A Message from Mayor

Several residents have recently shared with me their anxieties after seeing news reports of significant flooding in other areas of New York and across the country. I want you to know that I understand these concerns. Having lived in the Village of Fonda my entire life and still residing in the very home where I was raised—within a flood zone—I’ve seen firsthand how flooding events have become more frequent and, in some cases, more severe. My intent in sharing the following information is not to instill fear, but to help you feel more informed, better prepared, and supported. The most important thing we can do as a community is to take proactive steps to prepare for a flood before it happens. Simple actions today can protect your family, your property, and your peace of mind tomorrow. Preparedness starts with awareness and education. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management Team play a leading role in this area, offering multiple training sessions each year on emergency response and planning, as well as other critical events. I encourage you to participate whenever possible.

Since the severe floods of the early 2000s, New York State’s Canal Corporation has made significant improvements in managing Mohawk River levels. These improvements are vital because creeks like Broadway Creek and Cayadutta Creek—our primary north-side tributaries—rely on the Mohawk River having a clear outflow path. If the river is backed up, so is everything trying to drain into it. That’s when local flooding gets worse.

Sometimes it’s the small things that create big problems. Something as simple as blowing leaves into the street can clog storm drains, leading to backups and flooding. We all have a role to play in preventing this.

While we’ve made real progress, there’s still more work to do. I’ve personally led efforts to pursue grant funding for Broadway Creek flood mitigation multiple times, and I continue to advocate aggressively for the resources we need. This creek remains a serious concern for several of our residents, and it hasn’t been forgotten.

I know everyone’s time is limited, and we can’t all attend every meeting or training; however, please be assured that your concerns are being heard. Working alongside others, I am dedicated to alleviating the burden of these worries and enhancing our Village’s long-term safety on your behalf every day.

Your safety is always a priority. Let’s stay aware, support each other, and continue moving Fonda forward—one step at a time.

Flood Preparedness in the Village of Fonda – What You Need to Know

In recent weeks, residents throughout the Northeast and other parts of New York State have experienced an increase in heavy rainfall and severe flooding. While the Village of Fonda has so far been spared the worst, we understand the growing concern among our residents. Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters, and being prepared can make all the difference.

The Village of Fonda is committed to your safety. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare before, during, and after a flood, along with placeholders for local resources and response protocols you can expect from us.

Understanding Your Risk

Flooding in Fonda can result from heavy rainfall, overflow of local creeks such as Broadway Creek or Cayadutta Creek, poor stormwater drainage, and snowmelt in the early spring. While some areas are more prone to flooding than others, flash floods can affect almost any property, especially during periods of prolonged rainfall.

Before a Flood – Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Stay Informed

Sign up for local emergency alerts.

Monitor weather updates from the National Weather Service. https://www.weather.gov/aly/

Sheriff Resources: https://montgomerycountysheriffny.com/resources

• Prepare an Emergency Kit
• Flashlights with extra batteries,
• Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for 3 days),
• Non-perishable food,
• Medications and a first-aid kit,
• Copies of important documents (stored in waterproof containers),
• Cell phone chargers and backup batteries.

Know Your Evacuation Routes

Identify multiple safe routes from your home and neighborhood. Keep your gas tank at least half full during storm season.

Protect Your Property

• Clear storm drains and gutters.
• Elevate electrical panels and utilities if in flood-prone areas.
• Install sump pumps with battery backup.
• Consider flood insurance (not included in standard homeowner policies).

Plan Responsibly

Avoid building over or too close to creeks or known drainage channels.

Always consult with the Village Code Enforcement Officer before beginning any construction or land modifications near waterways.

During a Flood – Safety First

• Stay Alert
• Do not ignore flood watches or warnings. Flash floods can develop rapidly.
• Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
• Avoid Water
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down; one foot of water can sweep away vehicles.
• Slow down and avoid driving through ponding water near curbs and drains.

Evacuate Safely

• If advised to evacuate, do so quickly and safely.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed.
• Take your emergency kit and pets with you.

Emergency Contacts and Shelter Information

Emergency Support

In the event of a flooding emergency, all Village of Fonda residents should report life-threatening situations by calling 911immediately.

