Disaster Assistance

According to FEMA, residents and business owners who sustained losses in designated counties can begin applying for assistance on-line at: http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov/

OR by calling: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) OR 1-800-462-7585 for hearing and speech impaired

Hours for calling are 7am-10pm (Local Time), seven days a week until further notice.

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Information for Vermonters and Visitors on Impacts of Hurricane Irene:

August 30^th, 2011 Status of FEMA efforts:

The President has made an Emergency Declaration for Vermont. This type of declaration allows Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately assist with shelters, National Guard, emergency repairs, etc. FEMA is gearing up to do Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) in each of the 14 counties. The Goal of this phase is to document sufficient damage to get a Major Disaster Declaration from the President.

If you want information on road conditions, call 511:

“511” provides Vermonters and visitors to the state with information on state road closures. The Agency of Transportation is working 24/7 to update the information as fast as possible. AOT is working on a system to report local roads as well.

If you are an individual and need immediate help, call 211:

“211” is the resource to help individuals access services now and to register information on individual property damage. (For more information, go to: http://www.vermont211.org/).

If you are a business (for-profit; non-profit; multi-family housing provider, etc.) call 828-3211:

If you are a business looking to report damage to your business or would like to speak to someone about additional resources available, please call 828-3211. The ACCD has set up a system to document damage to businesses and properties (both for and non-profit businesses, including mulit-family housing providers and services) in order to assist FEMA in their collection of information.

Communities are reporting storm damage for inclusion in the preliminary damage assessment.

Communities also need to report damages and that information goes to the Vermont Emergency Management. The link to their site for communities to input information is at http://vem.vermont.gov/home/damage_report and filling out the survey on the site. The Regional Planning Commissions are also helping with emergency management for towns in their region. For contact information for an RPC in your town, go to http://www.vapda.org/.

Documenting Impacts to Historic Properties:

ACCD is helping to document impacts to historic resources for various reasons – a) When FEMA teams begin to work in communities they will be aware ahead of time of damaged/destroyed historic properties and can focus on those; b) It will give the historic preservation community a better sense of the extent and location of major damage and where we can help best during the recovery phase; c) It will help us better plan education and training information and workshops during the recovery phase.

What You Can Do Now:

If you or your property has a significant cultural collection that has been damaged, take immediate corrective action – - if your roof is leaking, put a roof on your building; if your carpets are wet, get them dried. If your collections or museum facility has been damaged, put your Emergency Plan in Place NOW.

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.

As the Floodwaters Recede — A Checklist of Things to Do: (Courtesy Preservation Trust of Vermont, at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs041/1102172352505/archive/1107373832970.html) Adapted from: INFORMATION, National Trust for Historic Preservation Booklet No. 82, 1993, Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings, and provided courtesy of the New Bern Historic Preservation Commission.
The following checklist will help you respond to flood damage in historic and older buildings. Read the steps through carefully and take time to plan. While it is tempting to wade right in with a shovel and mop, it is very important to develop a plan for cleanup and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, overly zealous cleanup efforts can result in historic materials being carted away, excessively rough cleaning methods, and the unnecessary loss of historic fabric. The best way to prevent additional damage to historic structures and materials during a time of duress is to use caution and plan ahead.

Follow all emergency rules, laws, and regulations
Turn off all utilities
Document building damage
Wear protective clothing
Stabilize any unstable structures with temporary bracing
Use caution when pumping basement water
Keep building properly ventilated
Clean everything that got wet with a disinfectant
Allow saturated materials to dry using natural ventilation
Check for foundation damage
Replace soil around foundation
Save historic materials if possible
Use caution when removing lead-based paint or any products containing asbestos
Clean and repair roof and roof drainage systems to protect building from future damage
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Another link regarding Flood Assistance Information:

http://libraries.vermont.gov/

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VERMONT STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Date:

9/28/22

Contact:

Mark Bosma, Public Information Officer

Vermont Emergency Management

(800) 347-0488

Time:

5:00 p.m.

