Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams from FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) are going door-to-door in Vermont communities, canvassing neighborhoods and helping flood-impacted residents register for disaster assistance.
DSA crew members are visiting homes, schools, nonprofits and communities with limited access. They are also meeting with local officials and community leaders to identify disaster-related issues and unmet needs.
DSA teams can help survivors register for assistance, update their information and assist with referrals to voluntary agency partners. They may give residents the opportunity to use a tablet to register or offer to enter information on their behalf.
Teams from the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience are going door-to-door to contact survivors of the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides, too. They are notifying Vermont businesses damaged by the storms that they are eligible to apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans.
DSA crews will never ask for or accept money. DSA staff wear a FEMA identification badge with a photograph – a FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity.
SBA team members will be wearing SBA Disaster Assistance shirts or jackets, have Federal ID cards with their name, photo, and SBA logo on them, and will not hesitate to produce their IDs if requested.
While helping someone register, team members may ask for personal information, including social security number, annual income and bank information. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information.
People affected by the floods in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties don’t have to wait for a DSA or SBA to register for assistance. To register, download the FEMA Mobile App, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
For more information visit: vermont.gov/flood.
