Disaster Resources

Important Tax Filing Information
Disaster Assistance for Privately-Owned Docks, Ports, and Wharfs
Reporting Damage
Working Waterfront Resources
Resources for Assistance
Federal/National Resources
Disaster Resources for Farmers
Grant Opportunities


Below is list of local and federal resources for Mainers who have been impacted by the damaging storms that hit Maine on December 18, 2023 and January 10, 2024. If you live in an area with heavy flooding, we ask that you stay off the roads if at all possible.

If you need emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1.

2-1-1 can assist you in finding non-emergency resources, including financial and healthcare services, prescription assistance, medical transportation, and elderly assistance, as well as basic needs and crisis support.  

📢Important update regarding state and federal tax filing deadlines 📢

On April 4, 2024, the IRS announced federal tax relief for individuals and businesses in certain Maine counties affected by severe storms and flooding that began on January 9, 2024 and designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington, and York counties, postponing various tax filing and payment deadlines to July 15, 2024. 

On April 9, 2024 the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) announced that Maine Revenue Services, a bureau of DAFS, will extend the deadline to file Maine state taxes, for eight counties impacted by severe January storms, matching the recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal tax extension deadline for Maine taxpayers until July 15, 2024.

This extension is separate from an earlier IRS and Maine State tax filing deadline extension through June 17, 2024, in response to 10 FEMA designated Maine Counties as a result of December 2023 storms. Additional information on the February 5, 2024 extension announcement is located here.

Federal taxes are due in the following Maine counties as indicated:
April 17, 2024: Aroostook
June 17, 2024: Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset (FEMA declaration for December 17, 2023 storm).
July 15, 2024: Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington, York (FEMA declaration for January 9, 2024 storm)

Payment and filing deadlines for all other Maine tax types, including Maine sales tax and income tax withholding, remain unchanged. 

Taxpayers with questions about special federal tax relief associated with federally declared disaster areas should contact the IRS at (866) 562-5227 or go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov. 

Disaster Assistance for Privately-Owned Docks, Ports, and Wharfs

Mainers who live in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington or York counties and had a privately-owned dock, port or wharf damaged or destroyed by the severe storms and flooding that took place January 9-13, FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may provide financial assistance for replacement or repairs.

Individual Assistance
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program grants may be used to repair disaster-damaged, privately-owned docks, ports or wharfs. To qualify, the survivor must meet all the basic eligibility criteria for the Individuals and Households Program. They must also be the homeowner and the home must serve as the primary residence. A FEMA inspection is required to determine if repairs are necessary to access the property. In addition, the applicant must meet at least one of the following conditions:
▪ The dock, port or wharf provides the only access to the property
▪ No one can access the home due to damaged infrastructure
▪ The safety of the occupants could be adversely affected because emergency services cannot reach the residence. However, this will only be considered if access was available before the disaster occurred.

If an inspector was not able to access your primary home because of damage to the route, homeowners may have to call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 for information on how to file an appeal and clarify that the access route to the home prevented an inspection. 
When multiple households share a privately-owned dock, port or wharf, FEMA encourages all homeowners to apply for assistance that will benefit all affected households. This requires additional coordination and documentation between FEMA and each applicant. 

A statement that confirms the following must be included. 
▪ Each household that shares access to the dock, port or wharf consents to the repair work.
▪ Assistance that FEMA provides will be used to make repairs to the dock, port or wharf.
▪ All applicants understand they are responsible for securing permits and complying with local codes and ordinances.
▪ If there is a Homeowner’s association, confirm that the association was unable to receive assistance from the SBA or private insurance to repair the dock, port or wharf.

To apply for FEMA assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call toll-free 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.  

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans 
The U.S. Small Business Administration, FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. Businesses, nonprofit organizations (including associations) and homeowners may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan to repair or replace land improvements not covered by insurance. These improvements include: a private road or bridge necessary to access the property, repair retaining walls, etc. Homeowners who share private access roads and bridges with other homeowners may also be eligible for SBA disaster loans. 

You may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information.  

For the latest information on Maine’s recovery from the severe storm and flooding from January 9-13, 2024, visit Maine Flood Resources And Assistance Hub and 4764 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema. 

Maine

REPORTING DAMAGE

It’s imperative that individuals with damaged property document it by taking photos and compiling a list of damages and losses. This information will provide local emergency management agencies with the information they need to respond, and to request state and federal support resources.  

To report damage, The Maine Emergency Management Agency has provided online surveys to fill out: 

•  For individuals and households, click here. 
•  For businesses, click here. 

By reporting this damage you are NOT applying for assistance. This information is to assess damages and will be provided to your town to enable them to learn who has storm-related damages.Information provided will help the State of Maine estimate the full impact of the storm and unlock the maximum amount of potential Federal support available.

MAINE WORKING WATERFRONT BUSINESS RESOURCES

Click here for the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development's (DECD) resources guide for working waterfront businesses. 

RESOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE

First and foremost, contact your County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). County EMAs are the critical link between cities and towns and the State. They provide support for response, recovery and mitigation to local, business and volunteer partners.

