Flood Information

Town of Salisbury Flood Information

Flooding in our town is caused by two main sources. Winter storms bring surges up to the homes and businesses along the shoreline and, when coupled with astronomically high tides, present a threat to all land areas subject to tidal flooding.  Floodwaters can cover many blocks 2 feet deep or more.  The Merrimack River, Blackwater River, Town Creek, Smallpox Brook and smaller streams also flood during or soon after heavy storms. 

Know the Risk

  • Do you own property on or near the Beach, Salt Marsh, Wetlands or the Merrimack River?
  • Click HERE to enter your address to view the most recent Flood Maps to see if your home or business lies in a flood zone.
  • Click HERE to learn more about FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
  • To see paper copies of the flood maps please visit Town Hall at 5 Beach Road.
  • Ask the Building Department if there is an Elevation Certificate on file for your home or business.
  • Read the 2018 MVP Planning Project Report 
  • Read the Salisbury section of the Merrimack Valley Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan 
  • Read about nature-based adaptation strategies in the Great Marsh region in the Great Marsh Coastal Adaptation Plan
  • To plan for the future, use the Massachusetts Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer to see sea level rise projections for areas in Salisbury. The NOAA Seal Level Rise Viewer allows you to see how different levels of sea level rise may effect the area. Latest regional projections estimate 40 inches of sea level rise by 2070, with projections for 2100 ranging from 4 to 10 feet. (data from modeling done by Woods Hole Group for the Resilient Rings Island Road Improvement Project).

What You Can Do To Prepare

  • Regular homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Call your insurance agent to purchase flood insurance to protect your home.
  • Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by visiting FloodSmart.gov or download this printable NFIP refrence sheet for more infomation.
  • Replace the batteries in flashlights and portable radios and store these emergency supplies in water-tight plastic bags.
  • Have a supply of sandbags, plastic sheeting, plywood and tools ready to waterproof doors and windows.
    • Do not place sandbags on dunes because the bags break down the dunes and make erosion worse. Contact the Conservation Department (978)499-0358 about appropriate dune stabilization measures if you are experiencing erosion
  • Post emergency numbers near the telephone.CLICK HERE for a printable Salisbury Emergency Contact sheet.
  • Prepare and practice Emergency Plans with your family.
  • Find more information at the MA Office of Coastal Zone Management StormSmart Coasts Publications page.

If Flooding is Present or Imminent

  • Stay informed about weather conditions. Use the radio (tuned to WBZ 1030 AM or WUMB 91.7 FM) as your primary source of information and instruction. The Police Department will contact you using the Code Red system in case of evacuations or other important information. CLICK HERE to sign up to receive alerts.
  • Track Nor'easters and Stay Safe using CZM's many useful links on this website 
  • Make sure your family and Pets are safe. Then, if time permits, move valuable possessions off the floor.
  • Do not try to drive across a flooded road -- you could become stranded or trapped.
  • Report downed power lines, leaking gas lines, or blocked storm drains to the Town immediately.
  • Be ready to evacuate if directed by emergency personnel.

After The Flood

  • Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
  • Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
  • Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
  • Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
  • Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
  • Permits may be required for repairing the damage from a flood. Check with the Building Department before starting any work.

 

Local Resources

State and Federal Resources

  Police Department

(978)465-3121 (non-emergencies)

911 (emergencies only)

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

 Fire Rescue Department

 (978)465-3631 (non-emergencies)

 911 (emergencies only)

Mass 511

Emergency Management

(978)465-9543

NOAA National Weather Service

Department of Public Works

(978)463-0656

Northeast Satellite Imagery
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
 EPA New England

 

American Red Cross

(978)922-2224

 

American Red Cross of Northeastern Massachusetts

 

National Grid Reporting Numbers

 

Power Outages (800)465-1212

 

Gas Leak (800)233-5325

 

 

 
For any EMERGENCY call 911