As we write this, the rain has let up, but the rivers continue to rise.
The Nashua and Squannacook rivers are of crucial concern here. Route 119 is closed at the Littleton/Groton line and at the Groton-Pepperell line. Ayer is again sandbagging its new fire station, Pepperell is worrying about the Main Street dam and West Groton is keeping an eye on very large trees being carried downriver to the old mill dam. There’s a lot going on — and a lot of water.
It’s a good time to say thank you to those in our towns who are trained and ready to respond in emergencies like this. We expect you to be e there, and appreciate that you are.
For those residents and businesses suffering damages, help is near. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued the following statement:
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from the state-wide flooding disaster in the designated counties (including ours) can initiate the Application for Assistance process by calling FEMA directly.
Tele-Registration numbers to call are 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462 7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
Applications may also be registered on-line at www.fema.gov.
The toll-free Tele-Registration numbers will operate until further notice. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
According to an operator at the FEMA number, callers will be routed through a recorded response process and do not need to have paperwork at hand when they call. “We will guide them through the process and tell them what documentation is needed,” she said.
Once an application is filed, status may be checked on the Web site www.fema.gov.