Deadline EXTENDED for Public Assistance Disaster Fund Applications

WATERBURY, VT – Cities and towns in Vermont will have an extra 16 days to apply for federal disaster assistance to help repair damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene. The new deadline for communities to apply is now October 17, 2011.

President Barack Obama signed an emergency Public Assistance disaster declaration for all Vermont counties on September 1^st. The declaration makes all cities and towns in Vermont eligible to receive 75% reimbursement for eligible response repair, and cleanup costs.

By law, those who are eligible for funds MUST submit a request for public assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency within 30 days of the declaration – however, that deadline has been extended to October 17, 2011.

Communities, certain non-profits, and publicly owned utilities in the declared counties can put in claims for things like overtime paid for storm cleanup, public infrastructure damage, contractors, equipment rentals, fuel for those rentals and other publicly owned equipment used for cleanup or repairs, and any other costs above and beyond normal operating expenses.

Your regional planning commission, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and PA specialists from FEMA can help with the application process, but it must be completed by the deadline of October 17th.

This does not affect the October 31 deadline for individuals to apply for Individual Assistance.

For more information, please call Alec Portalupi at the Vermont Agency of Transportation at 802-828-3889; or Gary Schelley of VTrans at (802) 828-0425.

Mark Bosma

Public Information Officer

Vermont Emergency Management

802-951-2708 (Temporary)

http://vem.vermont.gov

____________________________________________________________

Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 11:24 AM
Subject: Department of Health Press Release

For immediate release:

September 6, 2011

Media Contact:

Vermont Department of Health

802-863-7281

After the Flood Safe Drinking Water Advisory

Vermont Department of Health offers free drinking water test kits (Kit A)

BURLINGTON – The Vermont Department of Health is offering free water test kits for residents with private drinking water wells that may have been contaminated with floodwaters.

“If your private drinking water well was covered with floodwater, is located very near a flooded area, or there is a change in quality – odor or taste – assume that it is contaminated, take all precautions and get it tested,” said Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD.

Contact your Health Department district office or town health officer for a free test kit and disinfection instructions. Water samples must be submitted to the Health Department Laboratory according to instructions in the kit, and must be clearly marked “contaminated by flooding”. Be sure to write your name and address so that results will be mailed directly to you.

You can also order a test kit for a fee of $14 by calling the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory at 1-800-660-9997. A water test kit order form is also available at the Health Department website: http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/ph_lab/water_test.aspx

Drinking water safety guidance for wells affected by flooding:

Until a test confirms that your water is safe, boil water for one minute before use in drinking, cooking, making juice or ice, washing fruits and vegetables and brushing teeth.

Shower with caution when on a boil-water notice. Avoid getting water in eyes, mouth and wounds. Do not allow children to swallow bath water if on a boil-water notice.

If there is a smell of petroleum or fuel, do not drink or use water at all for cooking, bathing or washing. Use bottled water or water from a known safe source. Call 1-800-439-8550 for consultation and testing information.

Residents who get their drinking water from a public system should look for boil water or other instructions put out by their own system.

For more information about drinking water safety after a flood, go to the Health Department’s website anytime at www.healthvermont.gov or call the Health Department’s drinking water program at 1-800-439-8550 (toll-free) during regular business hours.

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News Release

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER OPENS AT HARTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene may now visit a disaster recovery center open in the town of Hartford for disaster assistance information.

Hartford Fire Department

2^nd Floor Training Room

812 VA Cutoff Road

White River Junction, VT 05001

The recovery centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s individual assistance program covers expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan. But if they don’t complete the application, they will not be considered for some federal grants.

Anyone who has a question about disaster loans may visit a disaster recovery center to speak with an SBA representative. Staff specialists are also available at the centers to answer other disaster assistance questions. Specialists at the recovery centers can refer applicants to voluntary agencies and provide information to reduce damage in possible future disasters.

