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, which began in 2023, has resulted in the successful updating of the Tufts University Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was approved by FEMA in 2024. The updated plan addresses 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. It also addresses 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 engaged in hazard mitigation planning across all its campuses and welcomed participation from its host communities. This plan reaffirms the university's commitment to building resiliency and preparing for climate change. Although this plan extends through 2029, The Office of Emergency Management will continue to evaluate its effectiveness and welcome feedback to ensure ongoing improvements.
Email ready@tufts.edu for questions or comments regarding the HMP.
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
During the planning process, Tufts University convened a local Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to guide and support the initiative. This committee assisted 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 included 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
The Tufts Hazard Mitigation Public Comment forum is available to watch here.