Weekend Flood Update:
FEMA and Friday's Disaster Declaration What This Means for Vermonters

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

As you all know, many thousands of Vermont homes and businesses have undergone severe damage as a result of the flooding we have experienced – the worst natural disaster in our state since 1927. In addition, of course, is the massive damage done to roads, bridges, and public infrastructure. There is no question that the total amount of damage will run into the hundreds of millions of dollars – if not more.

I very much appreciate that, today, President Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Vermont. This means that FEMA and other agencies can become fully engaged in assisting Vermont, including the Department of Transportation, the Agriculture Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Small Business Administration.

During the last several days, Senator Welch, Representative Balint, and I have been on the phone with virtually all of these agencies. Our goal is, working with the governor’s office, to do everything possible to bring the maximum amount of federal support to the state as quickly as possible.

Please read on for more details about what resources may be available to homeowners and individuals.

Sincerely,

Reporting and Documenting Your Damage

• Vermonters who suffered losses in the storm should continue to take extensive photos of damage before and during clean up and repairs, while also documenting expenses. In other words, keep your receipts.
  
  
• Please report damage to Vermont 211, either by dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting vermont211.org. This will help the state and FEMA better understand the extent of the damage.
  
  

Homeowner’s Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to your home, property, personal belongings, and other assets in your home. Unfortunately, most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover floods. Some homeowner’s policies cover damage done by rain falling from the sky (i.e., damage caused by rain falling into a home after a roof blows off) but will not cover flood water coming into the home via the ground. In order to avoid a denial, Vermonters should notify an insurer promptly of any loss and understand the requirements/time limits for filing a claim, document all damage, pay premiums on time, and take all reasonable steps to protect the property and mitigate the damage after the disaster. Homeowners should check their specific policy and contact their insurance company for full details. If you have concerns with your insurance company’s determination, please contact the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation.

According to Vermont insurance officials, most insurance claims for this disaster will be filed under flood insurance and car insurance, not homeowner’s insurance. Like homeowner’s insurance, Vermonters with car insurance or flood insurance should contact their insurance company as soon as possible to discuss coverage details and report damage.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance

Today, President Biden approved Governor Scott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which will make financial assistance available to eligible homeowners and individuals in Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties. FEMA is still assessing damage in other Vermont counties. The assistance that will be available will depend upon each person’s unique situation. The types of assistance that may be available to people in these counties includes:

• The Individuals and Households Program, which can provide financial assistance for underinsured or uninsured losses, as well as assistance with home repairs and cover rental expenses if you have to leave your home.
  
  
• The Other Needs Assistance Program, which can cover the cost of replacing your essential furnishings and personal belongings.