The Latest "Frankenstorm" Information Updates

[Henry]

Looks like this could be quite the storm and could put a kink into the Halloween Celebrations.  Two of my daughters are doing some extra work on their jobs just in case. 


Latest Sandy Information


 Posted: Jul 12, 2012 1:27 PM EDT Updated: Oct 25, 2012 7:59 PM EDT


The latest updates continue to show an impact here in the Northeast early next week. There are still details to be ironed out such as rain totals, wind expectations, location of landfall, etc. However we are getting a much clearer picture of what to expect with the local impact of this storm.
 
Our Sky Tracker meteorologists expect a 70% likelihood of this system impacting our area with strong winds and heavy rain.  The trend has been increasing for local impacts over the last few days, despite a landfall well to our south. Sandy is a very large storm, and effects of the storm will be felt hundreds of miles away from the center.
 
Our latest thoughts are:
•Timing: Monday night through Tuesday night, maybe even Wednesday morning
 •Heavy rain, possibly 2-5" with heaviest in central/southern areas, and mountains
 •Moderate to high winds
 •Flooding possible
 •Power outages likely

When looking at the latest updates, there are still multiple scenarios to what could happen. From the most recent data, here are 3 scenarios of what could play out.
 •Landfall near Washington D.C. & the Chesapeake Bay Monday night/Tuesday morning
•Landfall near New York City Tuesday morning/afternoon
 •Landfall near Maine/Nova Scotia Tuesday afternoon




Click on the following link for more information:

http://www.fox44abc22yourvoice.com/story/19011194/latest-irene-information

[Chris Santee]

Vermonters Encouraged to Prepare for Possible Storm
Track of Hurricane Sandy highly uncertain
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont Emergency Management is encouraging Vermonters to prepare for any possible adverse effects from Hurricane Sandy.  The storm is forecast to move up the east coast throughout the weekend and make landfall in the northeast early next week.

The National Weather Service reports that where the storm will make landfall, and what exact effects may be felt in Vermont are highly uncertain at this point.  However, it is likely Vermont will see a significant amount of rain and high winds between Monday night and Wednesday.
 
“We won’t know until this weekend exactly what we can expect from this storm, so we are preparing for anything,” Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn said.  “My staff will continue to follow the storm throughout the weekend and we are preparing our possible response as if the worst-case scenario will occur.”

Vermont Emergency Management has been working with the National Weather Service this week to track the possible scenarios for the storm.  VEM has also reached out to other state agencies, local Emergency Management Directors, and other emergency response partners to keep them abreast of the possibility of an emergency response early next week.

Individuals are encouraged to stay tuned to local media to track the progress of the storm.

“Vermonters should always be prepared for anything,” Vermont Emergency Management Director Joe Flynn said.  “With this storm we are fortunate that we have time to get ourselves ready.  This weekend would be an ideal time to do things like clear leaves from storm drains and remove anything from lawns that could blow around and do some damage.  Those simple steps alone could prevent significant damage if the storm is severe.”

Other suggested preparedness actions:

Make sure your family emergency supply kit is stocked with fresh water, batteries, flashlights, and other basic necessities.  Every home should have such a kit whether or not a storm is approaching.
Review you family’s emergency plan.
Know a safe route out in case you need to evacuate to higher ground
Establish an out of state contact in case your family is separated
If you lose power and run a generator, make sure it is always run outside and that exhaust is NOT entering the home.  Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector.
For more tips visit: http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness.

[Chris Santee]

FARMERS URGED TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANE SANDY
Contacts:
Carolyn Moulton, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, 802-828-5667
Mark Bosma, Vermont Emergency Management, (800) 347-0488

Hurricane Sandy is currently moving through the Caribbean and is projected to move northward off the eastern Florida coast in the next two days. Although it is still too early to determine Sandy’s precise long-term track, computer models are now trending to show impacts to the northeastern portion of the United States. These models predict that Sandy will potentially transition over the weekend into a powerful nor'easter and make landfall on the Eastern Seaboard early next week.  It is likely that Sandy will travel inland to Vermont, bringing along with it strong winds, heavy rain, and possibly snow.   The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) urges farmers to prepare now for power outages and flooding. Preparations farmers should do quickly include:

Crop-related Activities:
·         Harvest standing crops if they are not in yet (corn).
·         Harvest vegetable crops that are still in the field.
·         Producers growing greenhouse crops should anticipate loss of water and prepare accordingly.

