General Info

The President has made a Major Disaster Declaration for Windsor County and several other counties in Vermont affected by hurricane Irene. This type of declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately assist in providing shelter, activating the National Guard, and carrying out other emergency repairs, as well as providing additional long term assistance in our region. The disaster declaration has also made many grant and loan opportunities available to individuals, businesses, and towns in our area. However, it is very important to report damages as soon as possible to ensure your eligibility for these programs.

Reporting Damages
Individuals and business owners who have property that has been affected by the storm should immediately report it to the state by calling 211. Calling 211 does not register you with FEMA, so you must contact them as well at (800) 621-3362 to register for aid. Also, if repairs are made by a property owner, it is important to take pictures of the damage, document the repairs and keeping receipts for potential reimbursement. For more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit Rebuilding Vermont After Hurricane Irene Questions and Answers

Individuals: Individuals reporting property damage should call 211 to report damage and recieve general assistance. You should also call to register for aid with FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

Businesses: Businesses (for-profit; non-profit; multi-family housing provider, etc.) should call the Agency of Commerce and Community Development at (ACCD) at 828-3211 to report damage which will be collated for VEM and FEMA. ACCD will also make referrals for financing and technical assistance. You will need the following information when you call: name of business, location (complete address), description of damage, point of contact, date damage occurred. There are additional questions for historic properties as well as matching grants from the Preservation Trust for up to $500 for Emergency Conditions and Engineering Assessments 802-343-8180.

Up to $10 Million may be available through VEDA’s Hurricane Irene Loan Assistance Program to assist Vermont commercial businesses in their efforts to recover from direct physical damage caused by flooding, such as damage to or loss of inventory, equipment, or business premises. Not-for-profit organizations are also eligible. The interest rate in this program will be one percent for the first two years with no payments required during the first year. At the beginning of the third year, the rate will adjust to the Small Business Loan Program index. Loan applicants must demonstrate repayment ability. The maximum loan amount is $100,000. To apply, go to www.VEDA.org or call 828-5627.

Farms: To report damages to property including but not limited to barns, milking parlors, crops, fields, equipment, etc., contact:

Your county USDA Farm Service Agency , your county Natural Resources Conservation Services office, or you can call organizations such as the Vermont Farm Bureau (802-434-5646) or NOFA Vermont (802-434-4122). Farmers experiencing loss of crops due to flooding should contact their crop insurance agent as well as the USDA Farm Service Agency (802-658-2803).

Communities: Communities also need to report damages to Vermont Emergency Management. To fill out a damage report, Visit the VEM Website. The SWCRPC is also helping with emergency management for towns within our region.

It is important to ensure that municipal bylaws are followed when making any permanent repairs to structures. For resources that may be helpful during the permitting process, see the Development Review and Permits after Flood Damage section of the Agency of Natural Resources homepage.

Drinking Water
Your private well may be contaminated if it has been inundated by floodwater. Information, including the availability of free test kits, is located at http://www.healthvermont.gov/news/2011/090611_safe_drinking_water.aspx

What you can do now
If your property has been damaged, be sure you have registered with all of the appropriate agencies listed above and call 211 for any other questions or concerns you may have. FEMA recommends that you:

Take lots of photos and document the damage
Keep all receipts
Document all volunteers who are helping out (you can use this for your cost share) – - Use a “Sign-in” book, with their name, time in, time out
Take action NOW to protect your property

NOTE: You may or may not be eligible for FEMA or other federal assistance but in case you are, the above information will be critical.

For general information and detailed information on safely returning to your home, visit the VEM website

The Northeast Recycling Center has released a helpful Debris Management Guide for the proper disposal of waste and debris created by the flood.

To report fuel tanks that have been disturbed by the flooding, call the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association at 802-223-7750 or online at info@vermontfuel.com

See the Donations and Volunteering tab above for information on how you can help to aid in the recovery process.