VT Community Foundation is Accepting Grant Applications for VT Farms

by | Sep 16, 2011 | Blog

Through a partnership with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, The Vermont Community Foundation will be issuing grants to local VT farms affected by tropical storm Irene.   The grants will be issued from The Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund, which is being managed by The Vermont Community Foundation. 

 Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities serving thousands of people who share a common interest—improving the quality of life in their area.  The Vermont Community Foundation, founded in 1986, is Vermont’s largest foundation in terms of asset size.  They also rank among the top 10% for total assets and gifts received out of over 700 foundations nationwide.

Contributions to The Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund will be used to issue grants directly to farmers. These grants are designed to act as a jump start for farms, and may help many of them stay in business, or return to production.  The grants will only be issued for uninsured losses; anything that is covered by a Vermont Insurance policy will not be included in grant determination.  These grants, being issued in amounts up to $10,000, can be used for a variety of needs including replacing lost infrastructure, livestock, animal feed, farm mortgage costs, or land lease payments.

Grant decisions will be made in consultation with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, NOFA Vermont, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, Vermont Farm Bureau, Rural Vermont, and University of Vermont Extension.

The deadline for the first round of applications is September 19th, with checks being mailed as early as September 30th.  The second and currently only other scheduled deadline is September 30th with grants be mailed by October 14th.

 Applications as well as donation information can be found on The Vermont Community Foundations website:  http://www.vermontcf.org/

How to Avoid Getting Scammed During Disaster Recovery

by | Sep 12, 2011 | Blog

Business owners and residents that have been affected by flooding and other damage from Hurricane Irene should be alert for fraudulent activity during the rebuilding process.  Scam artist and crocks have been known to target disaster victim in the past.  There is no doubt that they will be out trying to make a buck at your expense after Irene. 

Here are some tips from Downey Insurance to avoid getting scammed.

  • Watch out for Contractors that ask for large down payments for future work.  Always get at least 3 estimates for work to be performed, and pay your down payment by check or credit card.  Always ask for a signed contract with a clear cancelation notification policy.
  • FEMA scams are on the rise.  There is never a fee to apply for FEMA assistance.  The only way to apply for FEMA it to call 1-800-621-3362 or to register on-line at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Fraudulent charitable groups have also been known to crop up around disasters like Irene.   Never give money to someone you do not know who is “collecting money for victims.” You are much better off giving money to a recognized group or organization that is well known for disaster relief like the Red Cross.
  • Identity Theft is something you should also watch out for.  FEMA will ask for your Social Security Number when applying for assistance, but do not give it out to anyone else.  FEMA will not call you asking you to verify this information.

Any suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to your local police department.  Additionally suspected FEMA scams should be reported to FEMA directly.  Anyone who claims to be representing FEMA or your Vermont Homeowners Insurance company should be carrying identification.

Flood Recovery Information

by | Sep 1, 2011 | Blog

In response to recent flooding caused by Hurricane Irene, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has developed the following materials to help us assist residents recovering from flood damage and navigate the flood insurance claims process.  If you have any questions regarding your flood policy please call your repective Downey Insurance Group agent.

In addition, the following tips may be helpful to residents returning to flood-damaged areas.

  • Beware of Hazards. Check for damage, including structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact the appropriate professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric and sewer lines. Throw away water-damaged food including canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters. Boil water until local authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.
  • File your Flood Insurance Claim. Call your agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached.
  • Take photographs. To make filing your claim easier, take photographs of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g.: cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, have receipts for those lost items available for the adjuster. Local officials may require the disposal of damaged items. If so, keep a swatch or other sample of the item(s) for the adjuster.
  • Gather any documents, such as photographs, receipts and itemized lists you made prior to the flood.
  • Prevent mold and remove wet contents immediately.
  • Work with the adjuster to calculate the damage in order to prepare an accurate estimate.
  • Resources are available. The American Red Cross offers a free Repairing Your Flooded Home guide. This guide will help you as you first re-enter your damaged home.
  • For FEMA Disaster Assistance call 1-800-621-3362. For general flood insurance questions call 1-800-427-4661.

Client resorces for Local Aid and FEMA Disaster Assistance from Irene

by | Aug 30, 2011 | Blog

Here is a list of resources we are directing clients to for Diaster Assistance:
 
  • 2-1-1: Call 211 in the state of VT, NH or MA for information on local recourses that are available in the community.
  • As of this morning FEMA has not released funds for individuals or businesses to apply for disaster assistance in MA, VT or NH. They have released funds for the State Government to begin cleaning up and repairing the municipalities.
  • Once FEMA releases the funds for individuals and businesses to file they need to do so here: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Business owners need to fill out the from in their personal name, then list the business later on in the form.
  • Here is some info for Businesses and Farms from FEMA:http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/business.shtm
  • Also, The Department of Agriculture urges farmers and ranchers in storm-affected areas to notify their local farm bureau service centers in order to coordinate evaluation of storm affects on crop yields.

