First and foremost, if you are currently in a situation that needs immediate support, please reach out to https://vermont211.org/ as that is the most direct way to reach state emergency management officials. Please continue to encourage businesses and individuals in your regions to use Vermont 211 as a first point of contact, and as always, report any emergencies to 9-1-1.

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) is engaged in the response to this storm and supporting emergency officials as needed to keep communities and Vermonters safe. ACCD realizes this storm has impacted many communities in a multitude of ways, with flooding damaging homes and businesses in addition to critical infrastructure.  Right now, the most important thing you can do is stay safe until the storm passes and the waters recede.

State Emergency Management officials will be working with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration on a disaster declaration which will allow for federal assistance in repairing damage from this storm. As the State shifts from emergency first response to economic and community recovery, ACCD will continue to keep our partners informed and support recovery efforts statewide.  In the days ahead, and when safe to do so, it will be important to document any damage and estimate the cost of damage which will be used to help the state’s disaster declaration criteria.  Again, as we have more information on that process, ACCD will share and engage just as soon as we can.

There is more to come, but for now – please stay safe and please know emergency responders are working hard to respond to this statewide weather event. Thank you for your efforts on the ground to support your local communities.

Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary
Agency of Commerce and Community Development