Tropical Storm Irene, October snowstorm Alfred, and Superstorm Sandy are recent events that caused severe damage in the region and resulted in Federal disaster declarations. Flooding, heavy snow, wind, and downed power lines cause damage to property, disrupt our daily routines, close our schools and businesses, and jeopardize the health and safety of the citizens of Waterbury.

What can be done to minimize our vulnerabilities to natural hazards?

The City of Waterbury is updating its hazard mitigation plan to identify activities that can be undertaken before natural hazards occur in order to minimize property damage, risk of life, and the costs that are shared by all. The plan will discuss the occurrence and consequences of floods, winter storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and tropical storms, wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, and dam failure. The plan will outline the steps that Waterbury can take to mitigate for future natural hazards.

In order to gain input to the hazard mitigation plan, the City will host a forum on Thursday, June 27, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cass Gilbert Room, 1st floor, City Hall, 235 Grand St.  Residents and business owners are invited to share their experiences with natural hazards and offer ideas for minimizing the damage that occurs and the costs that are borne by our City.

For more information, please contact Mark Pronovost, City Engineer, at (203) 574-6851.