Preparing for Irene

[Chris Santee]

VERMONTERS URGED TO PREPARE FOR EFFECTS OF HURRICANE IRENE
MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin today reiterated that Hurricane Irene is currently heading for the United States and is expected to make landfall sometime this weekend.  The current track of the storm has Irene crossing into Vermont as a Tropical Storm overnight Sunday into Monday.  A Tropical Storm designation is based on the fact that maximum winds could be between 39 and 73 miles-per-hour.

The Governor, after a briefing today with state and federal emergency officials, said the storm is expected to bring heavy rains and wind starting late Sunday, and could cause flash flooding throughout Vermont and high winds with widespread power outages. Additional briefings on the track and progress of the hurricane will continue throughout today, Friday and the weekend.

“Although we hope the storm weakens and moves offshore, Vermonters need to prepare for the possibility that Hurricane Irene hits our state,” Gov. Shumlin said. Topping the list, he said, is for Vermonters to monitor weather information from the National Weather Service (www.nws.gov/btv ), radio and TV broadcasts, print media, or Internet sources.

In addition, Vermont Emergency Management’s preparedness instructions include:

•  Clearing your yard of toys, lawn furniture and other objects that could become dangerous if blown around in high winds.

•  Stocking up on water, non-perishable food and other supplies to be able to shelter at homes for up to three days.

•  Preparing for power outages by stockpiling flashlights and fresh batteries and a battery powered radio.  If you have a generator, ensure that it is professionally installed and can be operated without causing a carbon monoxide hazard. Report outages to your electric utility.  Be sure you have at least one phone that does not need electricity.

•  If local officials order an evacuation, respond immediately.  Plan your evacuation route ahead of time, one that brings you over high ground..

•  Use text messaging to communicate with family and friends during a storm if possible, rather than cell phone calls. Texts use much less bandwidth than cell phone calls and messages are more likely to get through.

Gov. Shumlin said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn has ordered all necessary resources of his department to be directed toward preparation for the worst-case scenario for the storm. In addition, Vermont Emergency Management has arranged for staffing for the state Emergency Operations Center over the weekend should conditions warrant.
State agencies, including Transportation and Agriculture, are preparing now for potential problems impacting their jurisdictions; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is charged with monitoring the Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon; hospitals will report to the Department of Health as warranted.

VEM has been in constant contact with the National Weather Service to receive updates as they become available, and has arranged for resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be deployed to Vermont should assistance be necessary.  FEMA already has a presence in Vermont at its Joint Field Office for spring storm recovery; these personnel would be activated for the Irene response.

[Mike Raburn]

Prepare..

Thoughts with ya....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14674374

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14673316

[Chris Santee]

Tropical storm to move into Vermont Sunday morning
MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin said that while Vermont hopes for the best, the National Weather Service is predicting that Hurricane Irene will enter the state as a Tropical Storm on Sunday morning, moving into Southern Vermont first and spreading winds and heavier rainfall across the state throughout the afternoon.

The Governor said the state will open its Emergency Operations Center in Waterbury on Sunday at 7 a.m. and that center will stay open 24 hours a day for the duration of the storm response.

“Although the full extent of the storm is still unclear, what we do know is Vermont is expected to experience winds and at least several inches of rain that could produce flooding,” Gov. Shumlin said. “Being prepared is our best defense from whatever weather event this storm brings our way on Sunday.”

The Governor said Vermont State Parks will remain open throughout this weekend.  However, Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is urging campers to exercise all necessary caution, and to be conservative and safe when planning for their stay this weekend.

Park employees have been working to secure facilities and clean up any equipment or debris that could blow around in a storm to ensure the safety of those who wish to camp this weekend.  Most parks are also have secure structures where campers can find shelter from the elements should wind and rain become a problem. Campers who wish to cancel their reservations for this weekend may do so and receive a full refund.  (Media can contact Vermont State Parks Director Craig Whipple at 802-241-3663 for more information.)

Representatives from Vermont utilities, health care, Red Cross, municipalities, the NWS, Vermont Public Safety and Emergency Management, and other offices are meeting regularly via conference call to update preparatory measures.

The Governor highlighted several steps Vermonters should take to prepare, which can be found in VEM’s Emergency Preparedness Workbook at its web site at www.vemvt.com.  Other preparedness tips, he said today, include:

• Constantly monitoring weather information from the National Weather Service (www.nws.gov/btv ), radio and TV broadcasts, print media, or Internet sources.

• Stock up on water, non-perishable food and other supplies to be able to shelter at homes for up to three days.

• Prepare for power outages by stockpiling flashlights and fresh batteries and a battery powered radio..  If you have a generator, ensure that it is professionally installed and can be operated without causing a carbon monoxide hazard. Report outages to your electric utility.  Be sure you have at least one phone that does not need electricity.

• If local officials order an evacuation, respond immediately.  Plan your evacuation route ahead of time, one that brings you over high ground.

• Use text messaging to communicate with family and friends during a storm if possible, rather than cell phone calls. Texts use much less bandwidth than cell phone calls and messages are more likely to get through.

[7F5]

The calm before the storm? As the Town of Fairfax, the emergency services are prepared or are preparing for Irene. The highway department's equipment is fueled and saw are sharpened if needed. Fire department will be meeting at 6:00 PM tonight to top off all equipment and get station generator ready. Extra radios are charged and ready. Fairfax Rescue advised me that they will be staffing both ambulances. Randy and Paul at the sewer plant have been preparing for the anticipated extra rainfall. The EOC will opened and be staffed if it is deamed necessary.

Just a few pre-storm things, put up some extra water and food. Get out the flashlights and extra batteries, (they are safer than candles). Get some first aid supplies ready for small injuries, and make sure you have ample personal medications. If you have a generator make sure it is used outdoors to prevent CO poisoning. Also if you use a generator make sure to isolate from the grid. If your generator is dumping power back on the grid, this can be very dangerous for line workers.

Most of all be patient, check on your neighbors, and everyone please be safe.

Stephen E. Bessette EMC