Stay Afloat: Flood Preparedness Toolkit for Local Businesses

FAQ:

Where can I get sandbags?

The Town of Groton has a sand bag station available to the public at the Town Hall Annex complex located at 134 Groton Long Point Rd. The station is next to the drive leading to the lower parking lot.  Sand, bags, and shovels are available for use. 

Can the Town of Groton build a flood barrier into the Mystic River railroad bridge to stop flooding?

This project idea, though a popular suggestion, is not being pursued at this time because it has many significant barriers to implementation, including those listed below, and is likely infeasible.  

1. The railroad overpass and its embankments were not built for the purposes of flood protection and may not have the structural integrity required for this type of project.
2. The town does not own the railroad, and it is uncertain if Amtrak would be willing to negotiate the approvals necessary for the project to move forward.
3. This type of project would require the cooperation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which built a number of these types of systems in the 1960s. It is not certain that USACE would be willing to consider partnering on this type of project today; partnership opportunities with USACE are also very competitive.
4. USACE considered pursuing this type of system in Mystic in the 1960s but the project didn’t move forward, likely either because the cost:benefit ratio (a USACE program requirement) could not be met or because the town was not able to provide the large amount of local cost-share funding required to build and maintain it.  Both of those hurdles would still exist today. 
5. Compared to projects built in the 1960s, similar projects today would be subjected to much more expansive and extensive environmental impact studies, more challenging permitting and property rights negotiations, and higher property values (which would make easement and construction access more difficult).
6. Large embankments would need to be built to extend flood protection to the lower lying ground near Tufts Cove to avoid allowing water to move around the barrier. Pump stations may also be required to accommodate water flowing downstream during periods when the gate is closed.  Both of these would require the purchase of private property, adding a considerable expense to the project.

This information comes from the Downtown Mystic Resiliency and Sustainability Plan. Click here for access to the resource.

Pearl and Gravel Street frequently flood and sometime overflow into West Main Street where my business is. Can the Town of Groton do anything to help? 

The Downtown Mystic Resiliency and Sustainability Plan has several recommendations for work the town can do to reduce flooding on Pearl and Gravel Streets, including the following: 

1. Install backflow preventers on stormwater outfalls
2. Develop an approach to elevate low-lying roadways
3. Evaluate Pearl Street stormwater improvement alternatives, such as installing larger pipes in several areas or installing a stormwater pumping station. 
4. Reduce pressure on the Pearl Street stormwater system through installation of green infrastructure in the upper watershed. 
5. Evaluate the feasibility of adopting a stormwater authority 

The town’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes capital improvement program (CIP) funds to “develop plans for upgrades (including pipe sizes, tide valves, and upper watershed detention areas) to the local drainage systems in the Gravel and Pearl Street areas of Downtown Mystic” to start moving the report’s suggestions forward.

Can the Town of Groton pump out the water on Pearl and Gravel Street? 

For context, stormwater pumps manage runoff from roads and highways by capturing and treating stormwater runoff before it enters nearby waterways. They can help protect areas from flood damage by pumping large volumes of water during and after storm events. The challenge for coastal communities like Groton is not pumping the water out of the road, but where to put it. Barriers usually need to be erected to keep pumped water from recirculating into the flooded area. Further evaluation as to if and how pumps could help the flooding situation in Downtown Mystic is necessary. 

Is there a difference in hurricane flood preparation and preparation for a small storm?

There is no perfect way to anticipate how damaging a storm may be.  The hurricane surge inundation map linked here shows which areas of town may be flooded by different categories of hurricanes. However, the map was last updated in 2008 and only shows areas anticipated to be flooded, not the expected depth of flooding. Storms much smaller than a hurricane can also cause significant damage, especially if they hit during high tide.

Since storms are unpredictable, planning for the worst prevents you from getting caught unprepared. The flood planning section on the toolkit contains checklists and materials to plan ahead for any storm. For example, before a flood it is important to monitor weather alerts. During the flood, unplugging electrical items before leaving is a good precaution measure. Follow this checklist for tips and strategies to deal with flooding from any type of storm. 

However, when a hurricane is forecasted you will need more specific plans to prepare for flooding and the wind and evacuation protocols. For smaller storms you may forgo boarding up windows or leaving town, but for hurricanes you may need extra knowledge on what to do. Click here for more information on how to prepare for a hurricane.

The flood waters only come to the door, why should I care? 

Businesses that have not flooded before may flood in the future. The toolkit links to flood maps that can help you see what your future risk is, pictured below. Due to climate change flood depth and frequency is increasing. Use the flood map quick link to see your forecasted flood risks in 20 or 50 years!  

For the business community supporting one another in preparing for flooding is important. Downtown Mystic is an attractive tourist destination not because of one single business, but the collection of businesses. If some owners decide to relocate or close tourism could decline. Action items have been identified to consider supporting volunteer groups to help businesses raise inventory or board up windows in the event of a storm to support businesses continuity. 

What is the Town of Groton doing about the parking situation? 

Parking is an important resource in Downtown Mystic, especially as more tourists look to visit. Due to the high demand for space tackling the parking situation requires nuanced dialogue with stakeholders and the public. Click here to access the town’s page on parking. 

One challenge of flooding is making sure areas are safely accessible. Many parking spaces (especially those on Gravel and Pearl Streets) frequently flood, adding another layer of complexity to the conversation. In order to stay safe and avoid vehicle damage, don’t drive through flooded roads. Click here for information on the Turn Around, Don’t Drown safety campaign. 

I rent the building, do I need flood insurance? 

Part of planning ahead is determining if flood insurance can help you recover after a disaster. Insurance can be a great alternative to disaster relief funds that you have to pay back or grants that are not always readily available. For renters there is a type of flood insurance that covers contents only. Go to the flood insurance page on the toolkit to learn more!

Is increased flooding connected to climate change?

According to FEMA, climate change is increasing the risk of flooding due to rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and more. Planning for flooding, even if you have not flooded before, can save you time and money.   

The Connecticut Sea Grant & Center for Land Use Education & Research has created climate resilience training modules. Click here for the module that presents an overview of climate change in Connecticut, highlighting impacts that are already happening or projected to occur in our state. 

When should I evacuate? 

During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television outlets. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Don’t wait until it’s too late! 

• Stay Informed: Before the storm, make sure you have registered with the CT Alert system (go here to sign up). During the storm listen to ration and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, and check the internet and social media for information and updates.
• Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your business when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. 
• Practice Electrical Safety: Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises – get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it. 
• Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of quickly moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds; 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV, 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

(Source: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-during#:~:text=Avoid%20flood%20waters%20at%20all,media%20for%20information%20and%20updates.)

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