Flood Response for Homeowners

What to do before a flood

  • Understand your flood risk by using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Welcome!
  • Check if your insurance covers flood damage. If not, find out how to get flood insurance: Flood Insurance | FEMA.gov
  • Make plans to stay safe using Connecticut’s emergency preparedness guide: emerprepguidepdf.pdf (ct.gov)
  • Designate a place on higher ground that you can get to quickly if needed. Fill your cars gas tank 
  • Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water or fallen power lines. If you are ordered to evacuate, turn off gas and water supplies before doing so. 
  • Install sump pumps with back-up power. Install backflow devices or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering drains, and toilets. 
  • Prepare emergency supplies such as non perishable food, flashlights, and battery powered lanterns. Store at least a 3-day water supply – one gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. 
  • Adjust thermostat, freezers and refrigerators to the coldest temperature possible.

During a flood

  • Stay informed, check social media and local weather stations for updates
  • If you live in a flood prone area, get to higher ground if possible
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you over. As little as twelve inches of water can carry your vehicle away.

What to do following a flood

  • Floodwaters carry harmful contaminants such as bacteria, oil, heavy metals, and pesticides. Check your well for contamination by testing bacteriological and chemical parameters with a certified lab, and take steps to disinfect if necessary. Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until your water has been confirmed safe to drink. Discard any food that has come in contact with floodwaters. *Food and water safety during power outages and floods: Food Facts - Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (fda.gov)
  • Clean areas and objects within the home that were exposed to floodwaters. Items like sofas, cushions, rugs, carpeting, and other porous, absorbent materials should be discarded/removed after coming in contact with flood waters. All other objects should be cleaned and sanitized with an EPA registered product for water damage restoration. 
  • Keep wet areas well-ventilated if possible. Fans and dehumidifiers may be used to accelerate drying. Use a moisture meter to check that objects have dried to safe levels (<15% moisture content). 
  • For homeowners with septic systems: flooding can prevent proper operation of your septic system. To ensure your system is better able to withstand possible complications of flooding, pump your tank every 2-5 years and ensure inspection ports/manholes are properly sealed to keep excess water out of the tank. Reduce all nonessential water use if there are signs that your system isn’t working properly (slow draining sinks or toilets, wastewater pooling on ground). 
  • Test your well water for bacteriological contaminants using a certified lab: in-state-laboratories-certified-to-test-drinking-water-6_2024.pdf (ct.gov)
  • If you or someone you know needs additional aid, reach out to a state or local resource: Connecticut State and Local Level Referrals | FEMA.gov