Disaster officials encourage those affected by the storm to register with FEMA before visiting a disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Multilingual registration assistance is available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.

Applicants who would like to speak to disaster specialists face-to-face can visit a center between

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Other disaster recovery centers are in the following locations:

Northfield Library (Community Room)

93 South Main Street

Northfield, VT 05663

Bennington Fire Department

130 River Street

Bennington, VT 05201

The Rock Church

473 Woodstock Road

Woodstock, VT 05091

Rutland Heart Center

1 Commons Street

Rutland, VT 05701

Dover Town Hall

120 Taft Brook Road

Dover, VT 05341

U.S. Post Office (Upstairs)

2046 Route 4

Killington, VT 05751

Barre Municipal Auditorium

16 Auditorium Hill

Barre, VT 05641

Living Memorial Park Skating Rink

61 Memorial Park Drive

Brattleboro, VT 05301

Waterbury Fire Department

43 South Main Street

Waterbury, VT 05676

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(Posted 10-04-11)

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS CHANGING OPERATING HOURS

Centers will be closed Monday, Oct. 10, Columbus Day

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Federal and state officials announce that all fixed-site disaster recovery centers will now be open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning

Friday, October 7. In addition all centers will be closed Monday, Oct. 10, in observance of Columbus Day.

It is not necessary for Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene to visit a center in order to receive disaster assistance. In fact, people with storm-related losses are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting a center.

Register by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Multilingual registration assistance is available if needed. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service. The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is Monday, Oct. 31.

Those who have questions about disaster assistance can call 800-621-3362 and select the “help” option. Applicants who would like to speak to someone face to face can visit a center, which is staffed with disaster recovery specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance.

Locations for the fixed-site centers are shown below:

Municipal Office Building

119 Park Avenue

Lyndonville, VT 05851

Okemo Market Place

Between Cool Moose and Dark Side Snowboard Shop

57 Pond Street, Suite #4

Ludlow, VT 05149

Rutland Heart Center

1 Commons Street

Rutland, VT 05701

Dover Town Hall

120 Taft Brook Road

Dover, VT 05341

Waterbury Fire Department

43 South Main Street

Waterbury, VT 05676

Six of the eleven centers are closing this week.

The following two centers will close at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4

Living Memorial Park Skating Rink

61 Memorial Park Drive

Brattleboro, VT 05301

The Rock Church

473 Woodstock Road

Woodstock, VT 05091

The following two centers will close at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5

U.S. Post Office (Upstairs)

2046 Route 4

Killington, VT 05751

Northfield Library (Community Room)

93 South Main Street

Northfield, VT 05663

The following two centers will close at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6

Bennington Fire Department

130 River Street

Bennington, VT 05201

Hartford Fire Department

2^nd Floor Training Room

812 VA Cutoff Road

White River Junction, VT 05001

The mobile disaster recovery center vehicle is open this week in Hancock and South Royalton. It is equipped with phone and computer connectivity. The following is the vehicle’s schedule of visits to Vermont communities:

Addison County

Hancock Town Hall

1097 Rt. 100, Hancock 05748

Opening noon – 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3;

8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4; and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5

Windsor County

South Royalton Journey Church

412 S. Windsor St., South Royalton 05068

Opening noon – 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6;

8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7; and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585; or call 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS).

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

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Road and bridge damage and repair updates

Route 7 Bridge in Clarendon and Route 100 through Granville now Open to Public Travel

MONTPELIER – The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) today opened a storm-damaged bridge along Route 7 in Clarendon. Opening the bridge to public travel removes the last impediment to free-flowing traffic along the entire length of Route 7, which is western Vermont’s most significant highway.

VTrans today also opened the storm-damaged portion of Route 100 between Warren and Rochester, eliminating a significant detour around Granville.

Tropical Storm Irene swelled the Cold River in Clarendon, which runs underneath Route 7, causing it to wash away the a large section of the roadway’s approach to the bridge just south of Route 7’s intersection with Route 4. The damage severed the roadway, leaving a nearly 30-foot deep opening to the ground below.

