MAINE, USA — Editor's note: The video above was published Dec. 19, 2023.
Gov. Janet Mills has announced the launch of an online resource for Mainers impacted by flooding and damages in last week's storm.
On Tuesday, the launch of the Maine Flood Resources and Assistance Hub was announced in a news release from the governor's office. The hub "aggregates information, resources, and assistance" including insurance, assistance, and public safety information related to the recent storm, the release stated.
The announcement comes after a civil state of emergency was declared for 14 of 16 counties in Maine following the storm that left more than 400,000 Mainers without power amid flooding and storm damages. Gov. Mills has reportedly initiated the process of requesting a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden, which will allow federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts.
The hub has resources on flooding and storm-related insurance claims, reporting storm damage to the state and dealing with debris, information on road closures, and more, the release said. It also includes general information useful for current and future storms including details on warming and emergency shelters, generator and food safety tips, home heating guides, etc.
"In the wake of last week’s storm, my Administration has launched the Maine Flood Resources and Assistance Hub to help Maine people with questions they may have about property damage, road safety, tree removal, and more," Mills said in the news release. "We will update this website as more information becomes available as part of our effort to do all we can to support the swiftest possible recovery of Maine communities."
Gov. Mills also announced Tuesday the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved the Maine Emergency Management Agency's request to begin a Preliminary Damage Assessment. It serves as the first formal step toward requesting a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government.
Last week, Gov. Mills reportedly joined state officials in surveying along the Kennebec River in Augusta and in Skowhegan.