The NVCOG Floodplain Management Program assists member municipalities with local floodplain planning to ensure compliance with federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. Our goal is to proactively address regional flood risks and identify actionable strategies that local municipalities can implement to reduce property damage and, most importantly, protect human life.
What is a Floodplain?
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) defines a floodplain as any land area with at least 1% chance of being inundated by floodwaters in any given year. However, flooding can occur anywhere depending on proximity to waterways, slope, soil type, and nearby development impacts.
Support Available
FEMA established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help reduce flood risks and protect communities. All 19 NVCOG communities actively participate in this program. By adopting, maintaining, and enforcing floodplain management regulations, our municipalities can ensure that buildings follow important standards to protect human lives, homes, and businesses.
Historic Regional Floods
The Naugatuck Valley Planning Region has endured multiple severe flooding disasters that underscore the importance of proactive floodplain planning.
- The Flood of 1955: On August 19, 1955, torrential rains from Hurricanes Connie and Diane caused the Naugatuck River to overflow. This historic disaster devastatingly claimed 87 lives and caused $200 million in damages (equal to ~$2.5 billion in 2026).
- The Flood of 2024: On August 18-19, 2024, an extreme 1,000-year rainfall event dropped over 12 inches of rain under 24 hours. The disaster heavily impacted Oxford, Southbury, and Seymour, resulting in three tragic fatalities. Municipal property and infrastructure damages exceeded approximately $100 million per impacted town.
Information for Municipalities
Under Connecticut General Statues (CGS) Sec. 8-2l, local municipalities hold the legal authority to adopt zoning regulations for floodplain management. Enforcing these local ordinances is required to maintain good standing with the FEMA NFIP program and yields measurable benefits. NFIP-compliant structures suffer 80% less damage during flooding events than non-compliant structures. Municipalities can go above and beyond to reduce flood risk by participating in the Community Rating System. NVCOG supports municipalities with floodplain management efforts including regulation updates, flood map reviews, community rating system participation, watershed planning, hazard mitigation planning, and more.
Resources
Information for Residents
Flooding can happen anywhere. In fact, nearly one-third of NFIP flood insurance claims occur outside of designated high-risk areas. Understanding your personal risk profile and preparing in advance is critical to protecting your family and property. The Connecticut Insurance Department offers a free risk mapping tool to identify current and projected future flood risks for your property. Look up your address via CT Risk Mapping Tool.
Safety Protocols and Resources
- Turn Around Don’t Drown: Never drive or walk into floodwaters. More than 50% of flood-related fatalities occur when individuals enter moving water in vehicles or on foot.
- Be Floodsmart Resource Portal
- Download the Flood Safety Guide (English | Spanish)
Staff Contact
Molly Johnson
Environmental Planner II
mjohnson@nvcogct.gov