Community Corner

Gov. Malloy: Prepare for Flooding and Flood Risks

Mild weather next week could lead to flooding

With milder winter temperatures on the way, and a potential mid-winter thaw, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is urging residents to plan ahead to protect their homes and businesses from flooding once the snowfall begins to melt.

“There is simply nowhere for this record snow to go, and homeowners across Connecticut are understandably anxious about what will happen to their basements, garages and other structures once it starts melting,” Malloy said in a release last week.

With this season’s heavy snow accumulation (nearly 70 inches in January alone), and temperatures expected to reach the mid to upper 40s in the coming week, basements and other structures are at risk of damaging floods as snow piles on roofs and around foundations melt.

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As spring approaches, the snow will begin to melt as the ground is still frozen, resulting in potential flooding that could be damaging and costly to residents.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has estimated that the average U.S. home of 1,000 square feet that takes on one inch of water could experience a total loss of $10,600. For a 2,000 square foot home, that amount could climb to nearly $21,000 in damages.

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As a precaution, the governor has recommended that those who are considering flood insurance get started now, as there is a 30-day waiting period for federal flood insurance from time of purchase before the policy goes into effect.

“We only have to look as far back as last March to realize the potential risks that lie ahead. The record heavy rainfall and damaging storms in eastern and southeastern Connecticut caused widespread flooding damage and upended lives and livelihoods for months,” Malloy said.

The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) reminds residents that everyone lives in a flood zone, it's just a matter the risk level of the property. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, instead it is a special policy that is federally backed by the NFIP.

“It just makes sense to plan now to help protect personal property for this coming spring once this record snowpack thaws and causes local rivers and streams to significantly rise,” Malloy said.

Property owners and renters should consult with their agents to assess their need for flood insurance. For a list of local flood insurance agents, click here or call the NFIP at 888-435-6637 for more information.


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