Flooding

August 18, 2024 Event Updates

In a statement issued the night of 8/18/2024, Governor Ned Lamont stressed that “If anyone needs emergency assistance, they should call 9-1-1. For all other, non-emergency questions, people can call 2-1-1 to get directed to the resources they need.Community Recovery

https://teaminc.org/donate/

TEAM’s Valley Flood Relief Fund will be used for direct assistance in supporting Valley individuals and households impacted by the flood, including but not limited to modest levels of support for their personal health & safety,shelter, and/or other basic living needs (100% of these funds will be used towards direct assistance to those impacted – TEAM does not and will not take any administrative fees). TEAM will work with households to determine their situation, needs and eligibility and will assist in establishing plans of action and providing direct assistance funds.

Press/Media

• Valley Independent Sentinel Storm Stories August 2024 Floods

• August 19, 2024 Press Release: Connecticut DPH addresses severe flooding that is impacting numerous cities and towns throughout Connecticut
• August 18, 2024 Press Release: Governor Lamont Statement of Severe Flooding Impacting Portions of Connecticut

After a Flood

General

Flood waters contaminated with sewage can pose a risk to your health if swallowed. Stomach illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea are the greatest risk from swallowing contaminated water. Direct contact with contaminated flood water can cause skin rashes or infected cuts and wounds. Breathing problems can worsen if sewage is allowed to dry and becomes airborne.

Food Safety

Food establishments that have lost power or have been flooded should contact their local health department. Please contact NVHD at 203-881-3255. The local health department will provide guidance on practices to follow to ensure the safety of foods and food contact surfaces. They will also work with them on what steps need to be taken to reopen, once safe to do so. Food service establishments should not reopen without approval from the local health department.

Throw out any food, including emergency supplies, that may have come into contact with floodwater. Discard canned foods that are bulging open, or damaged. Food in undamaged cans can be saved if properly cleaned.

• Food Facts – Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (fda.gov)
• Seguridad alimentaria y del agua en caso de apagones eléctricos e inundaciones (fda.gov)
• https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-and-water-safety-during-power-outages-and-floods
• CT DCP – A Guide to Food Safety in Emergencies

Private Wells

Changes in water taste, color, or odor can be an indication of contamination from flooding. Your well may be at high risk of contamination if there is standing water over the location of your well. If you are concerned that your well has been contaminated, get the water tested and use bottled water for drinking and cooking until the test results have been returned and any issues have been corrected by a professional.

Private well owners are responsible for testing the quality of their own drinking water and maintaining their own wells. Click for List of Approved Laboratories

• Flooding: Information for Homeowners About Private Wells, Sewage and Clean-Up
• Sewage Backups: Information for Residents

For more information about private wells, flooding and the disinfection of wells, please visit the DPH Private Well Program website at www.ct.gov/dph/privatewells or call (860) 509-8401 or send an email to DPH.PrivateWellProgram@ct.gov.

Sewage & Septic Systems

Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house. If you have a home-based or small business and your septic system has received chemicals, take extra precautions to prevent contact with water or inhaling fumes. Proper clean-up depends on the kinds of chemicals in the wastewater.

• Sewage Back-Ups: Information for Residents
• Post Flood: Key Facts About Infectious Disease and Sewage Clean-Up
• After the Storm: Information About Outdoor Clean-Up, Flood Waters Contaminated with Fuel Oil and Sewage

Fact sheets are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you think that you may have an infection, or have questions about the diseases described above, you should consult your health care provider.

FEMA Insurance Claims

TURN AROUND. DON’T DROWN.

It is important to sign up for your town’s emergency notification system so that you can also receive important and timely communications!

Visit your municipal website for instructions.

• Sign up for Ansonia CodeRED: https://www.cityofansonia.com/
• Sign up for Beacon Falls Code RED: https://www.beaconfalls-ct.org/emergency-management
• Sign up for Derby CodeRED: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF851D058F43?isMobile=true
• Sign up for Naugatuck CodeRED: http://www.naugatuck-ct.gov/EMS/code-red
• Sign up for Seymour CodeRED: https://www.seymourct.org/departments/EmergencyServices
• Sign up for Shelton CodeRED: http://sheltonemergency.com/