Emergency Management and Preparedness
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Severe Weather

Norfolk County, Massachusetts

Overview

Norfolk County, located in the eastern part of Massachusetts, experiences a diverse range of severe weather conditions throughout the year. This guide provides an overview of potential severe weather events that residents and visitors should be prepared for during each season.

To help accomplish that goal, Babson College subscribes to DTN and Precision Weather Forecasting, Inc. warning systems as an additional layer of safety to supplement the National Weather Service’s forecasts and provide advance notice for dangerous weather.

A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.

An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.

A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens and they should listen for later information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities.

Babson Green #064

Thunderstorms

  • Seek shelter immediately in a substantially constructed building.
  • Stay away from electrical appliances and plumbing.
  • If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
Babson Green #064

Winter Storms

  • Stay indoors and dress warmly.
  • Avoid being on the roads, if possible.
  • Look for signs of:
    • Hypothermia – shivering, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, exhaustion or feeling very tired.
    • Frostbite – cold skin, numbness, skin discoloration, pain, blisters when thawed, or hardened skin.
Babson Green #064

Extreme Heat

  • Find air conditioning and cooling stations on campus.
  • Avoid going outside and strenuous activities, if unable, seek shade.
  • Wear light and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Drink water regularly (1 cup of water per hour and at least 2–3 liters per day).
  • Stay informed about official heat warnings.
  • Look for signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Babson Green #064

Tornado

  • If you can get to a substantially constructed building safely, do so immediately.
  • Get to a safe room or basement.
    • If you are in a building with no basement, go to a small interior room on the lowest level.
  • Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.
  • Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible (this will often be an internal bathroom).
  • Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms or helmet and putting materials such as furniture, mattresses, and blankets around you.
  • If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge, you are safer in a low, flat area.
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle.