The Town of North Attleborough has released its updated Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce the long-term risk to human life and property from natural hazards. 

The Hazard Mitigation Plan serves as a roadmap for the Town to prepare for, withstand and recover from hazardous events, ensuring North Attleborough remains eligible for critical pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Developed by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) over the last several months, the plan integrates data from the 2019 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) process and the 2023 Master Plan. 

Key Findings and Top Risks  

The 2025 HMP identifies and ranks natural hazards based on their probability and potential impact on the community. The assessment identifies the following as High-Risk Hazards for North Attleborough:  

• Flooding: Particularly from precipitation, impacting approximately 10% of the Town’s land area.  
• Severe Winter Storms: Including blizzards and ice storms that threaten infrastructure.  
• Droughts: A growing concern for the Town’s shallow public water supply wells.  
• Other Severe Weather: Including high winds and thunderstorms.  

The plan also addresses Moderate Risks such as dam failure, extreme temperatures and wildfires, noting that climate change is expected to increase the frequency of these events.  

A Strategy for Action  

The plan outlines 31 specific mitigation actions prioritized by cost-effectiveness and safety impact. Key priority projects include:  

• Dam Safety: reviewing operation plans for the Town’s high-hazard dams (Falls Pond, Whiting Pond, Greenwood Lake, Hoppin Hill) and specific mitigation efforts for the Riverview Mobile Home Park which is prone to flooding. 
• Infrastructure Resilience: Reviewing backup power capabilities for all Town buildings and maintaining downtown drainage pipes to prevent localized flooding.  
• Emergency Response: Maintaining and improving the Fire Department’s insurance rating to benefit property owners and conducting tabletop exercises for flood response. 

Residents can view the full Hazard Mitigation Plan Update on the Town website at nattleboro.com.

“This plan is not just a document; it is a commitment to safety," said Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Christopher Coleman. "By identifying our vulnerabilities—from our dams to our drainage systems—we have created a practical, actionable list of projects that will make North Attleborough safer for all residents."   

The plan will be submitted to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and FEMA for final approval. 

###