Flood Safety and Information

What You Need to Know
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CLICK HERE FOR FEMA Flood Map Service Center Page

Interactive Map on upcoming flood map changes

Interactive map showing sea level rise

FLOODING

Milford is a coastal community surrounded and intersected by water bodies. As a result of its geography and topography, the City has strong potential for flooding, as identified on FEMA Risk Maps.  The City's Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies flooding as our primary natural hazard. 

FloodSmart.gov defines a flood as a general and temporary condition where 2 or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow. Your flood risk isn't just based on history: it's based on many factors that include current weather patterns, natural changes in the environment, and recent development in your community.

Flood zones cover about one-third of the city.  In general, the potential for flooding is widespread across Milford, with the majority of major flooding occurring along established flood zones.  Hurricanes and coastal storms have caused severe coastal flooding as well as flooding along the Wepawaug River.  Indirect flooding that occurs outside floodplains and localized nuisance flooding along tributaries are also common problems in the City.

FLOOD SAFETY

The Milford Heath Department has developed a page on Flood and Hurricanes that includes     practical safety measures to prepare your home and family in the event of a flood or a hurricane.  It is important to evacuate your area when advised.  Should you encounter a flooded road remember the slogan "Turn Around Don't Drown" - flooded roadways are deceptive and dangerous.

          

FLOOD INSURANCE

All homeowners in a flood zone that have federally-backed lending such as a mortgage or home equity loan are required to have flood insurance.  The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program managed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides a mean for property owners to obtain flood insurance.  It is important to note that regular homeowner's insurance does not cover flood losses and that those outside of the flood plain may want to voluntarily purchase flood insurance. 

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM

In 1990, the NFIP implemented a voluntary incentive program to called the “Community Rating System” (CRS), a program that rewards community efforts to go beyond minimum flood protection standards. Depending on the community class rating, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reward the community’s actions. As of November of 2014 the City of Milford has earned a class of 9 which gives all flood insurance policy holders an automatic 5% deduction on their premiums.  The City is actively taking measures to improve our class rating.

Find out more on Milford's Community Rating System Information Page.

HAZARD MITIGATION

One of the most successful approaches to solving the impacts caused by flooding is mitigation. Flood hazard mitigation measures are a sustained effort that work to eliminate or reduce the risk of flooding impacts to people and property while preparing communities for disaster response.  Information on mitigating flood risks can be found a number of ways.

RESOURCES - links open new windows

   Local 
  Regional
            State
            Federal