As a result of widespread flooding across northern and central Vermont on July 10, 2024, many structures have been damaged by flooding in many Vermont communities.
While people want to get in and start making repairs right away, VTDEC urges Vermonters to make sure to build back better. When replacing destroyed utilities, this means elevating and relocating any furnaces, heating systems or electrical systems out of the basement/flood-prone first floor up to at least 2’ above the FEMA base flood elevation. This also means using flood-resistant materials to make repairs to flooded parts of your home or building to at least 2’ above the FEMA flood elevation.
This means using materials like:
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cement-board or paperless (fiberglass) gypsum board instead of standard gypsum sheetrock (not greenboard)
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using hardwood or ceramic tile instead of sheet flooring or carpeting
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pressure-treated or exterior plywood instead of standard plywood
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metal doors instead of wood doors
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spray-foam closed-cell insulation instead of fiberglass, mineral wool or other blown/bat insulation.
Elevating your utilities and using flood resistant materials for repairs 2’ above the FEMA base flood elevation the first time will make sure your more flood resilient. And it means that you won’t be required to replace or relocate your utilities if you need a local floodplain permit. Temporary emergency repairs and clean up do not require a permit.
Anything permanent for homes in the FEMA floodplain needs to meet standards to avoid future flood damage.
- Yes - Document losses for insurance claims
- Yes - Do necessary clean up, drying and temporary repairs for safety now
- Yes - Do needed repairs (but keep receipts for labor and materials).
- Yes - Repaired utilities can remain where they are.
- Yes - Elevate destroyed utilities at least 2’ above the Base Flood Elevation. Talk with your Town ZA.
- Yes- Use materials that will not be damaged next time (see list below). Ask the town for guidance.
- Yes –Talk to your town ZA or Administrative Officer
- Do it right – So you don’t do it twice.
- Build back more resilient
For those that need help, Floodplain Managers in the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation will be supporting communities with post-flood permitting and Substantial Damage estimates. bit.ly/flood-manager
To find additional post-flood resources for flood hazard area permitting, visit:
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Flood Damage Resistant Materials list: bit.ly/fematb2
For more information on flood recovery resources from the Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Department, or the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, visit ANR.Vermont.gov/Flood
Register damage / get help: 211 vermont211.org/resident-form
Resources for the Public floodready.vt.gov/help-after-flooding
Resources for Municipal Officials dec.vermont.gov/after-a-flood#KeySD
Volunteer vermont.gov/volunteer
Contact:
Rebecca Pfeiffer, CFM, VT NFIP Coordinator
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-490-6157, Rebecca.Pfeiffer@Vermont.gov
