This week’s storm has left many Vermonters with serious damage to property and businesses. The state of Vermont is compiling data to inform a possible disaster declaration for Individual Assistance, which would provide some financial relief.
To reach the threshold for an IA disaster, residents need to report damage to 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.vermont211.org. Even if you have minimal damage, please report it to 211 to give us an accurate picture of damages. To be eligible for IA, we must meet a threshold of damages, so it is critical that we capture as much information as possible.
When cleaning your home, document all costs and take photos of damage and eventual repairs. Remove all wet materials from your home and move flood debris to the edge of the public right of way.
Homeowners and businesses should also contact their insurance company.
Volunteer assistance is available for those cleaning up their homes. Vermonters can call the state’s Crisis Cleanup line to request help cleaning up debris, mucking out basements, or other recovery work.
Crisis Cleanup Hotline: 802-242-2054
There is a strong cache of volunteers ready to go, but more help is always needed. If you would like to volunteer for storm cleanup, please register at www.vermont.gov/volunteer.
Those who wish to donate to flood recovery can do so through the Vermont Flood Response & Recovery Fund at www.vtfloodresponse.org/
Vermonters and visitors are strongly encouraged to respect all road closures and detours. Although the floodwaters have largely receded, unseen washouts on roads could still cause accidents.
The weekend forecast calls for hot weather in Vermont. Despite that, everyone is encouraged to stay out of rivers. Currents are running high, and debris and pollutants are working through the system, creating unique hazards.
The Vermont Department of Health has a map of areas to cool off, including public beaches and air-conditioned public buildings. Please visit www.healthvermont.gov/hot-weather to access that map.
For mental health support, call: 9-8-8
Safety tips on returning home after a flood: www.healthvermont.gov/flood