Crews rebuilt the roadway approach and repaired the bridge damage in little more than three weeks, restoring normal traffic and eliminating the need for detours.

Roadway crews today also opened the section of Route 100 that runs through Granville, eliminating the need for a lengthy detour. During Tropical Storm Irene, several miles of Route 100 that is commonly referred to as Granville Gulf received heavy damage by floodwaters.

The reopened portion of Route 100 through Granville is not yet paved, but the roadway is now open to the public. Motorists should expect delays as crews continue to make roadway repairs, as well as reduced speeds due to its gravel surface.

Questions regarding storm-damaged roads and bridges related to Tropical Storm Irene can be answered by calling VTrans’ Irene Storm Center at 1-800-Vermont. People can also visit VTrans’ website at www.aot.state.vt.us where they can sign up for travel updates for their mobile phone, and follow the agency’s progress on both Facebook and Twitter.

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The October 1 FEMA filing deadline is for public assistance for state, tribal and local governments and including some private non-profits. See #1 below.

The deadline for homeowners/individuals/business to file is October 31, 2011. See #2 below.

1. FEMA Guide to Public Disaster Assistance

http://vem.vermont.gov/sites/vem/files/public-assistance.pdf

Public Assistance – provides assistance to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. It also encourages protection of damaged public facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

2. Steps to Applying for FEMA Individual Assistance (Homeowners and Individuals)

http://vem.vermont.gov/home/iasteps

The deadline for any individual or business to register with FEMA is MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2011.

Individual Assistance– provides assistance to individuals and business owners affected by the disaster. Individual assistance provides funds directly from FEMA, or through Small Business Administration low-interest loans, to fulfill unmet needs such as housing for disaster survivors, disaster unemployment assistance, legal services, crisis counseling, and other disaster-related needs from survivors or small business owners. Often times, individual assistance covers a portion of the uninsured losses of homeowners and business owners.

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__________________________________________________________________________________________
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 3:25 PM
Subject: FEMA Registration Deadlines – URGENT!

Please help us get this information out to municipalities, private non-profits, individuals and small businesses. The deadline for applying for FEMA Public and Private Non-Profit assistance is Oct. 1^st (Oct. 17^th for Grand Isle County) and Oct. 31^st for Individuals and Small Businesses. Please forward the following email to your contacts, constituents and anyone you know that may have been impacted by Hurricane Irene. Thank you all for the vital role you play in assisting Vermonters through this challenging time.

FEMA Deadlines for Registration – URGENT

The deadline for registering with FEMA is quickly approaching. It is very important for all municipalities, private non-profits, individuals and businesses impacted by Hurricane Irene to register with FEMA by the deadlines listed below. If you are an Individual or Small Business and need assistance registering or completing a FEMA application, please visit one of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers listed in the Information and Resources section of this email. Registration takes about 20 minutes and is an important part of determining the level of assistance for Vermont. Once registered, you should be contacted by a FEMA representative within 2-3 days to schedule a site inspection. The Disaster Recovery Centers can also assist you in following up with FEMA once you have registered. Deadline Oct. 31^st.

If you are a municipality or Private Non-Profit and you need assistance completing a Request for Public Assistance form, please contact Alex Portalupi at 802-828-3889 or Gary Schelley at 802-828-0425. Deadline Oct. 1^st (Oct. 17^th for Grand Isle County)

Public Assistance and Private Non-Profit Organizations – Deadline Oct. 1^st (Oct. 17 for Grand Isle County)

Government agencies and certain private non-profit organizations needing funds to rebuild infrastructure damages caused by hurricane Irene must register with FEMA no later than Oct. 1, 2011 (Oct. 17^th for Grand Isle County).