Steps to Prepare your Home or Business for a Disaster

by | Aug 26, 2011 | Blog

Safety for individuals


  • Create a disaster plan. Plan an evacuation route in advance and determine where you would go if you were told to evacuate.
  • Prepare a survival kit. Stock up on drinking water, non-perishable goods, a first-aid kit and medicine for everyone including your pet. Include extra clothing, blankets, batteries, flashlights and a portable radio.
  • Conduct a home hazard hunt and make your home as safe as possible. Secure all outdoor objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture. Close storm shutters and board up all windows.
  • Review how to shut off utilities in an emergency with all family members.
  • Locate important papers and documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate. Protect documents in plastic storage bags if you’re remaining in your home.
  • Make sure you have insurance policies with claim contact information, an inventory of your home’s contents and cash.
  • Ask an out-of-state friend to be your family contact. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long-distance than to make a local call.
  • Finally, leave promptly when ordered to evacuate. Leaving too late or not leaving at all only endangers yourself and others.

Safety for businesses

In addition, you and your business insurance customers should consider taking the following precautions to help protect people and property and guard against disruption of operations:

  • Review your business continuity plan and communicate emergency evacuation and business interruption instructions to employees. If you don’t have a written plan, now is the time to create one. Each business should have an emergency plan including a detailed procedure for evacuation, a checklist for shutting down processes and protecting buildings, contents, equipment, and yard storage. Procedures should include salvage instructions to follow post-event.
  • Back up critical data and computer records off-site so that operations can continue after a disaster. Consider keeping a backup generator and plenty of batteries on hand so your business can continue to operate after a power loss.
  • As a hurricane approaches, quick actions should to be taken to install temporary protection features including:
    • Shutter or board up windows to protect them from flying debris
    • Clean out floor drains and catch basins to ensure maximum drainage
    • Anchor structures, trailers and yard storage so they are more likely to stay put in high winds
    • Fill emergency generator and fire pump fuel tanks
    • Shut down production processes safely
    • Shut off all flammable and combustible liquid and gas lines at their source
    • Shut off electrical power at the main building disconnect before the hurricane strikes
  • Once the storm has subsided and it is safe to return, a salvage team should be assembled and repair work prioritized, assuring proper supplies are available and safety procedures followed.

This list was shared with us by our friends at Travelers Ins.

Hurricane Irene Tracking Toward New England Coastline

by | Aug 25, 2011 | Blog

We are all watching closely as hurricane Irene continues to track north towards New England.   A Hurricane watch has been issued for the Carolina cost line as this slow moving storm makes its way toward the eastern seaboard.  It is being forecast that the storm with hit the New England area Sunday night into Monday.   Most insurance companies will be issuing a hold on binding new Property Insurance coverage leading up to the storm.  If you are expecting to obtain a new homeowners policy or commercial property insurance within the next week, please call your agent to discuss.

There are a few reasons why the experts are watching this storm particularly close.  First it is unusually large  with hurricane force winds of  74 miles per hour  that extend 70 miles from its center, and tropical-storm force winds of 35 miles per hour extending 255 miles in all directions.  It is also very slow moving. This storm is moving at an average of 12 miles per hour, while similar storms this size in the past have traveled 30 to 40 miles per hour.  Both of these factors could increase damage done to the US coastline by exposing it to large amounts of wind and rain for an extended duration.

Power outages and down trees are likely in the Massachusetts area, with the possibility of evacuations.  Massachusetts Emergency management Agency has issued a Disaster preparedness plan with a list of supplies that every family should have on hand. 

  • Canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not need cooking
  • Manual can opener
  • Bottled water (1 gallon per person/per day)
  • Prescription medication
  • Extra eyeglasses
  • Pet food/supplies
  • Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
  • Infant care items
  • First aid supplies
  • Masking and duct tape
  • Flashlight or lantern, with extra batteries
  • Battery operated radio, with extra batteries
  • Watch or battery operated clock
  • Ice chest
  • Matches
  • cash
  • Important documents (Such as wills, deeds, prescriptions, passports, birth certificates, health record, proof of address, Social Security number)
  • Plastic trash bags

 

To read the full list as well as the full hurricane disaster preparedness plan visit MEMA website.