FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 3, 2011
CONTACT
Alexandra MacLean
1-802-272-0443
Montpelier, Vt., – Governor Peter Shumlin today announced that he has requested Addison and Orange counties be added to the Individual Assistance Declaration. Windham county was approved last night which brings the total number of approved counties up to five. Assessments in other counties are ongoing and requests to add them for individual assistance will be processed as quickly as possible.
“I am pleased that we have now received assistance for five counties and requested assistance for Addison and Orange counties,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. “I am hopeful that the White House will approve these counties shortly.”
FEMA sent out 35 field reps to counties that have received the Individual Assistance Declaration. These reps have been handing out materials residents will need and have been answering one on one questions.
The Governor outlined steps that his administration is taking in anticipation of more rainfall this holiday weekend. Emergency management officials are closely monitoring the weather and while flooding is a WATCH right now, so not a certainty, it won’t take much rain to floor with the saturated ground and riverbanks destroyed.
“We are putting swiftwater rescue teams on standby and notifying towns and everyone in the field from the state and federal government of the potential for more flooding,” said Governor Shumlin. “The state Emergency Management Center is open 24/7 so we can and will respond quickly. I urge all Vermonters and visitors to be vigilant and stay out of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and reservoirs in the areas affected by severe flooding.”
Governor Shumlin also reported that incredible progress continues to be made on the number of power outages. The number of outages has been reduced from 50,000, in the immediate aftermath of the storm, to around 600.
If Vermonters are interested in volunteering to help with Irene recovery efforts a volunteer program has been established and the Governor urged those interested to call: 1-800-VERMONT.
