Dear Friends,
 
I wanted to reach out and provide some updates following the recent storm that impacted our community and those in neighboring counties.
 
I also want to thank all our first responders, law enforcement personnel, and all who are tirelessly working to keep us and our families safe.
 
First and foremost, it is imperative for individuals and municipalities to report losses so that the State can make its case for a Full Disaster Declaration. To report information about damage from the storm, please click here.

On August 19, Governor Lamont declared a State of Civil Preparedness Emergency, which allows agencies to better coordinate, in response to the severe rainstorms, significant flooding, and considerable structural roadway damage impacting Connecticut – I supported this decision. On August 20, an official request was submitted for a federal emergency declaration which would allow towns to receive reimbursement and allow residents to receive assistance with uninsured damage. I was pleased to see that hours later, President Joe Biden authorized the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate hardship on our impacted communities and protect property and public health and safety. FEMA will begin assessments of Individual and Public Assistance this week.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DESPP/DEMHS) has requested public assistance in assessing the damage from the storm by using the online Residential and Business Damage Assessment Form. To help streamline data collection and evaluate the extent of the damage, the self-reporting link allows the public to report information regarding their homes or businesses. This is the link mentioned above.

As our community continues to repair its roads and bridges, I advise you and your loved ones to remain informed and alert before traveling as recovery efforts are expected to take up to several weeks in the most severely impacted areas. While on the roads, please adhere to yellow tape and traffic cones and avoid traveling over flooded roadways. Please be mindful that due to the widespread impact of the storm, not all roads have been inspected or cleared for safety.  

For real time updates on road closures, please visit ctroads.org.  

Should you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my New Haven office at (203) 562-3718. My staff and I will do everything in our ability to assist you and will continue to monitor this situation.
 

                                                                                               Sincerely,