FEMA’s Public Assistance (Infrastructure) program reimburses state and municipal governments the cost of eligible emergency protective measures, debris removal, and can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of public infrastructure such as roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities and parks, and other recreational facilities damaged during a disaster. At this time, FEMA will fund up to 75 percent of the cost of approved projects.

Some private non-profit organizations may qualify for aid to restore certain types of facilities that include educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care, and other facilities that provide essential government types of services.

If you were affected and need assistance in your recovery you have until October 1, 2011(Oct. 17th for Grand Isle County) to file the Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form. Please click here to download a copy of the RPA form. The completed form should be faxed to 802-828-2848.

If you need assistance in completing the form, please contact:

Alec Portalupi: 802-828-3889, email: alec.portalupi@state.vt.us
Gary Schelley: 802-828-0425, email: gary.schelley@state.vt.us

FEMA, working with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, will make a determination if the services provided by Private Non-Profit organizations are defined as critical or non-critical. If FEMA determines that the services provided are non-critical, you will be required to exhaust assistance from SBA before being considered for assistance from FEMA through the state of Vermont.

Registering with FEMA does not obligate you to accept assistance. If you miss the deadline however, you will not be eligible for consideration of disaster relief funding.

Individuals and Small Businesses- Deadline Oct. 31st

Individuals and Small-Businesses needing funds for housing related expense or to rebuild after damages caused by hurricane Irene must register with FEMA no later than Oct. 31, 2011. If you have not yet registered, please do so by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Disaster assistance for Individuals may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance and other sources. There are no income limits when applying for FEMA emergency assistance. If you are denied assistance, it is important to follow up with FEMA to find out why assistance was denied and to determine the process for appealing that determination. If you need assistance completing your registration, applying for funds or appealing a determination, please visit one of the local disaster recovery centers. (See Information and Resources Below).

If you are an Individual and you have received an SBA disaster loan application in the mail, it is important to fill it out and return it. You are not obligated to accept a loan, however filling out an application will determine your eligibility for a loan should you need additional compensation above the currently allocated grant amount. If you do not qualify for a loan, you will be referred back to FEMA and could receive additional grant money. If you are approved for an SBA loan, you are under no obligation to accept it.

Small-Businesses are encouraged to register with FEMA and encouraged to complete an SBA disaster loan application. In addition, Small-Businesses needing assistance should contact The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) at 802-828-5627 or visit www.veda.org. Small-Businesses should also visit www.dca.state.vt.us or call 802-828-3211 to learn more about possible grant or low interest loan programs.

When you call FEMA make sure to have some basic information ready. That includes your current telephone number; address at the time of the disaster and current address; Social Security number, and a list of damages and losses. If you are insured, you should have the name of your insurance company and your policy number. After registering, you’ll be called about having a property inspection.

Registering with FEMA does not obligate you to accept assistance. If you miss the deadline however, you will not be eligible for consideration of disaster relief funding.

Please register no later than Oct. 31, 2011 with www.disasterasssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Information and Resources

FEMA/SBA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

Open Mon – Sat; 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sun; 12:00 PM – 6:00PM

Bennington County		Caledonia County			Rutland County
Bennington Fire Dept.		Municipal Building			U. S. Post Office Bldg. (Upstairs)
130 River Street		119 Park Avenue			2046 Route 4
Bennington VT 05201		Lyndonville VT 05851			Killington VT 05751
		Opens Fri. Sep. 23 at 12 noon
		Sun – Sat; 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Rutland County		Washington County
Rutland Heart Center		Waterbury Fire Station			Library Community Room
1 Commons Street		43 South Main Street			93 South Main Street
Rutland VT 05701		Waterbury VT 05676			Northfield VT 05663

Windham County
Nelson Withington Skating Facility			Dover Town Hall
61 Memorial Park (Guilford Street)			120 Taft Brook Road
Brattleboro VT 05301			West Dover VT 05356

Windsor County
Hartford Fire Dept.	Okemo Marketplace			The Rock Church
Training Room – 2^nd Floor	57 Pond Street			473 West Woodstock Rd
812 VA Cutoff Road	Ludlow VT 05149			Woodstock VT 05091
White River Junction VT 05001

SBA Business Recovery Ctr (BRC)

Open Mon-Fri; 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sat, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Windsor County

Springfield Dev. Corp.