• Maine Homeland Security
  
  
•  Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): All MEMA staff can be reached at 1-800-452-8735 (in-state only), 207-624-4400
  • Maine Prepares: This site provides helpful information for the public about preparing for a variety of emergency situations. Includes fact sheets, tips, and links to additional resources. 
  • Warming Center and Emergency Shelter Information
  •  Disaster Recovery
• Flood Cleanup
  
  • During flooding, basement fuel oil tanks can float and release oil. If your home is affected by flooding, the Maine DEP will inspect your oil system and advise on cleaning up any skills -- free of charge. 
    • If you have an oil spill requiring cleanup, Maine DEP can often provide cleanup services at little or no cost to you. This service is available after any weather event. Request it by calling Maine DEP at (800) 482-0777. The line is staffed 24/7.
  • The Maine Ground and Surface Waters Clean-up and Response Fund (Fund) is established to assist with certain costs and claims incurred as the result of an oil spill. To learn more, download this brochure from Maine DEP.
    • For more information on how to clean or repair flood damage, consult this guide from the U.S. EPA.
      
      
• Insurance Resources: The Maine Bureau of Insurance has several resources to help Maine people navigate insurance questions during flooding and natural disasters.
  • Flooding FAQ
  • Storm Damage FAQ
  • Post-Disaster Insurance Guide (PDF)
  • Homeowners and Renters Insurance
  • Homeowners and Renters Insurance FAQ
    
    
•  Maine Center for Disease Control
  
  
•  Maine's Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
  
  
•  Department of Public Safety
  
  
•  Emergency Medical Services
  
  
•  Traffic/road information: In partnership with the other northern New England states, New England 511 provides real-time road and weather conditions, links to live cameras, construction alerts, traffic warnings, and more. 
  
  
• American Red Cross of Northern New England: Those needing storm-related assistance, call 1-800-RED CROSS. For additional help or to report damage, dial 2-1-1.
  • An emergency shelter is open at the Conference Center at the Ramada Inn (490 Pleasant St., Lewiston) to provide safe shelter for area residents who have been evacuated due to flooding. This is a Red Cross managed shelter operating in coordination with city of Lewiston. The Red Cross is also working closely with Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency and Maine Emergency Management Agency. The city of Lewiston has closed its evacuation center at Robert V. Connors Elementary School – and those affected by area flooding are encouraged to seek refuge at the Red Cross shelter. Officials are expecting the Androscoggin River to crest overnight. Prioritize safety. Individuals evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of their family, including:
    • Prescription and emergency medications
    • Foods that meet special dietary requirements
    • Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
    • Chargers for any electronic devices
    • Books, games and other forms of entertainment
  • The Red Cross is partnering with the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society to welcome pets at the shelter. Pet owners should bring crates, carriers, food, medication, collars, leashes, toys for their pets.
    
    
• Food Assistance Programs
  • SNAP Replacement Benefits: You can report a loss of food purchased with SNAP benefits if the loss was the result of a fire, flood, power outage, appliance failure, or other household misfortune. The report must be made within 10 days of the loss.
    • Report a SNAP loss by submitting this form using any of the following methods:
      • Email: Farmington.DHHS@Maine.gov
      • Mail: OFI Farmington District Office, 114 Corn Shop Ln., Farmington, ME 04938
      • Drop off at a Regional OFI office, addresses and contact information for these offices can be found here.
    • You can also report the loss by calling (855) 797-4357. If you call, you will still need to submit this form. 
      
      
• Unemployment: If you are out of work due to the effects of the storm, even temporarily, the Department of Labor encourages you to apply for unemployment insurance.
  
  
• Updates on Power Outages: Central Maine Power, Versant Power, and Eastern Maine Electric are currently addressing power outages across the state. Monitor outage information for each of Maine’s electricity suppliers:
  • Central Maine Power
  • Versant Power
  •  Eastern Maine Electric

Federal/National

• Ready.gov: Federal government site for homeland security preparedness 
  
  
•  American Red Cross
  
  
•  Salvation Army
  
  
•  How to Give Blood (or call 1-800-448-3543 / 1-800-272-4543) 
  
  
• Coping with Disaster-Related Anxiety and Loss (National Mental Health Association) 
  
  
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  •  Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program | FEMA.gov: The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund is part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance program. These grant programs help communities increase resilience to extreme heat, drought, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes by funding transformational projects that reduce risk to multiple hazards, support adaptation to future conditions, and reduce the impact of all disasters on our nation’s most at-risk, under resourced and disadvantaged communities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Bridge Investment Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released $150 million FY24 Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund to make communities safer from natural hazards. Low-interest loans directly to local communities to reduce their vulnerability to disasters, promote equity, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster impacts.
  
  
•  Federal Resources at FirstGov
  
  
•  Family Readiness Kit (American Academy of Pediatrics) 
  
  
• Pets and Disasters

Disaster Resources for Farmers

• The Farm Service Agency (FSA) should serve as the primary point of contact for all farmers and ranchers who may be impacted by the disaster.
  • Click here for a fact sheet with basic information on many of the Farm Service Agency programs producers should consider, depending on the specifics of their circumstances.
  • Producers are encouraged to look through USDA’S Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool | Farmers.gov which can help producers identify the type of assistance they are looking for.

• The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can provide disaster assistance to farmers, ranchers, and communities through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Technical Assistance, and the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program.

• Rural Development: While the primary contact for rural communities impacted by a disaster should be FEMA, Rural Development can provide support to homeowners, businesses and communities to aid in recover and rebuilding. RD can be helpful in providing a long-term response to disasters—through repair to homes, essential community facilities and rural water systems. 

Grant Opportunities