Vermont July 16, 2023

Flooding Recovery Info & Resources

If you live in Vermont, you know this week has been filled with the news of widespread flooding in the state. The devastation is heartbreaking, but Vermonters are resilient, and we will recover! There are a multitude of resources available for cleanup and recovery available, so we thought we’d share some information to help you get through this difficult time.
 
We hope everyone is safe, well, and dry!

General Information & Updates

FEMA Flood Resources

Following widespread flooding, FEMA and its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are standing by to assist you and your community as you work to help with recovery. Below are a number of resources available for your use. You can also download the FEMA printable disaster response resources on the right. Right click on the images and save to your desktop.
 

Quick Resources

Filing Your Claim

 

Recovering from a Flood

 

Safety

Travel Information

The Vermont Department of Transportation offers information on current road conditions in Vermont, including a map of current road closures.

For Homeowners

  • In order to help the state apply for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program, Vermont 211 is collecting details about damages to residences and businesses. If you are a resident of the state of Vermont, please fill out this form.
  • How to safely pump out basements – from the Agency of Natural Resources
  • Safe Wise provides some instructions for homeowners after a flood. The page instructs homeowners to “…contact your insurer (or your landlord, if you rent), document everything, and then clean up to prevent further damage from mold.”
  • Progressive Insurance also instructs homeowners to document damage and loss of property. The page states: “Start by documenting the flood damage with photos and video for when you file an insurance claim. Contact your insurance company or companies to start your claim immediately. Your homeowners insurance won’t cover the water damage if the house floods. A homeowners policy could cover other storm damage to your roof or siding. Only a private flood insurance policy or a policy with the National Flood Insurance Program covers flood damage.”
  • Progressive also gives recommendations for how to repair a home affected by a flood. These tips include cutting off all gas and power, removing everything to prevent mold, and to get protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots.
  • A House Logic page also advises homeowners to document any and all damage and provide photo evidence. It also provides instructions on how to remove water from a home.

For Businesses

In order to help the state apply for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program, Vermont 211 is collecting details about damages to residences and businesses. If you are a business in the state of Vermont, please fill out this form.
 
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce (VCC) provides information relating to the flooding including how to get emergency alerts for road closures and power outages and other events relating to the flood. The VCC recommends business do the following:
  • Document the damage to your business and inventory via photos and videos when it is safe to do so.
  • Make a list of damaged or lost items and, if possible, include the date of purchase, value, and receipts.
  • Contact your insurance company to file a claim or understand what losses may be covered.
The Vermont Small Business Development center offers a Disaster Recovery Guide for Businesses
 
The Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund is dedicated to providing direct financial aid to Vermont small businesses for the purpose of rebuilding and recovering from damage and losses suffered due to the recent flooding. The grant application process will commence in the following week, allowing businesses to apply for assistance. Applications will be available next week online at vtrecovery2023.com.

Volunteer to Help Support Vermonters

The volunteer needs in the wake of the storm are evolving, so the state of Vermont is calling on Vermonters to sign up, let them know what skills they can offer, and be ready to serve if needed. Register to become a volunteer here.
People who want to help pets and animals during in the aftermath of the flooding can volunteer with Vermont Animal Disaster Response Team (VADRT). VADRT also provided emergency contact information for people needing pet supplies, food and water on their Facebook page.
Montpelier Alive has a sign up form for those who want to help in Montpelier.
In Waterbury, town officials are directing potential volunteers to sign up on this form.

Donations

The VT Flood Response and Recovery Fund 2023 was established by the Vermont Community Foundation to support Vermonters in responding to and recovering from the catastrophic rainfall across Vermont in 2023. Visit their website to learn more about how you can help, and to find other early giving opportunities.