Post Irene News Updates
News Releases:
VERMONTERS ADVISED TO BE CAUTIOUS WHEN HIRING CONTRACTORS
BURLINGTON, Vt. – Contractors are essential to Vermont’s recovery following Tropical Storm Irene, but state and federal officials are advising Vermonters to use care when hiring them.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency does not recommend or endorse any contractors, nor does the state. “If contractors claim they are authorized by FEMA to do repair work, do not believe it,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Craig A. Gilbert.
Recently, some scammers have been offering to haul away destroyed manufactured housing at a reduced cost. But all they do is strip materials for resale and leave the debris behind on the owner’s property.
One way to avoid being taken by con artists when hiring contractors to make repairs is to make sure they are licensed. To find out whether a contractor is registered, you can check with the Office of the Vermont Secretary of State at www.sec.state.vt.us. Licensure is required for asbestos, plumbing and electrical work. A listing of licensed electrical and plumbing contractors can be found on the Vermont Department of Public Safety/Division of Fire Safety’s web site at: http://firesafety.vermont.gov and clicking on the Licensing/Certification tab.
Other tips for hiring contractors include:
- Get a written estimate and read the fine print – Always try to get estimates from several reputable contractors before making a decision. You may want to hire a local contractor if at all possible.
- Ask for a written contract – A complete contract should clearly state all the work to be performed, all associated costs, and the payment schedule, and obligate the contractor to pay for what was agreed upon, such as materials, etc.
- Permits – Make sure the contract clearly states who will obtain the necessary permits. You may want to have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved. Keep a copy of any signed contract.
- Proof of insurance – Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance, workers’ compensation and is bonded. A homeowner could be liable for accidents on the property when working with an uninsured contractor.
- Pay by check – Avoid paying in advance and making payments in cash if at all possible. A reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total cost of the project.
- If you have a question about a contractor or suspect fraud, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program office at (800) 649-2424 or (802) 656-3183. Vermont Attorney General web site: www.atg.state.vt.us
FEMA and state officials are also encouraging Vermonters to register with FEMA even if they’ve already made repairs. You will most likely be required to submit receipts for the work, but you may be eligible for reimbursement for uninsured losses.
To register, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Multilingual registration assistance is also 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. Vermonters may also register online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through web-enabled mobile phone devices at m.fema.gov.
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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MYTH VS. FACT ABOUT REGISTERING FOR FEMA AID
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Some Vermonters who were affected by Tropical Storm Irene may have not registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples.
MYTH: I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.
FACT: There is no income cutoff for FEMA aid. Anyone with disaster damage or loss in the declared counties may be eligible for help. FEMA grants may cover under insured or uninsured losses.
MYTH: My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA because I have flood insurance.
FACT: Everyone with flood insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured costs.
MYTH: I don’t want FEMA assistance because it will affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.
MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up and made the repairs. Isn’t it too late?
FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.
MYTH: I thought FEMA only gave loans. I don’t want a loan.
FACT: FEMA only provides grants that do not have to be repaid. FEMA’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.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. 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 may not be considered for other federal grants.
MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA aid was only for homeowners to repair their homes.
FACT: FEMA may provide grants to help renters who lost personal property or were displaced.
MYTH: I heard there’s too much red tape and paperwork to register.
FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes a short while, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service. You can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. The website helps reduce the number of forms to be filled out and shortens the time it takes to apply.
MYTH: I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.
FACT: If you had damage from another federally declared disaster you may register for new assistance.
MYTH: Isn’t FEMA broke? Other people need the help more than I do.
FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with immediate needs. You will not be taking from others if you register for aid yourself.
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FRAUD ALERT FLYER: click on link below
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Route 100 through Pittsfield Now Open to Public Travel (Posted 10-4-11)
MONTPELIER – The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) today opened to public travel the 11-mile stretch of Route 100 that runs through Pittsfield. This segment of Route 100, which runs from the junction of Route 107 in Stockbridge to the intersection of Route 4 in Killington, received heavy damage from Tropical Storm Irene, and has been closed since the storm struck on August 28.
Reopening Route 100 through Pittsfield represents a major milestone because it allows the free flow of traffic without detours or major impediments for the entire 135-mile stretch of Route 100 between Ludlow and Newport just in time for the height of foliage season.
“The Pittsfield area got hit very hard by the storm and received considerable damage,” said VTrans Secretary Brian Searles. “While Route 100 in this area is now open and traffic is flowing well, we ask that everyone be careful as they drive through town and respect the local recovery effort that is still underway.”
Irene washed out several sections of Route 100 between Stockbridge and Killington and damaged a bridge in the middle of Pittsfield. A temporary bridge was put in place to carry traffic around the damaged bridge.
The roadway washouts have been repaired, but a damaged culvert near the Pittsfield/Stockbridge town line still needs to be replaced. The road in this area is limited to one lane, and a temporary traffic signal has been installed to ensure the safe flow of traffic.
Also to aid safety, VTrans lowered the speed limit along Route 100 through Pittsfield to 35 mph from its normal rate of 50 mph.
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(Posted 10-5-11)
REMEMBER TO GET YOUR PERMITS WHEN REPAIRING AND REBUILDING
BURLINGTON, Vt. – State and federal recovery officials are reminding Vermonters repairing damage to their homes or businesses from Tropical Storm Irene that they must still get the appropriate building permits before beginning any repair or rebuilding work.
Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials stress that when there is any doubt, residents or business owners should contact their town or city to find out what permits are needed, if any.
“With winter approaching, we want Vermonters to begin rebuilding and repairing damage from Irene as soon as possible, but to make sure that local and state processes are followed,” said Vermont Emergency Management Director Mike O’Neil. “If you are not sure, please take the time to contact local officials. It can save you a lot of headaches down the road.”
Many municipalities require builders to get appropriate construction permits before they launch any rebuilding or significant repair project. If proper permits are not obtained, residents may be subject to stop work orders, fines and penalties. Municipalities could potentially lose FEMA funding for their projects if they do not comply with permitting requirements.
Other information to keep in mind about permits includes:
- Permits may be required for work on removing or replacing the roof, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical system, plumbing, heating or air conditioning and elevating structures. Repair projects must meet municipal and state building codes and ordinances.
- Permits assure residents and communities that all proposed work complies with current codes, standards, flood ordinances and recommended construction techniques.
- Local, state and federal agencies can provide suggestions and information on how to protect your home or business from future disaster-related damages.
- Those agencies may also provide consumers with information on selecting licensed contractors as well as advice on protecting themselves from unscrupulous contractors.