2021 Winter Resources

Maine winters are no joke. The frigid weather and impressive snowfall could be fleeting or last far beyond the winter months. If there is one thing Maine people know it’s that the key to surviving Maine winters is to always be prepared for the unexpected.

Below is a guide to help Mainers respond to and get through the unexpected. You can also call your local town office or city hall to inquire about local resources. If you know of a good resource that we’ve missed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

GENERAL TIPS

• Maine 211: https://211maine.org/
  Ways to get help:
  • Dial “211” on your phone
  • Text your zip code to 898-211
  • Send an email to Info@211Maine.org

• Department of Homeland Security
  • Page on preparing for and enduring winter storms: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

POWER OUTAGES

• CMP:
  • Report online: https://ecmp.cmpco.com/WebOutage/
  • Call 1-800-696-1000
  • View outage list: http://www.cmpco.com/outages/outageinformation.html
• Versant
  • Report online: https://www.versantpower.com//outages-and-restoration/outage-report-form/
  • Call 207- 973-2000 (local)  or 1-855-363-7211 (in-state toll free)
  • View outage list: https://www.versantpower.com//outages-and-restoration/current-outage-reports/

EMERGENGY FOOD ASSISTANCE

• Search Food Assistance Programs by county
• Good Shepherd food pantry and meal site map
• Getting replacement food after an emergency, for Food Supplement recipients: Within 10 days of the incident or end of the power outage, contact DHHS at 1-855-797-4357 to report the loss of food. You will be sent a form to fill out and return to DHHS. The sooner you get DHHS this form, the faster you get your replacement benefits.

MEMA’s “Maine Prepares” site: http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/prep_winter.shtml

Provides info on:

• Alternative Heat Source Safety for those using space heaters, wood stoves and other heat sources
• Carbon Monoxide Safety for those using gas-powered generators or other sources. Includes symptoms of CO poisoning, how to avoid it and how to report it
• Food Safety after a Power Outage
  • The UMaine Cooperative Extension also has good information about this
• Preventing or Thawing Frozen Water Pipes
•  Improving Air Quality For Breathing While Heating With Wood
• Putting together a preparedness kit for your car
• And more

MAINE HOUSING AUTHORITY

• Home Energy Assistance Program: http://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program
  • Call 1-877-544-3271
  • Email LIHEAP@mainehousing.org
  • Income eligibility guidelines:http://www.mainehousing.org/charts/DATAPovertyGuidelines
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program: https://mainehousing.org/programs-services/rental/rentaldetail/covid-19-rental-relief-program?
  • Can also be used to pay for utilities
  • Check to see if you’re eligible

CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION at the Maine Attorney General’s Office http://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/complaints/index.shtml

In the event a fuel company does not respond to a request for service, constituents can contact this division of the AG’s office to file a complaint:

• Call: 207-626-8849
• Email: consumer.mediation@maine.gov

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

This time of year can be especially hard for individuals and families. High heating bills, isolation, stressful holiday travel, freezing temperatures, dark days and nights can all contribute to mental health concerns. If you are looking for some additional help or support, don’t wait. Make the call for yourself or your loved ones today.

• Maine’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112
• NAMI Maine Helpline: 1-800-464-5767 (Press 1)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeine: 1-800-273-8255
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: namimaine.org
• The Maine Suicide Prevention Program: maine.gov/suicide/index.htm