Connecticut State Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

August 18 2024 Severe Flooding Disaster Recovery Resource Center

On August 18th and 19th, the State of Connecticut experienced historic rainfall in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties that resulted in severe flooding and damages to residences and businesses in multiple towns. On August 19, 2024, at 12:45PM, Governor Ned Lamont, signed a State of Civil Preparedness Emergency regarding the extensive and severe flooding. In addition, Governor Lamont submitted a request to President Joe Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking a federal emergency declaration for Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield County in response to the extreme flooding from the historic rainfall that portions of Connecticut received earlier this week. This was approved on August 21st, opening up some federal assistance as Connecticut continues to assess the damage and calculate whether the cost thresholds have been met that would enable the state to receive a major disaster declaration from the federal government, which could result in the release of federal funding to support the rebuilding and repairing of damage to eligible public and uninsured private property

DEMHS is coordinating the recovery operations and working with local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations damage assessments, disaster recovery coordination, and other missions related to this disaster. 

Resources:

State Information and Services
  • Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
    • Continuing to connect local municipalities and with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) that may have programs and services to support disaster survivors.
    • Flood victims are encouraged to reach out to Crisis Cleanup by calling 203-392-1752 if victims need assistance with muck out, debris removal or tree removal from the storm. All services are free and vetted. More information can be found on this flyer ---- English ---- Spanish
    • DEMHS continues to post recovery information and resources on its X page, for more information follow us for up to the minute information: CT Emergency Management & Homeland Security (@CTDEMHS) / X
  • Department of Transportation
    • DOT continues to repair and reopen roads that were damaged, destroyed, or impassable due to the storm. For up to date information on the road closures, visit Connecticut Traffic, Live Traffic Reports & Traffic Map | CTroads and Storm Response 2024 Road Status Interactive Map (arcgis.com) for information on current road closures. 
    • In total, a reported 126 catch basins have been cleaned, 449 shoulders and washouts repaired, 31 culverts and pipes cleared, and 600 cubic yards of debris representing 1.2 million lbs. of debris removed since the beginning of this event.
    • CTDOT is submitting Initial Damage Assessment to the Federal Highway Administration today, kickstarting the process for federal aid to repair/replace bridges and roads.
    • The MTA Metro-North Waterbury Line remains closed, with work along the Beacon Falls damaged segment ongoing with substantial completion anticipated in mid-September. Work along the Seymour damaged segment is significant and will require more time to complete. Supplemental bus service is currently operational along the Waterbury Line. A full timeline for restoration of rail service is “To Be Determined”.
  • Department of Consumer Protection
    • DCP provides information about consumer protection for post-storm clean up. More information can be found here: DCP News and Alerts
  • Department of Labor
    • DOL has created a dedicated webpage for recovery assistance for flood victims. For more information see here:Department of Labor Assistance for Flood Victims
    • For businesses that are closed temporarily/permanently, are employees eligible for UI?
      • DOL must review each claim application for a determination of eligibility.
      • CTDOL’s main Unemployment Benefits and Claim Services page for comprehensive information, questions and answers about the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. Go to ReEmployCT Benefit Filers/Claimant Information to apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
      • Additionally, the DOL Rapid Response Unit is helping affected workers including those in the towns of Oxford, Newtown, and Southbury (DOL reached out to them last week)--workers and self-employed individuals whose businesses are closed due to the storms and are eligible as Dislocated Workers under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).  If you have specific contacts/leads, DOL is happy to reach out to all who need assistance
  • Department of Insurance
    • A storm flood insurance fact sheet and resource guide has been compiled to assist storm survivors and businesses with information about insurance. In this fact sheet, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) provides general homeowner and commercial insurance coverage information and describes the claim process under a typical homeowners policy. 
  • Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Federal Programs and Resources

More information and recovery resources will be posted here as they become available.