Milford Participates in National Flood Safety Awareness Week

From the City of Milford: Each year, the National Weather Service holds Flood Safety Awareness Week in order to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by flooding. In participation of this week, March 6-10th, we encourage the citizens of Milford to take time during this week to review flood threats and flood safety practices.

The City of Milford participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System as part of the City’s activities to inform citizens of the availability of flood information and to ensure that citizens are aware of flood hazards, flood safety, and other pertinent information relating to floods. Milford currently has a level 9 CRS rating which results in a 5% premium discount for all NFIP policies issued for Milford residents.

Following the Irene and Sandy storms of the last few years, now more than ever, Milford residents should understand the flood risks and flood hazards due to the presence of both coastal and riverine floodplains. Flooding is not only caused by Hurricanes and Nor’easters but can also be caused by seasonal heavy rainfall inland that sends water down the rivers that course through the City.

All Milford residents should be concerned about flood hazards and take any and all Flood Watches or Warnings seriously. There are several actions you can take to lessen the flood hazard and risk to yourself and your family, including:

• Know the City’s Flood warning procedures.
• Evacuate the flood hazard area in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by the Police or Fire Department warning system.
• Sign up for the Everbridge warning system that can send a text message or voice message to your phone or home.
• Know escape routes to high ground.
• During times of heavy rainfall, monitor the level of water in any adjacent drainage way. Stay tuned to the radio or TV for possible flood warning.
• Do not attempt to cross a flooding stream on foot or by car.
• If your car stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Keep children away from floodwaters, ditches, culverts, and storm drains.
• Be especially cautious at night when floodwater depth and speed is difficult to see.

For more information on the above and other flood related material, please visit the Planning & Zoning website through the City of Milford here.

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