The Towns of Exeter and West Greenwich have worked together to update the 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation and Floodplain Management Plan (MJHM&FMP). This plan was developed by each Town’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) with the goal of keeping our residents, property, and community safe from the impacts of natural and man-made hazards.
Why This Plan Matters to You
Hazard mitigation planning helps communities reduce or eliminate long-term risks from disasters. By maintaining this plan, Exeter remains eligible for important federal funding programs through FEMA, including grants that support projects to protect people and property.
Hazards That Affect Our Towns
The plan reviews past events and confirms that Exeter and West Greenwich remain vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards, such as:
- Severe thunderstorms (wind, lightning, hail)
- Flooding and dam failure
- Hurricanes and Nor’easters
- Winter storms and ice events
- Brushfires, drought, extreme temperatures, tornadoes, and earthquakes
The plan also considers man-made risks, including hazardous materials incidents, water quality issues (PFAS and cyanobacteria), and cybersecurity threats.
What the Plan Includes
For each hazard, the plan describes:
- What it is and how it occurs
- Past events in our area
- Which locations are most at risk
- The likely impacts on residents, property, and services
- How climate change may affect the severity and frequency of future events
Special Focus on Flooding
Because flooding poses one of the most significant threats to our towns, the 2025 update puts extra emphasis on flood risk. This includes aligning with FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), a program that rewards communities with better flood insurance rates when they take strong steps to manage flood risk.
Protecting Community Assets
The plan identifies many assets that are vulnerable to hazards—such as government buildings, emergency services, schools, medical facilities, utilities, community centers, vulnerable populations, and Exeter’s High and Significant hazard dams. Protecting these assets is essential to maintaining the safety, resilience, and well-being of our towns.
👉 This plan is not just a document—it’s a roadmap for building a safer, stronger Exeter and West Greenwich. By reducing risks today, we are helping ensure a more resilient future for our residents, businesses, and community.
For more information or if you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact:
Dorian Boardman, Exeter Emergency Management Director
📧 dori.boardman [at] exeterri.gov (dori[dot]boardman[at]exeterri[dot]gov) 📞 401-360-4762