Info on 'specific' flood damage needed

Source: Sentinel and Enterprise

LEOMINSTER -- Did your basement fill with water completely? Did livable rooms have water so high you couldn't see the electrical outlets?

If so, your help may be needed in order to continue the fight for a FEMA disaster declaration from the Sept. 11 flood - and the much-needed relief funding that comes with it.

In order to assist Gov. Maura Healey's appeal of the decision to deny a FEMA disaster declaration for all those with flood damage from Sept. 11, 2023, the city is seeking additional information from some homeowners with specific damage from the September flood.

"This information is to support the appeal of the denial by President Biden and FEMA for a Disaster Declaration for Leominster and other communities," said a press release on the Leominster government website. "We are looking for additional information from homeowners that had major damage."

These are the specific guidelines:

*Waterline above 18 inches or the electrical outlets in an "essential living space"

*Waterline on first floor of a residence when the basement was completely full

An "essential living space" is defined by FEMA as a room within a home that serves the function of a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and/or living room that is regularly occupied or used by one or more members of the household and requires repair to bring functionality back to the home.

If you have previously completed the Flood Damage Form and do not have the damage described above, you do not need to complete any further paperwork at this time.

If you think your home meets the above criteria, please email the Mayor's office at [email protected].

"Identifying additional major damage will help us with the City's appeal of our Disaster Declaration denial. Thank you!"