Dear Friend,

With the worst of the rain behind us, our next challenge begins: recovery. I would again like to thank our first responders for everything they did to keep members of our community safe during the recent storms. We are all indebted to you for your service. Read on for additional property damage reporting information.

As always, feel free to reach out to my office at (203) 333-6600 for assistance. To receive additional updates from my office, sign up here or follow me on social media.

- Jim
 
The Latest: 
- On Tuesday, August 20^th, Governor Lamont requested a federal disaster declaration. That day, I joined Connecticut’s federal delegation in sending a letter to President Biden urging him to approve the Governor’s request. 

- On Wednesday, August 21^st, President Biden approved the state’s request for Direct Federal Assistance. This allows federal agencies to support state-led immediate recovery efforts. This declaration does not represent the full extent of potential federal aid, only a preliminary and welcome surge of resources. Securing further federal aid, including Individual Assistance, is dependent on the outcome of ongoing damage assessments. 

- There are still many steps to go before we will fully recover. I will work tirelessly to ensure Connecticut receives the federal disaster assistance needed. 

- Damage assessments are underway. Additional information on how to report damage to your residential, business, or agricultural property can be found below.

- My office is standing by to help answer any questions you may have. Please call (203) 333-6600 to speak with a member of my staff who will assist you.
 
Reporting Property Damage or Loss: General 
To ensure claims are accurately assessed, compiled, and reported, your municipality will spearhead the collection of damage and loss reports, later transmitting them to the state. The state will then use that information to appeal for additional emergency resources from various federal agencies.

While my office is happy to assist you, please consider directing questions to your town hall as they may provide you with more detailed, immediate answers. My office can be reached at (203) 333-6600 should you require further assistance.
 
Reporting Property Damage or Loss: Residential and Business
To report damage to your residence or business caused by last weekend’s storms and flooding, please fill out this form: CT Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Residential Damage Assessment Form. Things to consider as you complete the survey:

1. PHOTOGRAPHS: Photograph the damage thoroughly, taking well-lit pictures from different angles and attempting to capture the entire scene as best you can. When possible, include unaffected areas in the background to highlight contrast between damaged and undamaged property. NOTE: it is vital photographs are of damage prior to repair.

2. SUMMARIZE: Provide a brief description of the damage to your property, including secondary impacts (Ex: your basement flooded, which also damaged your water heater.) If you have already received written repair estimates from licensed contractors, include them in your summary.

3. QUESTIONS: Should you have questions as you complete the survey, please first direct them to local officials in your town hall who can connect you with your town’s Emergency Management Director. Municipal officials are leading the damage report collection effort and are best positioned to answer your questions.

***Be sure to complete the CT Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Residential Damage Assessment Form if your residential or business property was impacted by recent inclement weather.***
 
Reporting Property Damage or Loss: Agricultural
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is collecting information from farmers regarding their crop, livestock, and agricultural equipment/infrastructure damages or losses. Impacted farmers should review the Connecticut Department of Agriculture Disaster Relief Resources website for reporting procedures, scan the QR codes embedded in the graphics below, or contact the agency for reporting assistance.
 
According to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, you should contact your local Farm Service Agency county office to report your damages as well as your insurance agent to report impacts for covered crops. USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by flooding. For FSA programs eligibility, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.  

In addition to sharing agricultural losses via the online reporting tool, they should be reported to your local emergency response team. Contact information for your local Emergency Management Director can be located by contacting your town hall. For assistance locating your Emergency Management Director’s contact information, or for any other assistance, do not hesitate to call my office at (203) 333-6600.