14 Clinton Street

Springfield VT 05156

FEMA Fact Sheet for Individuals

http://vem.vermont.gov/sites/vem/files/Individual%20Assistance%20Fact%20Sheet%2013%20Oct%2010.pdf

FEMA Fact Sheet for Public Assistance and Private Non-Profits

http://vem.vermont.gov/sites/vem/files/public-assistance.pdf

Noelle MacKay, Commissioner

Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development

One National Life Drive North Building, 6th Floor

Montpelier, VT 05620-0501

Phone: (802) 828-5216

Fax: (802) 828-2928

Doing business in Vermont? http://thinkvermont.com

____________________________________________________________

News Release

FREE LEGAL HELP AVAILABLE FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY IRENE

BURLINGTON, Vt. – A low-income homeowner believes her insurance company is under-estimating the flood damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene. Another has lost important legal documents, while a renter is having a dispute with his landlord over repairs.

“These are just some of the difficulties that Vermonters may be facing after Irene that require legal assistance,” said Ross Feldmann, a member of the Vermont Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. “And help is available for those who can’t afford it.”

Those who need legal assistance dealing with issues related to Tropical Storm Irene and who do not have the means to hire a lawyer may call Disaster Legal Services at 800-889-2047 for free legal advice. Those who qualify for assistance will be matched with Vermont lawyers volunteering their time.

Legal assistance may include help with insurance or FEMA benefits claims, home repair contracts and contractors, building permits, replacement of wills and other legal documents destroyed in the disaster, counseling on mortgage-foreclosure or landlord/tenant problems and other issues potentially arising from the disaster. All calls are completely confidential.

Disaster Legal Services is a federal program operated by the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. By working with state and local bar associations, the program arranges free legal services for persons affected by presidentially declared major disasters.

In the last four years, the DLS program has provided legal help to more than 100,000 people affected by major disasters. In Vermont the program is sponsored by the Vermont Bar Association and Vermont Legal Aid under an agreement with FEMA.

Visit the ABA’s site at www.abanet.org/disaster, the National Disaster Legal Aid site at www.disasterlegalaid.org or www.vtlawhelp.org to find out more.

FEMA’s registration number is: 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual assistance is available.

Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or at FEMA’s mobile website, m.fema.gov for Smartphone or tablet users.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

TWO DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS CLOSING, BUT AID STILL AVAILABLE (Posted 10-12-11)

BURLINGTON, Vt. − Federal and state officials announce the closing of two disaster recovery centers, but assistance is still only a phone call away.

Vermonters who were affected by Tropical Storm Irene flooding can still apply for federal disaster assistance until Monday, Oct. 31st.

The centers which are closing this Thursday, Oct. 13, are located in Lyndonville and Ludlow.

Other centers in Rutland, Dover, and Waterbury will continue to serve Vermonters and be open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Register by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Multilingual registration assistance is available if needed. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.

The following two centers will close at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13

Municipal Office Building

119 Park Avenue

Lyndonville, VT 05851

Okemo Market Place

Between Cool Moose and Dark Side Snowboard Shop

57 Pond Street, Suite #4

Ludlow, VT 05149

The three centers below will remain open.

Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rutland Heart Center

1 Commons Street

Rutland, VT 05701

Dover Town Hall

120 Taft Brook Road

Dover, VT 05341

Waterbury Fire Department

43 South Main Street

Waterbury, VT 05676

Disaster Assistance

After the Flood Safe Drinking Water Advisory

The mobile disaster recovery center vehicle is open this week in Hancock and South Royalton. It is equipped with phone and computer connectivity. The following is the vehicle’s schedule of visits to Vermont communities:

1. FEMA Guide to Public Disaster Assistance

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