CT Launches New Online Climate Risk Mapping Tool

Connecticut has launched a free online mapping tool that allows homeowners and businesses to check their properties’ risk from flooding, wildfires and other climate-related hazards, state officials announced.

The tool, developed through a partnership between the Connecticut Insurance Department and First Street, a climate risk data company, provides property-level assessments through interactive maps and downloadable reports. By entering an address, users can view potential exposure to flooding, wildfire, hurricane winds, extreme heat and poor air quality.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the tool is part of the state’s effort to strengthen resilience in communities. Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais called it an improvement over static Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps, noting it offers forward-looking models that can project risks decades into the future.

"This is an important piece in our statewide commitment to build resilience throughout Connecticut communities," Lamont said in a statement. "It also is a great example of our administration leveraging effective public-private partnerships to help our residents and businesses."

The announcement comes after heavy rains in August 2024 caused severe flooding in western Connecticut. State officials said many affected homeowners lacked flood insurance because they did not believe they were at risk.

"Many of the affected property owners did not have flood insurance because they did not believe they were at risk," Mais said. "Homeowner’s insurance policies traditionally do not cover flood damage, yet nearly half of all flood damage occurs outside FEMA-designated flood zones."

Added Mais, who spoke during CID's annual Insuring the Future Climate Summit in Hartford on Tuesday, "Providing residents with clear, property-specific information is a critical step in helping people understand and prepare for the risks we face today. The First Street solution will give residents a more accurate assessment of their property risk in making insurance decisions."

Connecticut is the first state to make the First Street tool available statewide. Company founder and CEO Matthew Eby said it aims to help people make informed decisions about insurance and preparedness as natural disasters become more frequent.

The mapping tool is available at portal.ct.gov/cid/resource-library/free-climate-risk-mapping-tool