Flood Recovery Update: Monday, July 31
July 31, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout This post was updated Monday evening.
Here are several important items to share with the community in addition to the Sunday, July 30 update post:
Reporting flood damage to 211
$300 in cleanup assistance available to all
Bank chips in $5k to start Revitalizing Waterbury’s local recovery fund
Survey from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Free well-water testing kits for flood-impacted wells
Photo by Gordon Miller
Why reporting flood damage to 211 is essential
The process of assessing damage from a natural disaster and then mobilizing the resources for repairs relies on everyone who experienced an impact to report that information.
Gov. Phil Scott urges all Vermonters to report any damage to their property. This is not the same as requesting assistance. The extent of damage as outlined in individual reports will help state and federal officials gauge the level of resources that will be made available across the state.
“Even minor damage to driveways should be reported. This could help ensure your neighbors in need are eligible for financial assistance,” the governor said. “Even if you've already taken care of your damage, please report it.”
To report damage, simply call 211 or go online to vermont211.org where there are spots for both individuals and businesses to click to make a report.
Cleaning up on South Main Street. Photo by Gordon Miller
FEMA announces $300 in cleanup assistance for flood-damaged homes
An announcement Monday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency says if your home was damaged by Vermont’s recent floods but you can still live in it safely, FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 to help with cleanup.
This Clean and Sanitize Assistance is intended to help homeowners and renters quickly address contamination from floodwaters to prevent additional losses and safety concerns. You may qualify for Clean and Sanitize Assistance if:
You live in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor County.
Based on a FEMA inspection, your home has disaster damage; or, if you are a renter, the inspection notes cleanup actions are needed or have already been done.
If you have already cleaned up, save your receipts from any supplies, materials or paid help.
The damage is not covered by your insurance.
FEMA determines your disaster-damaged primary residence is safe to occupy.
To register for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call 1-800-621-
3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for
that service when you apply.
Or stop in the FEMA Center at the Waterbury Armory, open daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 294 Armory Drive. Any Vermont resident may visit this center.
The view on South Main Street on Tuesday morning, July 11, before flood water recedes. Northfield Savings Bank is on the left. Photo by Gordon Miller
Bank chips in $5k to help launch 2023 Waterbury Relief Fund
To support Waterbury’s homeowners and businesses impacted by the July 10-11 storms, Revitalizing Waterbury has established the 2023 Waterbury Relief Fund and Northfield Savings Bank has provided its first donation of $5,000.
Monies raised will be used to provide financial support that is otherwise not covered by other state and federal programs.
“Northfield Savings Bank is pleased to contribute to the 2023 Waterbury Relief Fund to help support Waterbury’s recovery from this terrible ordeal,” said Rosemarie White, Senior VP of Commercial Banking at Northfield Savings Bank. “We are humbled by the perseverance of the community and feel the people and businesses of Waterbury exemplify the true meaning of Vermont Strong.”
Revitalizing Waterbury has extensive experience helping the community during times of crises. “Planning has just begun,” said Karen Nevin, Executive Director. “We quickly realized that, similar to Tropical Store Irene, homeowners and businesses in Waterbury would need additional support and resources.”
In 2011, Rebuild Waterbury was created as an arm of Revitalizing Waterbury to raise funds and disburse grants to impacted homeowners. This time, the Waterbury Relief Fund will help both homeowners – and businesses – in their recovery efforts. A committee is being formed to oversee the process. Any community members interested in being involved should contact Revitalizing Waterbury.
Information about donating to the 2023 Waterbury Relief Fund can be found online at revitalizingwaterbury.org. The fund can accept credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Checks may be made out to Revitalizing Waterbury and mailed to P.O. Box 473, Waterbury, VT 05676. Please put “Waterbury Relief Fund” in the memo line.
Revitalizing Waterbury is a nonprofit community and economic development organization with a mission to preserve, promote and enhance the economic, historic and social vitality of Waterbury. For more information: call 802-793-6029 or email karen@revitalizingwaterbury.org.
Cornfield near the State Office Complex. Photo by Gordon Miller
Disaster survey from Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
To help assess the impact of recent flooding on Vermont farms and ag producers, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is requesting information from farms, agricultural businesses, and service and nonprofit organizations.
If you are a business, organization, or individual that raises animals and/or grows feed or crops for anyone beyond your immediate family, the agency has a survey open until Aug. 28. The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
The purpose of this survey is to as accurately as possible capture the type and scale of the damage agricultural producers suffered throughout the state. Survey data will be used to inform response efforts, effectively allocate resources, and advocate for future relief and recovery programs. Reporting any damage that you have sustained will help the entire state gain access to federal aid and help for your neighbors.
More details are available on the survey page. If you have questions or need assistance with the survey, please contact Drew Watson at andrew.watson@vermont.gov or 802-636-7793.
Free test kits for flood-affected wells
The Vermont Department of Health wants Vermonters to know that if their drinking water comes from a private well or spring that was affected by recent flooding, free test kits are available to make sure water is safe to drink.
To get a free kit by mail, call the Department of Health Lab at 802-338-4724. Get kits in person at local health offices around the state (list online at HealthVermont.gov/Local.) In Chittenden County, you can pick up at the Department of Health Lab.
Tips on using the kits are online at HealthVermont.gov/WaterTesting including a video on how to take water samples and details on understanding results and next steps. Public health officials remind the public that until affected wells are tested, people should presume their water is contaminated and do not use it.