Introduction

Floods are the most common natural disasters and as a costal community, the City of New Haven is at particular risk. This page contains information and resources to help city residents determine their risk level and access resources to prepare for flooding.

Know Your Risk

Flood Risk Maps
Flood maps can help you find out whether you are at risk for storm surge or flooding.

• Flood Cost Estimator
• How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
• Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Lookup Tool

In the event of catastrophic flooding, the Emergency Operations Center will communicate with residents using the Citizen Alert notification system. Opt-in to Citizen Alert.

National Flood Insurance Program

The City of New Haven participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The NFIP provides New Haven residents with flood insurance options. In addition, the City participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS is a voluntary program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. This program takes inventory of city flood protection measures and result in flood insurance discounts of 15% for all residents.

• NFIP Information
• Top 10 Facts Every Consumer Needs to Know about the NFIP
• Myths and Facts about the NFIP

City Information

• New Haven Flood Information Brochure 2023
• Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023 SCRCOG)
• New Haven Annex - Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023 SCRCOG)
• 2023 SCRCOG Hazard Mitigation Plan – New Haven Projects Jan. 2024
• 2013 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
  • This Ordinance is under Amendment. Please reference the current version in Municode, found here, or contact staff with questions.

• Certified Zoning Ordinance Amendment
• Floodplain Development Permit
• Flood Information for Realtors and Developers 
• Hurricane Preparedness Brochure: Tips on Dealing with a Hurricane
• Hurricane Season Preparedness Information
• 2023 Resilience, Flooding, and FEMA Community Rating System Information Webinar
• Emergency Information
• Know Your Flood Risk Before Buying & Building in New Haven
• Evacuation Map

FEMA Resources

• Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
• Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
• Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55, (2011)
• Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
• Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348 (1999)