There is help available for victims of the severe storms and flooding that affected much of northern and central Vermont last April and May. But, there are application deadlines for federal disaster assistance coming up. People affected by the Lake Champlain flooding must apply by August 15. The deadline is September 6 for Washington and Caledonia counties. Attorney Christine Speidel, Staff Attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, Shaun Gilpin Program Director, CVOEO Mobile Home Project and Tom Garrett, Executive Director, Legal Services Law Linel answer frequently asked questions, and explain why it's important that everyone who was affected by the flooding apply for federal help. Besides grants and loans, disaster victims may qualify for tax breaks. Also covered are tips for avoiding home improvement fraud, and resources available to homeowners. Federal disaster assistance www.disasterassistance.gov - FEMA 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 TTY - Small Business Administration 1-800-659-2955. Call your local Community Action Agency or 2-1-1 for assistance. Visit www.vtlawhelp.org for detailed information and links. Help with home repair disputes: call Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-649-2424 or visit www.uvm.edu/consumer.
