DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was told I could get forms from our town clerks to fill out regarding damage done to my home during the high winds and rain storm that occurred on Dec. 18. I was also told there was a deadline.
How can there be a deadline when assessments haven’t even been made yet? I’m wondering why they don’t know much of anything going on in our town.
Shouldn’t those who work at the town office be more helpful to people who live here and ask questions about assistance from this catastrophe which happened in 14 counties? I had to contact another town to get answers.
I also heard that our town has no emergency funding. Any information would be appreciated. Perhaps someone could put this information in the media about how people can get assistance.
I’m a concerned person in need of answers and realize this has been a very short time since everything has happened. I know things take time. — Yvonne, no town
ANSWER: I’m sure you are concerned about all this, as many Mainers are. Yes, things take time. What we’ve just experienced has been traumatizing and many of us just weren’t prepared for the worst of it.
Please go to this state website Maine Flood Resources and Assistance Hub (https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/flood) where you’ll find information on what to do. The page has been developed to help Maine people find information, resources, and assistance to recover from flooding and damages caused by the Dec. 18 storm. It will be updated with new information as it becomes available so keep checking in.
The information covers a lot of concerns, including how to report loss of food if you receive SNAP and what to do if you were unable to work at your regular job because of roads being closed and loss of electricity, cellular and internet services.
The only deadline I saw on the page was the reporting of SNAP recipient food loss, which is Jan. 18.
Call 211 to report the damage to your home and they will collect your info and give you resources.
Also, if your town office is unable to assist you with the information you need, call 1-800-442-6003.
Check in with the carrier of your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance as well.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please include local public libraries as a resource for people seeking information regarding your column about finding information on countries to live in, and your Dec. 12 column on comfortable places to spend time that have good Wi-Fi.
In the event of a power outage, it’s always best to call first though. It is becoming more common for libraries to have generators for emergency heat and light, but it’s good to check ahead. Libraries are an amazing community resource! — Ruth, no town
ANSWER: You read my mind, Ruth! I was going to add libraries as a resource to that Dec. 12 column but ran out of space and was going to bring our lovely libraries and all the services they provide to readers’ attention in a follow-up column.
Libraries are the best — and it’s the first place I go to with my questions. They are welcoming and they are free.
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