News

  • Chelsea Needs Your Help

    ByTierney Farago

    Why?

    For Chelsea residents to receive reimbursement for storm-related expenses, Orange County must be included in the Presidential major disaster declaration for Vermont. Orange County has not yet been included.

    IT IS CRITICAL that you report damage to 2-1-1 to help get Orange County included in the disaster declaration for Vermont. The more forms filled out, the greater chance that we will have enough to qualify for FEMA assistance.

    Reporting DOES NOT obligate the property owner to take any further action.

    WHAT?

    •          Any structural damage

    •          Internal damage- wet sheetrock, water-damaged belongings, etc.

    •          Property damage to fencing, vehicles, appliances, etc.

    •          Washed-out driveway

    HOW?

    Individuals:

    Report all damage to Vermont 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.vermont211.org

    Businesses:

    If your business or non-profit has sustained damage from the flood, please file a report here: https://vermont211.org/business-form#Business%20Form

    If you need assistance reporting, please reach out the jessekselectboard@gmail.com. We are happy to help you navigate the reporting process!

  • Debris Management

    ByTierney Farago

    Two large dumpsters have been obtained to help aid our residents that have been impacted by last week’s flood.   

    The transfer station will be open on Thursday night, 7/20 from 4-8 PM ONLY FOR FLOOD DAMAGE MATERIAL.  

    In order for us to potentially be reimbursed by FEMA for removal of this debris, the following are the rules for Thursday night:

    1. The dumpsters can only be used by those impacted by the flood.   To that end, here are requirements to help us meet the FEMA requirements.  

    • The property owner has to be present at the transfer station
    • We need to take pictures of the material being disposed of
    • We will need your street address

    2. At this time, the dumpsters are only for household debris.  Carpets, sheetrock, basic household material that was damaged by the flood

    • No appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters, hazardous debris, large furniture, etc…
    • No rocks, trees, fences, etc..

    3. There is likely to be a line coming into the transfer station.  Please be patient, pull to the side of the road and be safe.  

    We recognize that there will be needs beyond what this Thursday nights hours will provide.  We will be providing additional guidance in the next day or two as it relates to debris management beyond these two dumpsters.

    We appreciate your patience and recognize how difficult this is for so many in our community.  If you need help, please let the Selectboard and your neighbors know, we will do our best to help find you assistance.

    Lastly, 2-1-1 is an important resource to help residents, the Town and County.  We strongly encourage anyone that has had damage to their property to call this number and report your damage.  Reporting does not obligate the property owner to take any further action.

  • Boil Water Notice Lifted.

    ByPatty Swahn

    WHAT TO DO AFTER A BOIL WATER NOTICE IS LIFTED

    Residents are advised to “flush” their water following the lifting of a boil water notice in order to clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water. Flushing your household and building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets; showers; water and ice dispensers; water treatment units, etc. Please use the following guidance:

    Cold Water Faucets:

    Run tap water until the water feels cold, one minute or more, before drinking, brushing teeth, or using for food preparation. If you have a single-lever faucet, set it to run the cold water first.

    Hot Water Faucets:

    To clear hot-water pipes and water heater of untreated water, flush the hot water line for a minimum of 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot-water tank, 30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger. Hot water is then safe to use for hand-washing of dishes, pots and pans, etc. Never use water from the “hot” faucet for drinking, cooking, or other internal consumption purposes.

    Dishwashers:

    After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run dishwasher empty one time.

    Humidifiers:

    Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical, or health care devices, and rinse the device with clean water.

    Food and Baby Formula:

    Discard baby formula and any other food and drink prepared with tap water during the boil water notice. If unsure of the exact dates, contact your water department.

    Refrigerator Water-Dispensing Machine:

    Water dispensers from refrigerators should be flushed by at least one quart of water. If unsure of your dispenser’s capacity, refer to manufacturer specifications.

    Ice Cubes:

    Automatic ice dispensers should be emptied of ice made during the boil water order and run through a 24-hour cycle, discarding the ice to assure purging of the icemaker water supply line.

    For medical, dental, and food-service establishments, please refer to the guidance from the Vermont Department of Health: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/ENV FL boil-water­ notice-guidance.pdf

  • Bridge Closure Update:

    ByTierney Farago

    Effective immediately, VTrans has closed the bridge on VT-110 north of Upper Village Road (near Devil’s Den) to all traffic. A temporary bridge will be placed in the next 1-2 weeks.

  • Storm Resources

    ByTierney Farago

    Below are important resources.  We encourage you to report any damage that you may have sustained at the links below.  Reporting any damage will help in identifying the need for assistance and support in our community.

    Individuals: If you had any type of flooding damages and want to be registered for individual assistance, please contact call 2-1-1 or visit https://vermont211.org/resident-form

    Businesses: please visit  https://vermont211.org/business-form#Business%20Form

    If you have questions about removing storm debris from your property’s waterway, please use the following resources: 

    Flood Recovery Resources | Agency of Natural Resources (vermont.gov)  

    Web address:   ANR.Vermont.Gov/Flood  

    If you had damage to crops, forage, equipment, and buildings please use the following resources:  www.Agriculture.Vermont.Gov/Flood  

    If you or anyone you know has been put out of your residence due to flood damage, there will be a Multi-agency Resource Center set up at the Barre City, BOR building tomorrow Saturday, July 15th.  This will be open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Some agencies include Housing Assistance, Red Cross, and Economic Services Division.    

    The transfer station will be open and operating as normal tomorrow, July 15, 2023.  The dumpsters at the Heath Field are for storm waste only.  We cannot accept tires, chemicals, appliances, furniture, or freon-containing items.

    We’re waiting to receive additional information from the State on continual disposal.                                          

    ~  Chelsea Selectboard