Preparing for storms and other emergencies is part of caring for our families, homes and the places that hold our history. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's Emergency Management Department is updating its Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan to reflect the challenges our community faces today and the priorities that can help reduce future damage.

The 2026 update builds on the Tribe's 2020 plan. It considers severe winter weather, coastal storms and other hazards, along with more recent experiences including the February 2026 blizzard. The plan is intended to help identify risks to Tribal housing, facilities, cultural resources and essential services, and to guide projects that may help make our community more resilient.

Tribal Council approved adoption of the update on October 7. Tribal citizens were then invited to review the draft and share comments during an October 8-16 public review period, including discussion at the October General Membership Meeting. Comments and any necessary revisions will be considered as the plan moves through review and coordination with FEMA Region 1.

This is a planning document, but it has real importance for the future. Identifying our priorities can help the Tribe prepare for emergencies and maintain eligibility for applicable hazard mitigation assistance, subject to program requirements and approvals.

For questions about the update, contact Emergency Management Director Nelson Andrews Jr. at nelson.andrewsjr@mwtribe-nsn.gov or 508-681-9754.