Vermont Recreation and Parks Association

For those with property damage, you can report your damages by calling 2-1-1 or visiting https://vermont211.org/. Homeowners & businesses should also contact their insurance company to report claims.

Federal Aid has just been approved by President Biden to assist Vermonters with recovery. You can read the full press release from Governor Scott's office here: https://governor.vermont.gov/.../president-biden-approves...

Businesses can also utilize this resource from the Agency of Commerce & Community Development, which has guidance from multiple state agencies.

https://accd.vermont.gov/flood

Visit the 511 road closure map to see where you can travel safely, but please note some smaller towns may not have some roads marked as closed even though they could be washed out.

https://newengland511.org/

For those wishing to volunteer in storm relief, visit Vermont.gov/volunteer.

https://www.vermont.gov/volunteer#gsc.tab=0

Additionally, you can join this Facebook group: VT Flooding 2023 Response and Recovery Mutual Aid to learn more about volunteer & donation opportunities.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1491442024923960/

Linked from State of Vermont:

For Businesses in Flood Areas:

Our thoughts are with everyone who was impacted by this storm in any way. Below, we have compiled information and/or resources from other State agencies that may be helpful to you, if your business was directly impacted by the flooding. If you have questions please reach out directly to the Department mentioned. If you have questions that are not addressed in this communication, please reach out to us directly, and we will assist you in finding the answers you need.

Volunteer Opportunities:

If your business was less impacted, or not directly impacted at all, you may be interested in learning about how you can help others recover. Below are ways to sign up to help. It will take all of us, but we will get through this together.

Stay safe Vermont,

Stacey Drinkwine
Administrative and Business Services Director
Vermont Secretary of State’s Office
Stacey.drinkwine@vermont.gov

Reporting Damage or Finding Additional Resources

Please call 211 or visit Vermont 211. It is very important that all impacts are reported on this page because this is data that FEMA determine what resources our state receives.

Agency of Commerce and Community Development

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is working closely with federal partners the US Small Business Administration and the Vermont Small Business Development Corporation (VtSBDC), as well as state regional development corporations, to communicate guidance as federal disaster loans become available. For the latest information on major disaster declarations and their impact on aid for affected businesses, please subscribe to ACCD Severe Storm Recovery Newsletter. In addition, small businesses can refer VtSBDC Disaster Guide as they begin the clean-up and recovery process. For agricultural businesses, the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets has set up a resource page on their website.

Vermont Department of Labor

Unemployment for Vermonters During Natural Disasters
With the recent storms that caused flooding through much of Vermont, we know many workers and businesses have been impacted. Any worker who has been laid off or is unable to travel to their workplace due to the recent floods is likely eligible for unemployment insurance. To file an initial claim, individuals should call the unemployment insurance claims line at 877-214-3330.

Keeping Workers Safe During Flood Cleanup – Reopening Vermont Businesses
Workers responding to flooding in Vermont may be exposed to serious hazards including electrical, fallen trees and debris, mold, and carbon monoxide. VOSHA reminds employers that worker safety is a priority, and the agency has resources available to protect workers from hazards associated with flood response operations.

Generators: Use gas and diesel-powered generators outdoors to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide – a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.

Electrical: Keep a safe distance from downed or damaged power lines. Repairs must be performed by trained electrical utility workers.

Downed Trees: Wear protective gloves, and foot, eye, hearing, head, and fall protection when using chainsaws and chippers to clear downed trees.

Chemical/Biological Hazards: Wash hands with soap and clean water, and wear protective clothing, goggles, gloves, and boots to avoid contamination.

For more information on common hazards after a flood, visit OSHA’s Flood Preparedness and Response page.

Volunteer Information

Thank you for thinking about volunteering. Your neighbors need help! Donations of time, equipment, specialized skills, or financial support will make a difference. No contribution is too small. There are several ways that you can get involved. Information is available by:

Visiting Vermont 211 Homepage — VT 211
If you are a business with multiple people that would like to volunteer as a group, please e-mail volunteer@vermont.gov
If you are a business with staff who would like to volunteer on an individual basis, please visit Volunteers Register | Vermont.gov for information on how=how to do that

Messages:

Following a historic storm that dropped 8+ inches of rain across much of the State, Vermont is facing a long recovery from widespread flooding and the associated damage. As we rebuild from the storm, our organizational focus is on supporting communities in their recovery efforts. Several parks statewide were flooded, including some community center spaced. We ask all recreation supporters to focus on how they can best support impacted communities in their recovery local to where you live or visit. It will take a long time and lots of man-power to clean up statewide.

How You Can Help:

Volunteer: You can register to volunteer at the State level or check out this list of resources and opportunities that includes town-specific volunteer opportunities.

Donate to the relief effort:

- Statewide: The VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund, set up by the Vermont Community Foundation, and the Disaster Relief Fund, established by the Green Mountain United Way, are both excellent options.

- Local: Check out our growing list of resources and opportunities for local fundraising efforts.

Support affected outdoor businesses: Many retailers throughout the State suffered catastrophic flood damage. Buy a gift card or offer time to help in their cleanup efforts.

Please consider the following before you plan any outdoor activities over the coming weeks:

- - Know before you go. Check trail conditions before you head out the door. Note the date when conditions were most recently updated, as our Chapters might be preoccupied with aiding their communities and restoring their networks.
  - Avoid heavily impacted areas. While trails may reopen in hard-hit areas, much of the infrastructure in these areas has been damaged. Please allow space and time for these communities to recover.
  - Use caution. Consider any open trails as ‘open with caution’ for the immediate future. Landslides, sinkholes, and other hazards from the historic precipitation can be hard to detect in advance.
  - Ride conservatively. Search & rescue crews and other first responders remain occupied with the storm’s aftermath. Please help alleviate the need to respond to another incident, particularly as response times are likely delayed, and encourage others to limit their risks.
  - Be aware of ongoing travel constraints. Many roads throughout the state remain closed – some indefinitely. Consider your route in advance and consult NewEngland511 for State road issues and local officials for town road conditions. Do not travel over water-covered roadways.

Our friends at VT Forests, Parks, & Recreation have also put together this Press Release on recreating responsibly in the wake of the storm that we highly encourage everyone to read.