Flood Recovery Guide for Businesses

• VBSR members can contact VBSR Membership & Development Manager, Jeremy Gerber, at jeremyg@vbsr.org or (802) 870-0868.
• The Regional Development Corporations (RDC)s will continue to provide support to businesses in their areas. Find your RDC.
• Vermont Professionals of Color Network is offering technical assistance and resource location for BIPOC community members and businesses. Those interested in assistance should fill out their BIPOC Assistance Form.
• Center for Women & Enterprise is available to aid business owners, self-employed folks, and entrepreneurs as they navigate the effects of the disaster on their businesses. Experienced staff and business advisors are available to support you 1:1 to pause, prepare, and evaluate your current and future business needs, as well as available disaster loan and grant programs. Contact Elise Longnecker at info.vermont@cweonline.org or (802) 391-4870.
• Farmers can contact Farm First, a free and confidential service for Vermont farmers and their family members than can provide counseling, peer support, and connection to resources. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has also put together information and resources specifically for agricultural businesses: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/flood
• State Flood Recovery Centers Open
  State Flood Recovery Centers are now open to help those impacted by 2024 floods navigate the recovery process. In addition to providing water, snacks, cleaning kits, and basic medical and mental health services, these centers can also help Vermonters get ahead and prepare for potential FEMA assistance by preparing their documentation in advance.
  Flood Recovery Centers are open from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm at the following locations:
  
  • Barre: Mondays and Fridays
    Barre Municipal Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT
  • Plainfield: Wednesdays and Sundays
    Plainfield Health Center, 157 Towne Ave, Plainfield, VT
  • Lyndonville: Tuesdays and Saturdays
    Vermont State University, Grey House, 180 Vail Drive, Lyndonville, VT
  • Hinesburg: Thursdays
    Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT

• It's critical to remain vigilant about safety after flooding as there can still be many dangers present in the days and weeks afterward.
  
• The Vermont Department of Health provides flood safety information in twenty languages, including what to do before, during, and after a flood. 
• Vermont Emergency Management provides flood preparedness information in eleven languages: American Sign Language, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, French, Kirundi, Nepali, Pashto, Somali, Spanish
• River levels are tracked by the National Weather Service.
• Road closure information is available from New England 511. (Even when floodwater recedes, roads may have still suffered too much damage to be structurally sound.)
• Power outages are tracked at VT Outages.
• The Agency of Natural Resources has guidance on Water Boils.
• The Vermont Department of Health is offering free drinking water testing for private wells and springs impacted by flooding. 

• Cleaning up will not affect your eligibility for disaster relief! You can 1) Clean up the mud and debris along with damaged inventory, equipment, furniture, and fixtures; and, 2) Replace ruined inventory, equipment, and supplies. Make sure to take pictures, videos, and notes before you start cleaning and continue this documentation during clean up. Save receipts to keep track of your expenses.
• The Vermont Department of Health provides guidance on safely returning to your home or businesses and cleaning up, as well as preventing/addressing Mold After a Flood.
• Vermont Digger & Vermont Public have put together tips for Returning to Buildings & Vehicles After Flooding. (It's important that people avoid wading, paddling, swimming, or otherwise traveling through floodwaters. For a variety of reasons, the water is not safe.)
• The Agency of Natural Resources has guidance on How to Safely Pump out Basements and Flood Debris Cleanup, including which items to separate from trash, how to dispose of hazardous waste, and where to direct questions.
• The Department of Liquor and Lottery has developed guidance for assessing and disposing of Storm-Impacted Alcohol.
• Mold Prevention resources are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• How to Renter Your Flooded Home Safely
• Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters
• Mold After a Disaster

• The State is requesting all businesses report damage using this form. For support call "211" and select Ext. 5: Community Resources or text "898211" between 8 AM - 10 PM. (Reporting damage is essential to getting a federal disaster declaration, which helps to open up financial and other assistance for flood impacted communities. Reporting damage also allows state and federal agencies to communicate directly with businesses owners as aid becomes available.)
• If your outdoor recreation business was impacted by the recent July floods, the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance is seeking your survey response on physical and economic injury losses.
• To assess your damage and prepare for assistance, the Vermont Small Business Development Center has created a quick checklist:
1. As much as you want to check on the situation, do not enter your location if there is flooding. (Do take pictures and videos from a safe distance, including high water marks).
2. Call your local insurance agent. Do exactly as they direct.
3. Begin DOCUMENTATION related to step #2:
• Take pictures of everything you do from this point forward.
• Keep a running narrative of every action you take.
• Begin to estimate the cost of the damage. (Make a list of damaged or lost items and, if possible, include the date of purchase, value, and receipts.)
• Keep all of your financial data up to date and backed up.
• The Vermont Small Business Development Center also provides a go-to Disaster Recovery Guide for Businesses, which provides step-by-step guidance for small business owners and employees after a natural disaster. (If you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to focus/prioritize, this can be a very helpful resource.)

