Culvert washed out in Newark near Center Pond. VermontBiz photo.
Message from Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle
It’s hard to believe exactly one year later we are in another flooding situation. Many of our communities that suffered from last summer’s flooding were hit again overnight damaging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Please know that myself and the rest of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) are thinking of you. At ACCD we are on standby to support recovery efforts once the State of Vermont moves into the response phase. We will continue to keep you updated via this Severe Storm Newsletter. Read on to learn about reporting storm damage and available mental health services.
Please be safe. Dozens of state roads are damaged and should be avoided. Plan on staying away from the rivers for the next several days as they are running fast and carrying extra debris. And as clean up moves into the weekend, remember to take breaks and drink lots of fluids because it will be hot.
In times like these, Vermonters rise to the occasion and support each other. Please take some time to check in on your neighbors, friends, and family and to take care of yourselves. Together we are Vermont Strong and we will get through this.
Wishing you all the best,
Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary
Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Photo taken Thursday morning of the bridge leading into Plainfield Village. Courtesy ACCD.
Report Storm Damage
If your home, business, or nonprofit organization has suffered damage, please report it to 211. You can do that by calling 211 or reporting it online. Here are links to the business damage form and the residential damage form.
To be clear, this is a data collection effort that provides the state with important intelligence to be able to respond to non-emergency. storm-related damages and allow us to keep track of cumulative damages needed when applying for federal disaster relief.
When documenting your damage, please write it down what you find and take photos of it. This will not only be helpful for reporting to 211, but it will also be helpful to you if you decide to make an insurance claim.
No damage is too small to report. It will all help the state of Vermont paint a picture of the devastation that will be used to apply for federal disaster relief.
Please note: 211 is not for reporting emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
Mental Health Support
Flooding is extremely traumatizing and for Vermonters who experienced losses in last summer’s floods, this event can be particularly difficult. Here is some advice from Vermont’s Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes:
- Stay informed, but limit news exposure. Take media breaks to protect your mental health.
- Rely only on trusted sources for information.
- Keep in regular contact with family and friends.
- Acknowledge your feelings. Anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness are natural.
- Prioritize self-care including getting enough rest.
If you need to talk to someone you can call access Starting Over Strong Vermont by calling 211. You can also call 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which will connect you to someone locally.
July 11, 2024
Agency of Commerce and Community Development
1 National Life Dr
Montpelier, VT 05620-5001
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