One of the things that follows on the heels of flooding is mold. Lots of mold. Drywall, woodwork, carpeting, furniture - you name it, has to be thrown out ... and so does most insulation.
Throw in the damage to appliances (when your refrigerator gets tossed around the room a bit and the compressor gets wrecked, it's not going to work later).
Efficiency Vermont - the state's efficiency utility (it provides "negawatts" to the power generation stream) - is offering help for Vermonters who need to re-insulate their homes and/or replace appliances. There's even a rebate for energy star dehumidifiers.
See below for details:
Irene Relief Aid and Resources
Efficiency Vermont is working to help all Vermonters affected by Irene. As Vermonters repair or rebuild their homes, Efficiency Vermont can provide advice on replacing damaged insulation and on how to address health and safety issues. In addition, Efficiency Vermont has financial assistance available for air sealing, replacing insulation, heating and hot water systems as well as rebates on ENERGY STAR® clothes washers, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators.
Health and Safety
As repairs are being made to homes affected by Irene, it is important to consider mold, mildew, indoor air quality and carbon monoxide. For more information on these health and safety issues and how to prevent them, please call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990.
Reinsulating Walls and Air Sealing
If you need to reinsulate your home or don't know what steps to take, Efficiency Vermont can provide technical advice and will be providing financial assistance. Call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 to get started.
Finding a Contractor
If you need help finding a contractor, Efficiency Vermont supports a network of highly-trained contractors certified by the Building Performance Institute. Find a contractor in your area, or call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990.
Heating and Hot Water Equipment
For heating and hot water equipment assessment and repair, the best place to start is by calling your Fuel Dealer for assistance.
Efficiency Vermont is working with the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association to determine the best way to help support those affected by Irene with technical and financial assistance.
ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebates
Efficiency Vermont currently offers a $50 mail-in rebate on select ENERGY STAR® clothes washers and refrigerators. You can also combine this rebate with a $50 instant in-store rebate funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ─ for a total rebate of $100.
Dehumidifiers:
Efficiency Vermont also currently offers a $25 mail-in rebate on ENERGY STAR® qualified dehumidifiers.
Community Links
If you are an individual and need immediate help, call 211 or go to www.vermont211.org.
Information on Vermont road conditions, call 511 or go to www.511vt.com.
If you are a business (for-profit; non-profit; multi-family housing provider, etc.) please call 802-828-3211 to report damage to your business and to speak to someone about additional resources available.
Visit vtresponse.wordpress.com for information on how to donate or volunteer in Vermont recovery efforts.
More
A full page of additional helpful links for Irene recovery
And for those who missed it, here's a link to yesterday's aid information diary.