This article was compiled from a press release from the Town of Wilton.
Following last weekend’s unprecedented rainfall and flooding in Wilton and across the state, town and state officials are asking residents to complete a survey about any damage sustained from the storm.
On Monday, Aug. 19, Gov. Ned Lamont declared a statewide state of emergency. The next day he requested a federal disaster declaration, which was approved by Pres. Joe Biden. This allows federal agencies to support state and municipal-led immediate recovery efforts and providing restorative efforts that defend public safety. It also opens the possibility of securing financial assistance for residential and commercial property owners.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DESPP/DEMHS) has begun the initial damage assessment and is asking residential, commercial or industrial property owners to complete an assessment survey about damage sustained from the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding that occurred on Aug. 18-19.
Once they have gathered all of the correct and necessary information, the State will be able to determine if property owners have met the thresholds and criteria required in order to qualify for the FEMA Individual Assistance program and/or Small Business Administration (SBA) programs.
To streamline the data collection process, and ensure accurate and efficient reporting, the State has created a dedicated public self-reporting link for the public to report damages to their homes and businesses.
This portal will enable DESPP/DEMHS to create a statewide overview of the storm damage, and help the agencies identify where to direct their damage assessment teams. This information will still need to be verified through these agencies in the weeks to come. The DEMHS Regional Coordinators will have access to the damage reports and the capability to share them with you, as requested.
While there is no guarantee the State will meet thresholds for federal assistance, officials need to collectively capture all damages to determine eligibility under FEMA programs.