The Vermont Secretary of State’s Office is reaching out to let you know about changes in our operations, with resources if your business has been impacted by the flooding, and information about volunteering to help those impacted.
Changes to the Secretary of State’s Office Operations:
Like so many others in our mighty little state of Vermont, the Secretary of State’s Office in Montpelier has been flooded and while it does appear that we may have been more fortunate than many, we are currently unable to access our regular offices on State Street in Montpelier.
We remain committed to being available to assist you with your needs through this time. We know that many of you rely on our staff to provide in-person service to you as you file the documents required for your businesses.
To make sure that we are still available and able to provide that consistent level of service to you, we are establishing a temporary location at the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration offices at 1078 US Route 2 in Middlesex to assist you.
A Business Services Specialist will be available to assist you from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. At our Middlesex location, we can only accept exact change cash payments. We will also be happy to process your transaction using a check or debit/credit card.
We will provide an update when we are able to return to business as usual in our regular offices. As always, our website remains available for almost all your business filing needs: Vermont Secretary of State - Business Services Division. Our staff remains available by phone at (802) 828-2386 or toll-free at (888) 647-4582 or by e-mail at [email protected]
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
[email protected]
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 [email protected]
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.
Source: 7.17.2023. Vermont Secretary of State
