Monday, July 20, 2015

Flood Relief Programs In Connecticut

Flood insurance can be purchased through FEMA.


Flood relief in Connecticut is largely provided by federal organizations such as The Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Association, and others. However, in the case of a flood, state-run programs such as the Department of Social Services have been known to step in and help those in need of assistance.


Additional flood relief is provided through emergency relief funds approved during a state of emergency such as the flooding in April 2010.


National Flood Relief Programs


FIMA, part of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is the Flood Insurance and Mitigation Administration that was created in 1968 to help with the rising cost of flood repair. FIMA manages and oversees the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides assistance to over 20,000 communities. NFIP provides federally-sponsored insurance to both private and public sectors. The American Red Cross also provides relief including shelter, food, and general support to victims of natural disasters such as a flood. Their website contains information on contact them for assistance as well as information on emergency preparedness to allow natural disasters to have the least possible effect.


The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers loans to small businesses affected by flooding though their help is dependent on the situation and level of damage. Officially the relief is offered through SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans Program.


State-Sponsored Flood Relief


In Connecticut, flood relief is added by the state after surveying the damage caused by a flood. In April 2010, the state of Connecticut approved low interest loans for homeowners to help with the cost of structural repair caused by flooding.


The Connecticut State Department of Social Services also offers replacement aid for food stamp recipients who are affected by flooding. However, this only extends to families whose food has been spoiled by flooding or other disaster-related problems.


Additional Flood Relief


Many religious or nonprofit organizations offer disaster and flood assistance. From Adventist Community Services (ACS) to The Catholic Charities USA Disaster Response, they provide both temporary and long-term assistance to families of all denominations that have been affected by natural disaster. Food banks such as Second Harvest Food Bank also provide disaster assistance through storing and distributing food for other relief agencies.


Children's Disaster Services (CDS) offers childcare to families who have been housed in shelters or are affected by natural disaster. They provide individual counseling and reassure children in disaster areas.

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