WINDSOR, Conn. – Outreach teams from FEMA will be at The Home Depot stores in East Haven, Fairfield and Orange this weekend to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from future storms and flooding.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer “how-to” information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities. Specialists can also provide cleanup tips for removing mold and mildew from a storm-damaged home.

FEMA teams will be at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, and Sunday, Dec. 16:

• The Home Depot – 75 Frontage Road, East Haven, CT 06512
• The Home Depot – 541 Kings Highway Cutoff, Fairfield, CT 06824
• The Home Depot – 440 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT 06477

Information will include instructions on how to:

• Relocate circuit breaker panels, outlets and switches above potential floodwaters;
• Move washer and dryer hookups to a higher floor;
• Elevate furnaces and water heaters; and
• Prevent sewer backups with a backflow valve.

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

 FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.