CONNECTICUT FLOOD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
MARCH 25-29

A Collaborative Initiative by CID, DESPP, and DEEP

HARTFORD, CT – As flood season approaches, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID), Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) are partnering to provide resources and preparedness information during "Flood Safety Awareness Week", taking place this year from March 25 to March 29.

The challenges faced by Connecticut in 2023 due to flooding underscore the need for proactive measures and preparedness. Throughout Flood Safety Awareness Week and beyond, residents are strongly encouraged to use and review the resources and information provided by these agencies to prepare for flood risks. Insights into flood preparedness and safety will be shared daily across each agency’s platforms.

“Understanding your flood risk is essential for protecting your home and assets. It’s important to take a proactive approach to flooding,” said CID Commissioner Andrew N. Mais. “Most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood damage, so opting for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the best way to safeguard your property and belongings. Even if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone, flood insurance provides essential protection, over 40 percent of NFIP claims between 2014-2018 came from outside high-risk areas."

"Recent intense rainfall events in the state have highlighted the need for increased flood awareness and preparedness. These extreme precipitation events are expected to continue and increase in the future as the climate changes,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Many DEEP programs are in place to assist municipalities and residents navigate flooding, climate change, resilience, hazard mitigation, and risk management. These programs include coastal management, inland wetlands, stormwater management, dam safety, and flood management, and staff are available to help address these issues through education, outreach, permitting, planning, and regulatory oversight.”

“The state has seen flooding in non-coastal areas more frequently in the past few years, including in urban and riverine communities, said DESPP Deputy Commissioner Brenda Bergeron. “As flood awareness week approaches, always remember not to walk or swim through flood waters. Additionally, never drive a car through flood waters. I remind all residents to be prepared and have an emergency preparedness kit and plan in place should they be affected by flood waters. Also, I encourage everyone to sign up for CT Alert and listen to local officials concerning flood hazards in their communities.”

Connecticut residents are encouraged to visit the websites and social media pages of CID, DEEP, and DESPP for more information.

• CID: Contact Us
• CID Flood Insurance Fact Sheet
• DEEP: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• DESPP: Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS)

Together, CID, DEEP, and DESPP are committed to ensuring the well-being of Connecticut residents in the face of flood-related challenges.

Additional Flood Safety Resources:

• Connecticut Alerts
• Connecticut Flood Insurance Information
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): Flood Insurance
• National Weather Service (NWS): Flood Safety
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Flood Facts
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Ready: Floods
• Flood Awareness Workshops and Materials
• Flood Management Certification Fact Sheet
• Connecticut Dam Safety Program
• The Torrent: Newsletter for Floodplain Managers
• Flood Management (ct.gov)
• Rising Waters: Planning for Flooding in Connecticut (youtube.com)
• Connecticut Sea Level Rise
• DEEP Climate Resilience Fund (ct.gov)
• Dams Public Viewer Application (arcgis.com)
• Grants (ct.gov)
• Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities | NOAA Fisheries

Contact: Mary Quinn
Communications, Director
Cell: (959) 529-4904
Mary.Quinn@ct.gov