• Vermont Small Business Development Center Disaster Recovery Guide for Businesses can help you assess when and if reopening makes sense for your business.
• The Vermont Department of Health Food and Lodging Program provides guidance for food and lodging businesses, including re-opening after flooding, and how to operate in accordance with boil water notices and electrical outages.
• As businesses are replacing equipment, Efficiency Vermont is providing Flood Recovery Rebates for Businesses to subsidize the purchase of more efficient commercial equipment. Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by recent floods can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product for up to four products ($16,000 total), in addition to standard offers.

At this time there are no federal grants available for businesses. Your options for financial assistance are insurance, loans, state grants, and grants from private organizations (as eligible/available). For all options, beware of scammers, who attempt to take advantage of residents and businesses after a disaster.

Grants

• The Vermont Cannabis Industry Emergency Fund is a permanent relief fund for Vermont licensed cannabis farms and businesses impacted by natural and unnatural disasters. Vermont licensed cannabis farms and businesses may request grants of up to $8,000 to cover a wide variety of eligible expenses.
• Farmers impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding can benefit from the NOFA Farmer Emergency Fund and the Intervale Recovery Fund.

Loans

• Generally, the Vermont Small Business Development Center recommends businesses pause to consider whether they can take on additional debt. If you decide to pursue loans, remember that you don't have to accept the offer.
• Contact your bank/lending institution to see what type of assistance they may be able to provide, including flexibility with loans you currently have with them.
• Farmers who have been impacted can apply for a loan from the Center for an Agricultural Economy's Vermont Farm Fund.

Rebates

• Efficiency Vermont is providing Flood Recovery Rebates for Businesses. Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by recent floods can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product for up to four products ($16,000 total), in addition to standard offers.

• Vermont Small Business Law Center at Vermont Law & Graduate School is offering free legal assistance to Vermont businesses affected by flooding. The school has coordinated with volunteer attorneys across the state to provide up to 10 hours of guidance on everything from FEMA assistance and Small Business Administration loans to navigating insurance claims and appeals processes.
• Vermont Legal Aid has a list of benefits and common legal problems that can come up after a flooding disaster. Pro bono (free) legal support is available to those who have been affected by flooding. Resources on their website are available in 15 languages.
• Small Businesses can contact Emily McDonnell, Small Business Advocate with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at ago.smallbusiness@vermont.gov.
  

• Mutual Aid is a valuable resource for local support. Vermont Flooding 2023 Response and Recovery Mutual Aid (requires a Facebook account) provides a clearinghouse for multiple communities across the state, with local offers and requests for support.
• The State of Vermont is organizing volunteers through Crisis Cleanup. Call their Vermont hotline to request support: (802) 242-2054. 
• Vermont Professionals of Color Network is offering technical assistance and resource location for BIPOC community members and businesses. Those interested in assistance should fill out their BIPOC Assistance Form.

Unemployment Assistance

• If your business is closed because of flooding and/or are you or your employees are unable to get to work because of flood damage, the Vermont Labor Department urges you to apply for unemployment benefits. Even if you are deemed ineligible, you may become eligible later if federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are authorized.

Employee Assistance & Income Advance Programs

• The Rhino Foods Foundation Income Advance Program makes it easy for employers to support their employees with access to emergency funds through partnerships with financial institutions and payroll deductions. Contact Executive Director Christina Blunt at cblunt@rhinofoodsfoundation.org or 802.861.9890 for more information.
  
• The United Way of Northwestern Vermont Working Bridges program can help your employees easily connect with community services. Contact Liz Gamache at lizg@unitedwaynwvt.org or 802-730-3424 for more information.
  

Workspace

• Hula is offering free day passes to individuals and businesses in need. See their Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook for details. 

Food & Shelter

• Drying centers and shelters are listed on the Vermont Emergency Management website. For more information call "211" and select Ext. 5: Community Resources or text "898211" between 8 AM - 10 PM.
• Community action agencies throughout the state are all addressing issues such as temporary housing, food, clothing, and case management to help people access state/federal assistance, clean up, and much more:

• BROC – Community Action in Southwestern Vermont
• Capstone Community Action
• Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO)
• Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA)
• Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA)

The American Red Cross will host emergency disaster supply distribution sites in several communities across Vermont. At these sites, Red Cross volunteers will be handing out water and clean-up kits. These kits contain: bucket, cleaner (typically bleach), mask, gloves, garbage bags, brush, mop, brooms, squeegee and handles. All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge and made possible by the generosity of the public.

