On July 11th and 12th, Vermont experienced the worst flooding the state has ever seen. Many homes, businesses and communities were affected by this historic event. According to VT Digger, preliminary information collected by the State Emergency Operations Center reports the damage of approximately 4,087 homes and 839 businesses. The road to recovery is underway, with many volunteers helping fellow Vermonters. Our state is small but mighty and we show up when neighbors are in need. If you or someone you know has been affected by flooding, we have gathered some resources below to help you. 

 

Vermont Association of Realtors Disaster Relief Fund

In response to the devastation caused to Vermonters across our state, the Vermont Association of Realtors® has partnered with the Realtors® Relief Foundation to distribute relief funds from the Foundation to victims of these historic floods. VAR has also established a Disaster Relief Fund to provide additional financial support to Vermonters impacted by recent flooding. If you are interested in applying for funding, please complete the funding request form. 

 

Flood Resources

Vermont has developed a flood resources page dedicated to helping Vermonters as they recover from this disaster. This page includes how to report damage, clean up, financial aid, and much more. Visit the page here.

 

Filing Your Claim

• Website: How to start filing your claim

• Fact Sheet: How to file a flood insurance claim

• Fact Sheet: Start your recovery: FEMA’s flood insurance claims process

• Fact Sheet: Wind versus floodwater damage: What you need to know when filing a claim

• Graphic: Who’s knocking at your door

• Graphic: Basement flooding: What’s covered?

Recovering from a Flood

• Website: How to document damage and start clean-up

• Handbook: Federal disaster assistance: Meeting the flood insurance requirement

• NFIP Claims Handbook

• Questions and Answers about the NFIP for real estate professionals

• Factsheet: Salvaging water-damaged family valuables and heirlooms

• Website: Reducing future flood damage

More FEMA Information For Vermonters.

 

 

1. Lake Champlain is 120 Miles in Length

Lake Champlain is about 120 miles long and 12 miles in width at its widest point. It reaches Vermont, New York, and Canada and even gets all the way down to 400ft at its deepest point.

2. Lake Champlain was once the Sixth Great Lake

President Clinton declared Lake Champlain the sixth Great Lake on March 6th, 1998. Most of the country disagreed with the decision and convinced Clinton to rescind the title only a couple of weeks later, on March 24th, 1998.

3. There are 71 Islands throughout Lake Champlain

These range from tiny remote islands to larger islands with towns. The three largest islands are towns that include: South Hero/Grand Isle, North Hero, and Isle La Motte.

4. Lake Champlain is Home to the Oldest Reef in the world.

The Chazy Reef is a fossil reef in Isle La Motte, Vermont, that spans over 1,567 acres and is over 480 million years old. As a National Natural Landmark, the reef is viewable to the public at the Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve and the Fisk Quarry Reserve.

5. Lake Champlain Holds over 90 species of fish. 

Over 90 species of fish live in the waters of Lake Champlain. It’s considered a frontline fishery for two species in particular: salmonid species (lake trout and salmon) and bass. Bassmaster magazine even named Lake Champlain the fourth best lake in the region for fishing in 2021!

6. It was the Location of the Battle of Plattsburgh.

The lake was a vital part in many battles and wars. The Battle of Plattsburgh, also known as the Battle of Lake Champlain, took place during the War of 1812 and prevented the British from invading New York.

7. Lake Champlain has a 14-Mile Long Recreational Trail

The Island Line Trail takes you from Burlington, Vermont to the Lake Champlain Islands. Historically, the trail was not meant for recreational use. It was built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad for coastal market connections. Eventually, in the 1980s, the railroad was converted into a recreational path.

If you found these facts interesting, learn more about Lake Champlain here!