January Storm Recovery Resources and Action Items
The information and resources below are for those of you who were impacted by the storms and flooding in our coastal communities on January 10th and 13th.
Thanks to the Island Institute, Maine Emergency Management Agency, and Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association for compiling the resources and information shared below to help support the local towns, individuals, and businesses as everyone starts assessing damage and planning for recovery.
Our hearts go out to all in the region who were impacted by the extensive flooding and winds. Local, County and State Governments and various non-profit organizations are starting to pull together resources to support recovery. Please note that some of these action items are time-sensitive as the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) seeks recovery funding from FEMA.
Flooding of the Kennebec River in downtown Bath on 01/10. (Source: Bath Police Department)
Actionable Steps if you have been impacted by the storm
1) Report Damage to MEMA using the following forms—
Flood impact reporting for individuals and households – Individuals & Households Initial Damage Assessment
Flood impact reporting for businesses – IHIDA Annex - Business and Agriculture
Flood impact reporting for towns – the County Emergency Management Agency and the town Emergency Management Directors are gathering information about impacts to public resources. These impacts will be reported separately for last week’s two storms.
If you fill out the form by 1/18 for Wednesday’s storm and 1/22 for Saturday’s storm, it will help MEMA make the case to FEMA that our coastal counties qualify for emergency disaster support. Information submitted by 2/10 will help MEMA make the case for a major disaster declaration to FEMA and President Biden. If your property was impacted by both storms, it is fine to submit just one form, but it is helpful if you note in the narrative section which impacts came from which storm.
2) Contact your Insurance Agency
Insurance is the easiest and fastest method for getting funds to fix damages, so be in touch with your insurance company about any damages to your home, business or property.
3) Document Everything
Keep receipts for things you purchase to fix damages, take pictures and videos, and keep good notes. If federal funds become available, this will make it easiest for you to access them.
4) Some Sources for Support:
The Island Institute has set up a grant fund for working waterfront businesses that were impacted by the 1/10 and 1/13 storms - the Business Resilience Storm Response Grant. Applications are reviewed weekly and applicants can ask for up to $5,000.
If you were impacted by the storm that caused flooding and power outages from 12/17 - 12/21, a FEMA disaster declaration has been made, and you can apply for assistance on FEMA’s page.
The State has set up a Disaster Assistance Map, where you can find resources available by county. Scroll down to the middle of this web page to access the map.
A flooded road to Reid State Park on 01/10
good websites with links and resources for those impacted by the flooding
The Island Institute: January 2024 Storm Resource Page
reporting damage;
resources for assistance, including support for basic needs and mental health;
links to resources about insurance;
information about the Island Institute’s Business Resilience Storm Response Grants
and new resources as they become available.
The Island Institute: Storm Recovery and Resources Webinar
a recording of a 1/16 webinar with commissioners from the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Director of Mitigation, Planning, and Recovery at MEMA about storm impacts, resources, and the recovery process;
a summary of questions and answers from the webinar, on topics including:
permitting
timeline and priorities for federal disaster assistance
ways to help
detailed information about a number of loan and grant programs
permitting guidance from MaineDEP
flood insurance information
Supporting people along the coast who have been impacted by the storms
The Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association has organized a Working Waterfront Support Fund to support the fishing businesses and working waterfront damaged by the storms.