DISTRIBUTION SITE SCHEDULE

Friday 7/19:

• PLAINFIELD: across from Plainfield Health Center, 230 High St., Plainfield, 10am-12pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 10am-12pm
• STARKSBORO: Starksboro Town Hall, 2849 VT Rte 116, Starksboro, 4pm-6pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 4pm-6pm

Saturday 7/20:

• ST. JOHNSBURY: St. Johnsbury School, 257 Western Ave. St. Johnsbury, 10am-12pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 10am-12pm
• LYNDONVILLE: Vermont State University-Lyndon Campus, 1001 College Rd. Lyndonville, 4pm-6pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 4pm-6pm

Sunday 7/21:

• MIDDLESEX: Middlesex Town Hall (5 Church St. Middlesex, 10am-12pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 10am-12pm
• RICHMOND: Richmond Town Hall (203 Bridge St. Richmond, 4pm-6pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 4pm-6pm

Monday 7/22:

• LYNDONVILLE: Vermont State University-Lyndon Campus, 1001 College Rd. Lyndonville, 10am-12pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 10am-12pm
• PLAINFIELD: across from Plainfield Health Center, 230 High St., Plainfield, 4pm-6pm
• BARRE: Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, 4pm-6pm

Mental Health

Flooding is extremely traumatizing and for Vermonters who experienced losses in last summer’s floods, this event can be particularly difficult.

• Stay informed, but limit news exposure. Take media breaks to protect your mental health.
• Rely only on trusted sources for information.
• Keep in regular contact with family and friends.
• Acknowledge your feelings. Anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness are natural.
• Prioritize self-care including getting enough rest.

Farmers can contact Farm First, a free and confidential service for Vermont farmers and their family members than can provide counseling, peer support, and connection to resources.

There are also several hotlines available if you need to talk to someone:

• You can access Starting Over Strong Vermont by calling 211.
• Dial 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which will connect you to someone locally.
• 800-985-5990 is the national Disaster Distress Hotline.

• The Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development (ACCD) will provide regular updates for businesses as more information and resources become available in the coming days. We suggest signing up for their "Severe Storm Recovery" email list to stay up-to-date.
• VTDigger's "Daily Digger" will be an invaluable daily information resource in the weeks and months ahead for businesses, families, individuals, and communities as we recover – sign up for that here.
• Vermont Public's Flooding Updates webpage is a useful hub for their flood-related reporting and resources.
• VBSR will continue to connect our members with updates as they become available through this guide, email, and social media. To receive Flood Recovery news and resources in your inbox, sign up for our VBSR Newsletter here.

• Mutual Aid is a valuable resource for local support. Vermont Flooding Response and Recovery Mutual Aid (requires a Facebook account) provides a clearinghouse for multiple communities across the state, with local offers and requests for support.
• This Vermont Public article provides helpful general guidance regarding how to help flood impacted communities. 

• The Vermont Community Foundation Vermont Flood Recovery & Response Fund supports Vermonters in responding to and recovering from catastrophic rainfall and flooding.
• Farmers have been hit hard by heavy rainfall and flooding. Opportunities to support farmers include the NOFA Farmer Emergency Fund, Intervale Recovery Fund, and Center for Agricultural Economy's Farm Fund.

• The State of Vermont has created a volunteer registry specifically to support Vermonters affected by flooding. They will coordinate with nonprofit and community partners to share information about potential volunteers. Individuals and groups can register through this portal.Several organizations are in need of volunteer support as flood cleanup continues. See below for ways to get your community or business involved.
• Volunteers for the Waterbury area (Waterbury, Moretown, Duxbury, Bolton, and Middlesex) are being organized by CReW (Community Resilience for the Waterbury Area) using this form.
• Barre Up is a community-led long term recovery effort that mobilized after the 2023 flooding. Volunteers looking to help in Barre now can learn more and contact organizers here. 
• In Lamoille County, United Way of Lamoille County is organizing volunteers via this form.
• In the Northeast Kingdom, Kingdom United Resilience & Recovery Effort (KURRVE) is a collaboration of neighbor-to-neighbor networks, faith and business communities and other local nonprofit organizations. They are organizing volunteers via this form.

No known collections at present. (See general guidance above.)

The State of Vermont encourages cash donations as the most efficient way to provide assistance. Contact your local food shelf or other local charities to inquire about donations of food, clothing, and other household items.