Flood Measures Give Residents Break on Insurance

By Staff Shore News
Published on 11/11/2004

EAST HAVEN - Thanks to the efforts of local officials, East Haven residents on the shore are safer and their insurance costs are lower. A recent evaluation by the Insurance Service Organization (ISO) resulted in East Haven receiving an upgrade in the organization's rating system. The upgrade translates into a 10 percent savings on flood insurance for residents. It's estimated that it will save about $175,000 town wide--about $120 to $140 in annual savings for the average family in the Momauguin area. "Before I was the mayor I was a fireman for 20 years and when all those people were flooded out by the Farm River, I was one of the rescuers," said Mayor Joseph Maturo. "I saw the effects of that. I wanted it to be a priority for my first campaign. I kept my promise. I know that sounds political, but it is personal." Maturo primarily credits Chief Wayne Sandford of the East Haven Fire Department for his efforts in protecting the town from floods. Since 1997, the town has implemented numerous measures to mitigate floods, including flood public education, maintenance of the Farm River and storm drainage, the purchase of flood monitoring equipment, and the implementation early warning systems and storm drainage inspections. The town has also obtained grants to protect individual homes along the coastline by the installation of storm shutters and the elevation of homes. East Haven is one of only five towns in Connecticut to reach this level. "It was a lot of work. It took almost 2 1/2 years to fill out the document for this upgrade. The document is actually a 5 1/2 inch thick binder," said Sandford. According to Sandford, the town will continue to be diligent in improving the town's rating. Officials are looking into adjusting zoning and building codes, and monitoring future construction. The town recently received another federal grant of $800,000 to elevate individual homes. All of this is being done with an eye on keeping residents safe and continuing to lower insurance costs. "Any time you can save the taxpayers' money it benefits the community. Anytime you can save someone 10 percent on their flood insurance it is good for the whole town," said Maturo.