23 August 2024
Federal Disaster Declaration Approved for Vermont
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Vermont, making federal assistance available to eligible individuals and families affected by flooding from July 9 through July 11 caused by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl.
Individuals and households in the following designated counties are eligible to apply for financial and direct services.
Apply for assistance or learn more about the Individual Assistance program.
- Addison (County)
- Caledonia (County)
- Chittenden (County)
- Essex (County)
- Lamoille (County)
- Orleans (County)
- Washington (County)
FDIC Issues Disaster Relief Financial Institution Letter
On August 23, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued FIL-59-2024 "Guidance to Help Financial Institutions and Facilitate Recovery in Areas of Vermont Affected by a Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides" for the FEMA Disaster Declaration in Vermont (individual assistance available in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington counties.
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IMPORTANT • Report Damages to 211
All Vermonters, business owners and communities affected by the July 2024 flood: please continue to report damage to Vermont 211.
- Call 211 and leave a message (please be patient; your call will be returned) or
- Visit vermont211.org (use links at top of page for residential and business)
Find resources, guidance and referral information at vermont.gov/Flood.
Volunteer to help or donate to the Vermont Flood Response & Recovery Fund to support all those impacted.
9 August 2024 DFR Issues 2023 Flood Data Call Results
Last year's devastating flood and rain events prompted the Department of Financial Regulation to issue a data call to Vermont insurance companies. Results from that call offer a perspective for the most recent flood events. Information obtained during the data call shows that, on average, insurance companies closed claims within 24 days.
Breakdown of Flood Insurance Policies Written in Vermont in 2023
- National Flood Insurance Program – 3534 policies
- Private Flood Insurance – 2676 policies
- Excess Flood Insurance – 299 policies
View the details of Vermont claims data by line of business as well as by location (the top 30 towns with the highest losses as reported by the NFIP) along with maps showing both residential and commercial loss data.
12 July 2024 DFR Announcement
On Friday, the Department issued the following two flood-related bulletins:
- Insurance Bulletin No. 232 | July 2024 Storm-Related Damages
- Insurance Bulletin No. 231 | Bulletin Authorizing Use of Catastrophe Adjusters and Appraisers
Governor Announcements
16 July | Vermont Expands Vehicle Incentive Programs for Residents Affected by Flooding
"Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) today announced it will again modify its vehicle incentive programs for Vermonters whose personal vehicles were damaged by flooding in an effort to provide increased financial support to households affected by last week’s flooding and to expedite the transition to plug-in electric vehicles. 'Me and my team are doing everything we can to give immediate relief to Vermonters as we continue to assess and respond to the needs,' said Governor Phil Scott. 'This program will help those whose vehicles were flooded upgrade to a new vehicle that’s better for the environment.' Effective today, AOT is offering a package of enhanced incentives for income-eligible Vermonters.
13 July | July 13 - Vermont Requests Federal Assessment of July 10-11 Storms and Flood Damage
"The State today submitted a request for a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to determine whether the state qualifies for a federal major disaster declaration for flooding and resulting damage on July 10 and 11, 2024. 'We know this storm has done tremendous damage in many communities, and those impacted will need help to recover. That’s why it’s so critical for Vermonters to report their damage to help us demonstrate the need for these federal resources,' said Governor Phil Scott. The request requests assessments for both Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) declarations."
11 July | Update
Join Governor Phil Scott and state officials online at 10 am for another briefing on the State’s ongoing response to flooding in Vermont communities. Following remarks, the Governor and officials will be available for questions from members of the media. View today's media briefing on the Governor’s Facebook page.
The Department recommends using the State Flood Recovery Resources website for extensive flood recovery-related information, resources and guidance. This webpage provides flood-related insurance and industry-specific details and is updated as needed.
Important: FEMA encourages all who have applied for assistance to remain in touch. Visit the FEMA NFIP Disaster Response webpage, Disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
For Producers, Agents
Use the FEMA Flood Resource Library for materials to share during client meetings, on social media, on your website or in marketing emails to tell the story of flood risks.
Recovery Ongoing
Vermonters who reported flood damage to 211 should stay in touch with FEMA, even if their claim was denied. Doing so will help FEMA with its ongoing work assisting the state with flood recovery efforts. Reporting your damage helped your neighbors. Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
DFR Resources for Individuals
- Consumer Advisory | Insurance Resources for Those Affected by Floods
- Consumer Alert | Flood-Related Insurance and Investment Scams and Frauds
- Navigating Property Coverage - Post Flood
- DFR Flood Insurance Information
211 Flood Damage Form
211 - Flood Damages (Resident)
DFR Guidance for Business and Industry
For Banks
FDIC Financial Institution Letter Regulatory Relief (FIL-36-2023)
For Farmers
Farmers should report their damage and losses. Reporting any damage that you have sustained will help the entire state gain access to federal aid and help for your neighbors.
- For damage to crops, livestock, produce or other farm product, contact your local Farm Service Agency office.
- For equipment loss, barn or infrastructure damage, visit vermont211.org or call 211 to report.
Next Steps for Farmers | Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
DFR Industry Information
- Industry Alert | Attention: Use of Catastrophe Adjusters / Appraisers
- Navigating Property Coverage - Post Flood
211 Flood Damage Form
211 - Flood Damages (Business)