2024.  The planning process aims to bolster Tufts University and our host communities’ commitment to building resiliency and preparing for climate change.   

 GOALS 

• Increase the resiliency of our community 
• Reduce our overall vulnerability
• Prioritize mitigation actions that: 

➢ Reduce risks from natural hazards 

➢ Benefit environmental justice populations 

➢ Implement climate adaptation best practices to address climate change 

 Planning Committee 

 Tufts University has convened a local Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee.  This committee will serve as a liaison to the vendor and assist in the plan update by providing access to relevant local data, facilitating community input on plan recommendations and priorities, reviewing draft products, and assisting with outreach to university and community stakeholders.  The committee members include representatives from: 

• Auxiliary Services
• Campus Planning
• Communications & Marketing
• Community Relations
• Dining Services
• Facility Services
• Faculty
• Fire Safety
• Occupational Health
• Office of Emergency Management
• Office of Sustainability
• Provost’s Office
• Risk Management & Insurance
• Student Life
• Tufts Students 
• Tufts Technology Services
• University Police 

 Projected Timeline 

• Monthly planning committee meetings (May -November 2023) 
• Campus workshops (September 2023)
  • September 13 – SMFA campus: 9am to 12pm, Anderson Auditorium, 230 The Fenway, Boston
  • September 14 – Boston Health Science campus: 9am to 12pm, Alumni Lounge, Dental Building 15^th Floor, 1 Kneeland St., Boston
  • September 21 – Medford/Somerville campus: 9am to 12pm, Breed Hall, 51 Winthrop St., Medford
  • September 22 – Grafton campus: 9am to 12pm, Kohnstamm Conference Room, Admin Building, 201 Westboro Road, North Grafton
• Draft plan (January 2024) 
• Final plan (May 2024) 
• FEMA approval (TBD) 

 Current Plan 

The current Hazard Mitigation Plan that will be updated.