The extent of damage from overnight flooding varies in severity across Vermont on Thursday. But state officials and others have offered guidance to individuals and municipalities about how to maintain personal safety and start flood recovery.
Below are some resources related to what to do — and not to do — who to contact if you need assistance, and ways individuals and businesses can start to recover from a flood.
Staying safe
“We are still in active response mode,” said Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison in a press conference Thursday morning. She said rescues are ongoing, and secondary searches are still necessary in many communities that were the hardest hit.
Hundreds of roads and bridges in Vermont have been damaged. Pay attention to road closed signs and watch for one lane roads. State road closures are tracked at New England 511. For local closures, visit your town or city website or call the municipal office.
Although temperatures are rising and it may be “tempting to cool off,” Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison warned against entering any rivers.
“Our waterways are not safe right now,” she said. “Currents are fast, and there is a tremendous amount of flood debris in the water. Folks really need to stay off of our rivers for the time being.”
Though the risk of flash flooding has passed, several larger rivers remain high, including the Winooski, Passumpsic and Lamoille.
Officials strongly urge Vermonters not to walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Even six inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock a person over, and 12 inches can float a car, according to the Red Cross.
“We need to remain vigilant in the days to come, as many disaster-related deaths occur after the acute phase, and during clean-up and recovery,” Morrison said. “Keep your guard up, and do not take chances.”
Finding Shelter
The state’s Department of Public Safety Emergency Management keeps a list of shelters that have been reported to Vermont Emergency Management.
If you are displaced and need shelter, you can call 2-1-1, the state hotline.
In Washington County, the Barre Auditorium shelter is currently open, where the American Red Cross is working with the Vermont Disaster Animal Response Team to address pet needs. The shelter opened on Wednesday at 8 p.m. and housed 30 people overnight, according to a Red Cross press release on Thursday.
In Caledonia County, the Red Cross recently set up a shelter at St. Johnsbury School. It opened at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, and pets are welcome.
When evacuating to a Red Cross shelter, individuals are advised to bring essential items for each family member, such as medications, dietary-specific foods, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, toiletries, “comfort items,” chargers, and forms of entertainment.
The Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Returning to a flooded home
In a press release, the Red Cross warned evacuated individuals against returning home before officials declare it is safe.
When people do return, Morrison said not to turn on the circuit breaker, “or use any power source, until you’ve had your system checked by a licensed electrician.”
She also warned of heat related illnesses, and encouraged residents to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the coming days, especially during clean-up.
Prioritizing rest, maintaining a routine and staying in contact with friends and family is important for maintaining your mental health, advised the Vermont Department of Mental Health. Also recognize and accept your feelings, a press release from the department advises, “It’s okay to feel upset, anxious or overwhelmed.”
As a result of storm damage, parts of several communities are currently under a “Boil Water” or “Do Not Drink” order: Barnet; Barre City; Plainfield; McIndoe Falls and St. Johnsbury.
Regularly check the updated list of public water notices provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation. If you live in an affected area, the Agency of Natural Resources has a Public Water Notices guide to help you understand what this means for you and your family.
The Red Cross also advised residents to avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires at the risk of electrocution. If there are fallen power lines near your home, do not step in standing water, and report the downed lines to the power company immediately. Also, watch out for falling trees and be vigilant of debris.
The Red Cross also said that gas and electrical appliances should not be used until they’ve been checked for safety. If water may be contaminated by floodwater, do not use it for hygiene, chores, or food preparation. Also, food that has come into contact with flood water should be discarded.
Reporting flood damages
Vermonters should report any property damage to Vermont 211 online, or call 2-1-1, as per the Department of Public Safety. If you are having trouble getting through, Vermont 211 advises callers to use either 866-652-4636 or 802-652-4636 to reach them.
Morrison emphasized, and re-emphasized, the importance of reporting damages, as the state needs the information in order to apply for a possible federal disaster declaration.
“Even if you plan to fix your damage, or you don’t perceive it as a big deal, your damage is part of a bigger picture that can help us reach important thresholds that trigger federal systems,” she added. “Please help out your neighbors, and your communities, by reporting all damage from yesterday’s flash floods, and today’s river flooding.”
Homeowners should contact their insurance company.
Other resources
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources provides these informational bulletins:
- Where to Get Water After a Flood
- Managing Your Septic System in a Flood
- How to Safely Pump Out Basements
- ANR Flood Debris Cleanup Guide
- What should you do if you’re under a Boil Water and Do Not Drink Notice?
For a comprehensive list of flood resources and best practices, visit ANR’s Flood Recovery Resources page.
From the Vermont Department of Health
Department of Mental Health: Mental Health Resources and Support
From the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets: Flooding & Storm Recovery — Next Steps for Farmers
The EPA also provides in-depth guidance for flood aftermath as it pertains to clean-up best practices and safety.
