Picture above is an aerial view of Montpelier around 11 am on Tuesday, July 11th.

VIA staff hope that you and your loved ones are safe! Melissa has been reaching out to congregations and some of our leaders in the central Vermont area to check in on how folks are doing. As of yesterday afternoon, the Barre area congregations have seen little if any flood damage. They have been busy helping folks out who have been displaced. Our siblings in Montpelier haven't fared as well and know that there will be clean-up help needed. Here are a few of those reports.

Christ Episcopal Church:

We suspect our basement to be flooded in both the church and parish hall. We don't know how high the water got at peak but at 6:30 am some people went by in a canoe and said that the water was below the top floor. We will need help when we can get in there. Please contact seniorwarden@ChristChurchVT.org.

Bethany Church, UCC:

We haven't been able to get down to the church due to downtown being closed but it is quite likely that we will need help in the future.

Unitarian Church of Montpelier:

We haven't had anyone go into the building yet. Water was still too high this afternoon. We anticipate flooding and damage in the basement. To help with clean up for UCM and other church members, please sign up by using this form.

Resources

Please share this information with your loved ones or community members. 

• For information on shelters and disaster response, call 2-1-1. You can also visit https://vermont211.org/ for information and live shelter updates if you cannot call. 
• According to Vermont Public and the Red Cross, here is what you should bring to an emergency shelter: 
• Foods that meet special dietary requirements
• Prescription and emergency medications
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, and other comfort items
• Chargers for any electronic devices
• Books, games, and other forms of entertainment

• If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, text HOME to 741741 or visit https://www.crisistextline.org/. 

• A Facebook page has been created where people can post resources or ask for assistance from across the state. 

• If you haven't already done so, you can register with Vermont Alert and have alerts be sent to you via email or text.

• If you or anyone in your community needs access to translated information, they can visit Vermont Department of Health, which has 12 languages. 



• Stay up-to-date on road closures by visiting the Vermont Agency of Transportation website or New England 5-1-1.

Some Flood Safety Best Practices

• Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Strong currents or unseen washouts can sweep you and your car away.

• Turn off the circuit breaker in your home before you evacuate – if you can do so safely.

• If rising water is approaching, leave.

• If you need to evacuate, do so over high ground. Plan that route as soon as possible.

• If your home floods, have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before you once again occupy your home.

• If you are in a flood-prone area, or if you believe your home will be flooded, it is advisable to move valuables from your basement in case water enters your home.

• Check your insurance coverage now, and then contact your insurance company if you have damage.