In the aftermath of the flash floods that devastated parts of Connecticut, our thoughts are with all the people and communities that have been impacted.

State Flooding Micro-Grants Available for Small NonProfits

Governor Ned Lamont, joined by Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, has announced that he is allocating $5 million in state funding to launch a micro-grant program that will help small businesses in the western portion of Connecticut rebuild and recover from the record rainfall and flooding the state received last week.

Under this program, state grants of up to $25,000 will be available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County that have fewer than 100 employees and experienced damage from the floods. Grants can be used to cover various expenses to help in the recovery, including those associated with cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment. Learn more …

Was Your Cultural Organization Affected?

If your cultural institution and/or collections received storm damage, please email CT Humanities at grants@cthumanities.org and Conservation ConneCTion at csl.conservationconnection@ct.gov.

Below are some resources that may be helpful to you.

• National Heritage Responders, associated with the American Institute for Conservation, responds to the needs of cultural institutions and the public during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors, and the public. Their hotline is 202.661.8068. You can find AIC climate resilience resources online here.
• Lyrasis provides both disaster assistance if your organization has suffered damage and disaster preparedness and prevention resources. Contact LYRASIS Preservation Services at (504) 300-9478 to get advice on salvaging collections or connections to additional resources 24/7. This service is free of charge.
• dPlan|ArtsReady is a comprehensive online tool for emergency preparedness and response, designed with arts and cultural organizations in mind. Resources include risk assessment materials, report templates, preparedness information, and more.

Are You Prepared for the Next Disaster?

As these flash floods showed us, disasters can happen quickly with little warning. You can learn steps to take now, before disaster strikes, at the links above or with the preparedness tips below.

• Know what’s coming your way. Track storms here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Be personally prepared. Learn what you need to do to be ready at home so you can focus on what you need to do to be prepared at your agency. https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
• Keep contact information for key staff, services, and resources with you at all times.
• Review your agency or department emergency response plan, update it as necessary, and take it home with you.
• Back up your electronic records and store the backup in a safe place off site if this is not already handled by your IT services.
• Move records out of basements and off floors.
• Gather plastic sheeting for covering records and computer equipment stored in vulnerable locations.
• Move records and computer equipment away from windows and below-ground areas into water-resistant areas. Avoid areas under roofs.
• Know location and procedures for shutting off water, gas, and electricity.
• Move outdoor objects indoors or secure in place.
• Clean gutters to allow water to flow away from your building.
• Hold planning meetings with staff.