Vermont Flooding Resources and Information

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A listing of some of the flooding resources and information for Vermonters we have mentioned on the news.

ROAD CLOSURES

For the latest state road closures, visit New England 511. *Note: Local road closures are not reported to 511.

Officials have also reported rail damage in some areas, including tracks used by Amtrak’s Vermonter. Damage to the tracks has Amtrak temporarily stopping in Burlington and busing to Middlebury.

SHELTERS

Vermont Emergency Management says as of Friday morning, two shelters are currently open:

• Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre
• St. Johnsbury School, 257 Western Avenue, St. Johnsbury

Click here for the latest shelter information. Emergency management says not all shelters are listed here, only those reported to VEM. You can call your town to ask about local shelters or call 211 to find a facility.

REPORT FLOOD DAMAGE

State officials urge flooding victims to document their damage, keep receipts for money spent on repairs and to report all flood damage to 211. Officials say reporting the damage helps them get an accurate tally of monetary damage in the state that could trigger federal assistance, which will help everyone. https://vermont211.org/resident-form

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS

Vt. Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said when cleaning homes, the assumption should be that your home has mold. He advises that children with weakened immune systems should not help with flood cleanup. Click here for safety tips on returning home after flooding from the Vermont Health Department.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources urges people to avoid floodwaters which may be filled with pollutants and other hazards, to follow state advisories regarding safe drinking water, to contact the spill response team to report any hazardous spills or contaminated water in their home and to sort your flood trash into hazardous and nonhazardous piles. For more safety advice from ANR: https://anr.vermont.gov/flood

The Vermont Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) has tips to keep Vermont workers exposed to flooding debris safe:

• Carbon Monoxide Exposure: When using gas and diesel-powered generators, it is crucial to operate them outdoors. This precaution prevents the build-up of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that can pose serious health risks to workers.
• Electrical Hazards: Workers should maintain a safe distance from downed or damaged power lines and refrain from attempting repairs themselves. Trained electrical utility workers should handle any necessary repairs to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
• Downed Trees: Workers must wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, headgear, and fall protection when operating chainsaws and chippers to clear downed trees.
• Chemical and Biological Hazards: Workers should prioritize personal hygiene by washing their hands with soap and clean water regularly. Additionally, it is important to wear protective clothing, goggles, gloves, and boots to minimize the risk of contamination when working with hazardous substances or biological materials.
• Confined Spaces: Confined spaces in buildings such as basements and crawl spaces can pose significant hazards. Lack of ventilation can lead to a build-up of toxic gases or lack of oxygen, posing a risk of suffocation. Confined spaces have limited access and egress, which can make escape difficult in the event of an emergency. Finally, confined spaces may have hazards such as exposed electrical wires, mold, or structural issues.
• Hazardous Materials: Flood waters usually contain debris that can cause injury. They are often contaminated with sewage, heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens. The mud left behind by flooding can be extremely slippery, creating a fall hazard.

CLEANUP HELP

If you need help cleaning up, contact the Vermont Crisis Cleanup Line at 802-242-2054.

If you want to help with cleanup, you can volunteer. Click here to register to help.

You can also donate to flood recovery efforts. Call 888-653-7715 or email: donations@vermont.gov. Vermont Emergency Management says the best way to help is with cash donations to get aid to people and communities.

Smaller donations of food, clothing and household items are best handled at the local level. You can check with your local food shelves, community centers and charities.

MENTAL HEALTH

• Starting Over Strong Vermont helps individuals and communities recover from disasters through community outreach and access to mental health services. Call Vermont 211 to be connected to outreach workers and resources in your area.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support from trained crisis counselors who can offer emotional support and connect you with local resources.
• The Vermont Language Justice Project (VLJP) has compiled a “Coping with Stress After a Disaster” playlist, offering videos in 19 languages discussing common emotional responses and strategies for navigating mental health challenges post-disaster.
• Mobile Crisis Services: Vermont mobile crisis teams are available to provide in-person support and crisis intervention. They can be reached through your local community mental health centers or by dialing 988.
• The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): Call or text 1–800–985–5990 for free, confidential crisis counseling available 24/7, on all days of the year.

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