• While we cannot guarantee any policy coverage, it's very possible we can help find other coverage. (If we file the claim, the claim adjustor can assist you in determining if there is any coverage on your home, auto or business owners' policy.) Some Examples:
• Debris removal.
• Food spoilage.
• Backup of sewer and drain.
• Flooded automobile - comprehensive actually includes coverage for flooded automobile situations.

#5. Uninsured or underinsured victims - FEMA assistance might be available. Residents and business owners in Vermont who sustained losses in the designated counties can apply for assistance starting today. Here's how:

Irene Disaster in VT - Info & Resources
 

FEMA: Do I qualify? 
  

FEMA: What is covered?

VT Agency of Commerce/Community Dev
 Click the above link to find information on following:

• General Information for All
• Business Resources
• Individual Resources
• Farms/Agriculture
• Historical Properties
• Donations

Centers for Disease Control: Mold Prevention

Vermont Economic Development Authority
Llow-interest loans available for businesses damaged by Tropical Storm Irene.

 
Small Business Administration, Vermont district office
For help with small business loans, grants and financing.

Farm Service Agency in Colchester
For Vermont farmers seeking assistance and information about farm-related flooding and to report damage. 

 
VTrans road closure map  

Seven Days crowd sourced map of Vermont flooding locales 

Vermont Citizen blog coordinating helpers and victims 

Vermont Agency of Transportation Rideshare Program 

 
The Governor's Office

   
Contact information for Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders

Contact information for U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy

Contact information and Q&A on flood assistance from Vermont

Congressman Peter Welch's website

 
Ready.gov: Floods

Images of Flooding Across Vermont (Photo credit: Lars Gange & Mansfield Heliflight)

It might be hard to believe, but it is about time for school to begin, and for some it already has! As the summer winds down, it can be difficult for you and your kids to get back into the swing of things. Here are some tips to help you prepare for homework, sports, and after-school activities as the school year approaches:

• Find or create a list of supplies. Some schools will issue and distribute a list of suggested school supplies depending on what grade your student is entering. These are usually mailed out or can sometimes be found at office supply stores. If you have trouble finding one, it is well worth it to call the school and see if there is a supplies list or even just one or two items required for the first day. By shopping early you can take advantage of sales and discounts as well as avoid the rush during the first week of school.
   
•  Take advantage of after-school programs. Whether your son or daughter is a budding musician, athlete, or thespian, many schools offer a wide range of after-school activities. Not only can these programs expose your child to a new hobby, but they often extend the school day and cut down on time your child might spend at home alone. Be sure to investigate these programs early, since many sports and drama groups hold try-outs and auditions weeks before the first day of school.
   
• Plan for your child's nutritional needs. Due to food allergies, diet restrictions, and personal preferences, deciding whether to pack your child's lunch or to participate in a lunch program at school is important. This can be especially true when moving to a new school, or transitioning from middle school to high school. Inquiring about the nature of the lunches offered and what, if any, nutritional guidelines the cafeteria follows can be good first steps toward deciding whether to pack a lunch or buy it at the school.

Not sending anyone off to school this year? Check out these tips for non-parents as the school year ramps up:

• Learn the bus schedules. Because busses stop so frequently, finding yourself unexpectedly caught behind one can add time to your morning commute and might even make you late to work. Be aware of when the neighborhood bus comes, how often you encounter busses on your way to work, and possible alternate routes in the event that you are short on time. You can then use this information to decide if you need to wake up earlier to beat the traffic, or if taking a different road might help you circumvent slow bus routes.
   
• Slow down! With school in session, the number of children crossing the street and playing near the roads dramatically increases. Paying attention to posted signs regarding crosswalks, school zones, and speed limits will reduce the risk of injury and contribute to safer streets for everyone.

 

• The drawing will be held on September 23. 
• The winner will be notified by email or phone and announced on our website and in the October newsletter.
• Increase your chances of winning! 
• You may enter once per month via our newsletter, July through September.
• Like us on Facebook for an extra chance to win.
• Forward this newsletter to a friend for yet another chance to win.
• If you enter each month, like us on Facebook, and forward the newsletter to a friend, your name is submitted FIVE times!

• Mobile: m.insure-vt.com *Instant smartphone access to us*
• Online: www.insure-vt.com
• Call: 800-900-0121

(Hickok & Boardman and Denis, Ricker & Brown are members of the Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group.  Comprised of 4 separate corporations)