Weather Council Eyes Strengthening Homes As Protection From Inland Flooding

EAST HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut officials are advancing a comprehensive home resilience strategy aimed at protecting residents from the growing impacts of severe rainstorms and related damage.

At its second public meeting last week, the Severe Weather Mitigation and Resiliency Advisory Council — established by Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais in October 2024 — shared early recommendations focused on homeowner education, fortified construction, and creative financing solutions.

The council, composed of insurers, builders, nonprofit leaders, public advocates, and state legislators, expects to release its final report by the end of June.

"In Connecticut, 90% of flood damage occurs outside federally designated flood plains," said consumer advocate Sonia Larkin-Thorne, the council's co-chair. "Too many residents assume they don't need flood insurance."

Thorn referenced both historical and recent data, including the 1955 flood that caused an estimated $350 million in damages, to illustrate how inland flood risks have increased over time. More recent examples include flooding in Oxford, Southbury, and Farmington — none of which were caused by hurricanes, but rather by increasingly intense and frequent rainstorms.

"We've seen streams turn into rivers and infrastructure fail," Larkin-Thorne said. "It's not hurricanes that are our biggest nemesis now — it's rain and wind."

According to Larkin-Thorne, the council's goal is "to assess what's happening across the state and help consumers plan and protect for the future."

Commissioner Andrew Mais emphasized the importance of proactive state-led planning.

"We are doing everything we can to reduce risk, reduce cost, and ensure that Connecticut residents are protected from natural catastrophes, both physically and economically," he said.

One key proposal under review is a voluntary "fortified roof" upgrade program, which would add an estimated $1,000 to $3,000 to the cost of a typical 2,000-square-foot roof. The upgrades aim to reduce storm damage caused by both wind and rain.

Mais said Connecticut has about 930,000 owner-occupied homes, about 10% of which are currently uninsured. Fortifying all eligible homes would require an estimated $1.6 billion in funding, he said.

To avoid drawing from the state's general fund or raising taxes, the council is considering strategies such as matching grants, catastrophe savings accounts, and public-private partnerships.

John Basso, disaster program manager for the American Red Cross, highlighted the broader social costs of storm-related displacement.

"Flooding and wind damage don't just affect structures, they uproot families and destabilize communities," Basso said. "We need stronger homes and better education to prevent long-term displacement, especially for lower-income households that can't afford to rebuild or relocate."

He added that prolonged shelter stays are becoming more frequent and that critical community businesses like pharmacies and grocery stores often fail to reopen after disasters, deepening the disruption.

Brian Powell of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners presented Alabama's "Strengthen Alabama Homes" program as a model for Connecticut. The initiative provides up to $10,000 in grants for home fortification and features a public-facing online portal to simplify the application process.

"The key is targeting the most vulnerable areas to get the highest return on investment," Powell said, citing the program's success through partnerships with insurers, contractors, nonprofits, and a strong digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the council's education subgroup is developing a multilingual, statewide outreach campaign with support from FEMA, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, and the Connecticut Green Bank. The effort will include both print and digital materials to help residents identify flood-prone areas and understand the benefits of mitigation.

"We're not reinventing the wheel," Powell said. "We're learning from what works in other states and tailoring those solutions for Connecticut."

Outreach efforts will target not only homeowners, but also renters, local officials, and contractors, highlighting that resilience depends on a combination of individual action, coordinated public policy, and increased awareness.

The council is encouraging public input on proposed grant structures, legal frameworks, and pilot programs for outreach and financing.