Deployable Day Planning and Design

WHY WE ARE DOING THIS

Boston is among the most vulnerable cities in the country to flooding. Deployable flood barriers are currently being used to protect City properties, public infrastructure, and private properties from flooding during storm events. These temporary flood barriers provide protection in areas where permanent solutions are not currently feasible. However, despite the widespread usage of temporary flood barriers, protocols around if, when, and how to deploy these barriers have been inconsistent.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

• In September of 2024, MONUM helped the City host the inaugural Boston Deployable Day. City departments and private owners of deployable flood barriers practiced setting up their deployables and shared information about the city’s flood protection measures. For the day, we developed an “Experience, Learn, Visit, and Explore” framework that included:

  • Creating a signage campaign and walking tour to highlight the location of deployables around Boston and to educate the public on where flood waters may reach during a major storm;
  • Improving and streamlining the process for registering private sector deployables so that the Office of Emergency Management can ensure the coordinated deployments of barriers during storms;
  • And developing a website with resources for residents and property owners wanting to learn more about deployables.
• This annual event will continue to provide an opportunity to build public-private partnerships and align efforts to address the city’s flood risk.