Killingworth Seeks Comments on Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

Killingworth is asking for comments on a draft Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for the town. The plan lays out priorities for steps that the town and its residents could take to prevent or reduce damages from natural hazards. The plan will go to Town Meeting for approval later this fall.

People and property in Killingworth are periodically exposed to hurricanes, tropical storms, winter storms, and nor'easters—sometimes in combination. In the last two years alone, residents of Killingworth have suffered downed trees, prolonged power outages, impassable roads, and lack of services from Tropical Storm Irene, the Halloween Nor'easter, Hurricane Sandy, and the February blizzard earlier this year. Good planning can help us avoid severe damages in the future from natural events that we cannot control.

In addition, FEMA—the Federal Emergency Management Agency—requires towns to have an approved plan in place to be eligible for planning and mitigation grants. 

The Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments has helped the town draft a comprehensive natural hazard mitigation plan, covering everything from drought to tornadoes. The plan is available for review at townofkillingworth.com, the Town Clerk’s office, and the Killingworth Library. Until the end of September, the town is seeking comments and suggestions though an on-line survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Killingworth_NHMP. If you cannot take it on line, either at home or at the library, please contact the Selectmen’s Office, 860-663-1765, ext. 501, and we will provide you with a paper copy.