Individuals affected by floods in Vermont can now apply for financial assistance from the federal government after President Joe Biden approved Gov. Phil Scott's major disaster declaration on Friday morning.
People have until Sept. 12 (60 days) to apply for assistance for housing repair, rental assistance and personal property loss, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said, correcting earlier information a representative had given about the deadline.
Individuals in these counties are currently eligible:
- Chittenden County
- Lamoille County
- Rutland County
- Washington County
- Windham County
- Windsor County
Residents and business owners can call 1-800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov to start the process. Amounts and programs will depend on each person's need and circumstances.
The major disaster declaration also allows Vermont towns, nonprofits and the state to be reimbursed for "emergency protective measures" in all 14 counties.
Other key takeaways from the press conference:
- Last night's storms were not as bad as feared, but Bridport, Shoreham, Cornwall and Middlebury were hit hard, said Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison. There was also some road damage in other parts of the state.
- Drinking water safety: If you're on a municipal water system, follow any boil water and do not drink orders. If you use a well or spring for your drinking water, and you're in a flooded area, assume the water is contaminated and don't drink it or use it for food or drink preparation until you get it tested, said Health Commissioner Mark Levine. The state health department is offering free drinking water test kits for people impacted by flooding: call 802-338-4724.
- Mental health: People who are struggling after the floods can call or text the national Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) to speak with a counselor.
- Amtrak returns: Railway reopening will allow Amtrak to get back into Burlington tonight and resume southbound passenger service on Saturday morning, said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn.
- State-local communication: National Guard troops will go Friday to "two to three dozen communities" that have not been in touch with state officials to establish contact and start finding out about local needs, Morrison said.
- Road closures: 19 state roads remained fully closed and nine were partially closed as of Friday morning. Flynn said much progress had been made in the last couple of days.
- U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg plans to come to Vermont on Monday.
Flood recovery resources
- For state road closure information, visit newengland511.org or follow @511VT on X. (For local road closures, use the Waze app or monitor town communications, such as a website or Facebook page.)
- You can sign up for alerts from the state at vtalert.gov.
- The latest forecasts and water levels for specific rivers are provided by the National Water Prediction Service.
- Find power outage information at vtoutages.org.
- To find more resources and services, and to report flood damage, call Vermont 2-1-1 or visit vermont211.org.
- For a list of state resources and guidance about flooding, visit vermont.gov/flood. The guidance includes returning home after a flood, cleaning up, and dealing with mold.
- Find flood recovery information in multiple languages at vem.vermont.gov/flood/translation.
- To request cleanup help from volunteers and groups, call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 802-242-2054.
- For mental health support, call 9-8-8 or call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
- To register through the state to volunteer, visit vermont.gov/volunteer.
- If flood waters reached your private well or spring, order a drinking water test kit through the Vermont Department of Health.
- Find flood-prone areas near you with the Vermont Flood Ready Atlas.
