Resilient New Haven: Continuously Improving Its Preparedness for
Adverse Weather and Climate Impact
NEW HAVEN. Conn. – The City of New Haven has experienced a variety of flooding events over the past few years. With at least 10 coastal flood warnings, 8 flood advisories, and a flash flood warning, the year 2019 was no exception. Flooding events, prompted by heavy rain and coastal and winter storms, were prevalent throughout the city and impassable roads, power outages, and property damage.
City officials are continuously preparing for natural disasters—specifically floods, hurricanes, and other storm events–through the installation of green infrastructure downtown, the repair of storm drain outfalls and tide flaps, catch basin cleaning, shoreline stabilization, and the construction of seawalls. They work to foster community resilience through various educational and public information efforts as outlined below.
City officials are steadily upgrading infrastructure and policies to mitigate the impact of these flooding events: specifically, through the installation of bioswales, the repair of storm drain outfalls and tide flaps, catch basin cleaning, and the construction of seawalls – and they work to foster community resilience through educational and public information efforts as outlined below.
The City has prepared a variety of citizen-oriented resources for flood resilience. First, the City is working to inform residents of localized flood risks and equip them with preventative resources. The City maintains a collection of flood maps available at City Hall (165 Church Street) in the City Plan Department or the Building Department. These maps include basic and advanced flood zone information, flood depth, and historical flood information.
Residents can also ascertain their specific flood risk by looking at maps at https://msc.fema.gov/portal, or in the main branch of New Haven Free Public Library (133 Elm Street). Residents are also encouraged to sign up for New Haven Alerts (at https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/emergency_info/alerts.htm) to receive informational emails, texts and/or phone calls during flood emergencies. These alerts may include safety information and other measures to be taken during a flood. The Emergency Management site also includes information about evacuation routes, basic preparedness strategies, and links to other informational sites. Information regarding hurricane preparedness can also be found on the City’s website.
To protect commercial and industrial properties, business owners can find a “Commercial Industrial Toolkit,” a preventative guide for business owners whose businesses are at risk for flooding at https://circa.uconn.edu/new-haven-commercial-industrial-toolbox/. Residents and business owners throughout the city should also visit the New Haven Office of Emergency Management webpage at https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/emergency_info/default.htm for additional resources on flooding and other weather related events.
New Haven maintains a Class 7 rating under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). This rating provides up to a 15% discount to most NFIP policies for properties in special flood hazard areas (SFHAs). Check with your realtor and/or insurance provider to ensure that the discount has been applied to your policy.
City officials will continue to take seriously, prepare for, and inform residents about the threat posed by flooding. For more flood information and additional tips on preparing for and staying safe during flood events, please visit https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/city_plan/flood.htm or contact the City Plan Department at (203) 946-6377.
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