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.
Flooding recovery assistance and other key resources
- To apply for federal financial assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
- Is your community under a boil-water notice? Find a statewide list here.
- For state road closure information, visit newengland511.org or @511VT on Twitter. To check the status of your town's local roads, consult your town website or social media.
- School activities and child care program closures are collected here.
- Find the latest forecasts and water levels for specific rivers from the National Weather Service.
- Are you returning to flooded property? Get tips on what to expect and how to stay safe while cleaning your home or car and how to deal with trash and debris.
- Here are tips for avoiding scams that can crop up after a disaster.
- Flood safety tips have been translated into 16 languages here.
- The Vermont Professionals of Color Network is connecting BIPOC Vermonters with recovery assistance.
- Business owners can find tips and resources from Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
- To find more resources, visit vermont.gov/flood, vermont211.org or call Vermont 2-1-1.
- You can also report flood damage to 2-1-1 to help the state gather data, according to Vermont Emergency Management. (If you are a homeowner, you should also contact your insurance company.)
- The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has provided a resource page for farmers.
- Find the latest guidance about how to help with recovery.
