People and property in Westbrook periodically are exposed to damages from natural hazards including coastal floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, winter storms, nor'easters and similar events. In the last two years alone, coastal residents have suffered significant losses from Tropical Storm Irene and Superstorm Sandy while residents elsewhere have had to deal with prolonged power outages, impassable roads and lack of services.

To help reduce and avoid damages from natural hazards, the Town, working with the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments, is preparing a "Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan" (NHMP). The plan will identify actions that could and should be taken by residents and the Town to prepare for and mitigate natural hazard related impacts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), requires that towns adopt and update their NHMP every 5 years to be eligible for planning and mitigation grants.

This survey has been prepared by the Westbrook Planning Commission as part of the work necessary to develop the Town's Plan. The general purpose of the survey is to help measure public opinion and support for natural hazard mitigation actions and to collect comments and ideas on how we can better protect people and property from future hazards.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and provide the Planning Commission with your inputs.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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