Hazard Mitigation Planning Review
For Immediate Release
Town of Orange Invites Public to Participate in Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Public Meeting to Identify Natural Hazard Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Have you experienced flooding in Orange? Do you know if Orange can have earthquakes or tornadoes? What are the most serious risks facing our community—and what can be done to reduce their impacts?
The Town of Orange is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan, a critical document that identifies natural hazard risks facing the community and outlines actions to reduce damage to people, property, infrastructure, and the environment. As part of this process, the Town invites residents, business owners, and community members to participate in a public meeting to share local knowledge and priorities.
Community input is essential to identifying which hazards pose the greatest risks, which areas of Town are most vulnerable, and what mitigation actions residents would like the Town to pursue. While natural hazards such as winter storms, heavy rainfall, high winds, and earthquakes cannot be prevented, proactive planning can significantly reduce their impacts.
The public is encouraged to attend the first of two public meetings on the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update:
Public Meeting DetailsDate: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
In-Person Location: Town Hall, 6 Prospect Street, Orange, MA 01364
Virtual Locations: Spectrum Ch 1301, or streamed at https://www.aotv13.org/ Time: Board of Selectmen Meeting starts at 5:30pm, Mitigation Planning on the agenda at about 6:15 p.m.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan is being developed by the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) and must be approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and adopted by the Town. FEMA approval enables Orange to remain eligible for important pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant funding. Public participation is a required and vital component of this planning process.
By participating, community members can help shape a plan that reflects local priorities, addresses climate-related risks, and strengthens Orange’s long-term resilience.
For more information about the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update or the public meeting, please contact Matthew Fortier, Town Administrator, Town of Orange, 978-544-1100, townadministrator@townoforange.org.