For non-emergency support during flood events:

• Montgomery County Emergency Management: (518) 853-4011
• Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department (Dispatch): (518) 853-5500
• Fonda Village Clerk’s Office and Public Works (for updates and local coordination): (518) 853-4335

After-hours contact with Village Officials during an Emergency: Call Montgomery County Dispatch at 518.853.5500.

Note: The Village of Fonda relies on Montgomery County for emergency management, storm response, and shelter coordination. Local notifications will be issued by the Village as needed in cooperation with county officials.

After a Flood – Return with Caution

• Wait for the “All Clear”
• Do not return home until local authorities declare it safe.
• Check for Hazards Be cautious of downed power lines, contaminated water, gas leaks, and structural damage.
• Wear protective gear (gloves, masks, boots) when cleaning.
• Document Damage: Take photos or videos of all damage before cleaning up to support your insurance claims.
• Disinfect and Ventilate
• Clean all surfaces with disinfectant.
• Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the building.

Cleanup Coordination and Debris Removal

Following a flooding event, the Village of Fonda will provide updates on cleanup efforts, debris pickup schedules, and any available assistance programs through our official communication channels.

This includes:

• Village of Fonda Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086440740637
• Village Website: www.villageoffonda.ny.gov

Residents are encouraged to monitor these sources for timely information about where and how to place flood-damaged items for collection, any assistance available through the county or state, and volunteer or support opportunities.

If you have immediate questions following a storm, please contact the Village Clerk’s Office at (518) 853-4335 or Public Works for guidance.

How the Village of Fonda is Preparing

We are actively assessing and upgrading storm drainage systems, performing creek and culvert inspections, and working with county and state officials to pursue long-term flood mitigation projects.

Stay Connected – Stay Safe

Community preparedness is a shared effort. The Village of Fonda will continue to provide updates, emergency resources, and support as we navigate unpredictable weather patterns together. We encourage every resident to take these precautions seriously—not out of fear, but out of care for your family, neighbors, and community.

Montgomery County Sheriff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nymcso

Sheriff’s Website: https://montgomerycountysheriffny.com

Town of Mohawk Fire District: https://www.townofmohawkfire.com

Fire District Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mohawkfire/

Montgomery County Emergency Services: https://montgomerycountysheriffny.com/emo-main

Hyper-Reach: https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=8261 (Sign-Up!)

Additional Protection Measures for Your Property

While many flood protection strategies involve municipal systems and emergency response, there are also actions you can take right at home. One such option is the use of residential flood barriers, such as water-filled dams, door shields, or sandless sandbags. These products can help redirect or slow the flow of water away from vulnerable entry points, such as doors, garages, or basement windows.

We encourage homeowners in low-lying or flood-prone areas to consider keeping flood barriers on hand as part of their overall emergency kit, especially if they’ve experienced water intrusion in the past. These solutions are often available through home improvement retailers or specialty emergency preparedness suppliers.

Final Thoughts

Flooding is a genuine and growing concern, and we are taking every possible step to stay ahead of the risks. While we cannot control the weather, we can control how well we prepare for it. As your Mayor, I want to assure you that the well-being of our residents is at the heart of every decision we make.

Please continue to look out for one another. Stay alert. Stay informed. And most of all, stay prepared. Together, we can take steps today that make tomorrow safer.

If you have any questions or need assistance with flood preparedness, please contact the Village Clerk’s Office, Code Enforcement, or our Department of Public Works, or reach out to our County Emergency Services Community Resources.

We’re here to help—always.

Together, we can stay safe and prepared.

Flood Map Key

🔹 Zone A Definition: Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding but no detailed base flood elevation (BFE) have been established. Characteristics: High-risk flood areas. No specific depth or flood elevation info available. Flood insurance is mandatory in these zones for federally backed mortgages.

➡️ Zone A is shown in light blue, running along parts of Broadway Creek and Cayadutta Creek into central Fonda.

🔷 Zone AE Definition: Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding with detailed flood elevations (BFEs) determined by FEMA. Characteristics: High-risk area with more precise flood modeling. Used for regulatory and insurance purposes. Elevation requirements for building/rebuilding. Flood insurance is mandatory for most property owners with mortgages.

➡️ Zone AE is shown covering much of the southern portion of the Village, including the fairgrounds and areas along the Mohawk River.