Power and Food/Water Activities
·         Anticipate power outages.  Check to see that your generator is in good working order. Consider purchasing a generator if you currently don’t have one. 
·         In the event you require a generator for emergency agricultural purposes (i.e. milking cows, cooling milk tanks, poultry house ventilation), contact your Town Officials.  Make sure your house or barn has been wired such that a generator could be connected and that you have a transfer switch or other isolated means to connect to the generator.
·         Purchase sufficient amounts of fuel to operate your generator and other equipment on the farm.

o    VAAFM does not have generators to loan. 
·         Charge batteries on cell phones and cameras.
·         Pump and store adequate supplies of drinking water for humans and animals in the likelihood of power outages. VAAFM recommends a minimum 36-hour reserve.

Livestock Activities
·         Check feed inventory and order extra if needed. Move feed, including round bales to higher ground, or to a more accessible place in case of flooding or transportation problems.
·         Determine the best places for livestock on your property, where they have the best chance of being free from flying debris, heavy winds and rain.   This may mean moving livestock and poultry to higher ground if possible or sheltering them in securely battened barns, houses or tightly fenced areas.

Equipment Activities
·         Secure or remove items or equipment that could become blowing debris.
·         Remove hoop houses from low-lying areas that could be subject to high water.
·         Move equipment to the highest, open ground possible away from trees or buildings.

General Preparedness
·         Make a list of important phone numbers ahead of time in order to make calls following a storm. Numbers to include are your town Emergency Management District, county extension agent, insurance agent, county Farm Service Agency and private veterinarian.

These were important phone numbers during Hurricane Irene:

·         Call 911 if you need immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance.

·         Farmers in need of Emergency Agricultural Assistance call Town Officials.

·         For non-emergency resource assistance farmers should call 211.

·         To report farm losses call USDA Farm Service Agency 1-802-658-2803.

·         To report damage to your home or barn call 1-800-621-FEMA.

·         For information about road closures call 511.

·         If you have any additional questions call the Vermont Agency of Agriculture at 1-802-828-5667.

 
###

About the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets

VAAFM facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment. www.VermontAgriculture.com

[7F5]

Thank you Chris for the information. Chris is right,  prepare now. Talking with local heads of service, precautions are being taken for the potential for the upcoming storm. State officials have been activated. VT Guards on standby, extra power company crews contracted and shelter preparations are underway.  So prepare your home and your vehicle with a emergency kit. So if you are stranded, you can get by. Also remember if water covers a roadway do not try to cross. "Turn Around Don't Drown".

If I receive any more information from the State Emergency Management Office that is important, I will post it here on vtgrandpa.

Best Regards,

Steve Bessette EMC

[7F5]

Just got off from a conference call with VEM. What was discussed both by the Sate and National Weather Serevice, this is not another Hurricane Irene, Sandy at this time does not look like a huge rain producer. Where the problem lies is, Sandy will produce sustained winds of 40-50 MPH with gust as high as 70-80 MPH. This weather event is expected to last up to 4 days as a front in the Great Lakes area will be slowing the storms travel.

Downed trees and powerlines are expected. Do not approach down powerlines or trees involving any kind of line (power or telecommunications). Contact power companies or call 911.

Be Prepared for the Worst and Hope for the Best. Get your flashlights, bottled water, extra food stored up. Use candles and lanterns to a minimum, as these can be a fire hazard. When using a generator, make sure it is used outdoors. Keep exhaust from entering home. CO gases are DEADLY.

At this time no disaster declaration has been posted. If the storm does hit, keep track of damages, document and photograph damages.
If FEMA monies were to become available this would help individuals and municipalities during recovery efforts.



Steve Bessette, EMC

[Chris Santee]

The storm has been downgraded, but I thought some of this information could be useful to some.
You may want to substitute the words "your personal documents" for "your agency's records"

Sec’y Condos Issues Guidance for Advance Preparation of Possible Severe Weather
Montpelier, VT- Secretary of State Jim Condos is issuing the following guidance with respect to the potential impending storm/severe inclement weather our state may receive as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

“Although we are not sure exactly when or if this storm will affect us, we all learned many important lessons from Tropical Storm Irene, and we want to remind local municipalities and state agencies how to prepare for an emergency, should one arise,” stated Condos.

Below you will find some helpful resources:

What do I do first?
While it’s difficult to prepare for an emergency when you don’t know what to expect, in incidents where you have advance notice of a storm or other major weather event, there are steps you can take to mitigate damage to your agency or department’s records.

A first step is to identify and prioritize safeguarding any records in your possession that are essential to your agency/department’s mission and cannot be recreated if destroyed. Depending on your agency/department function, these may include active files, property records, or records needed in the event of an emergency such as continuity of operation plans (COOP). Your COOP may already list essential records.

What should I do with essential and other records prior to an expected emergency?
1.  Keep paper records at least four inches off the floor, and even on upper floors of your building, if possible.
2.  Remove any records stored in basements, especially essential records.
3.  If possible, cover exposed records, shelving and desks with plastic sheeting.

4. Make sure that records are secure in the event that you won’t be able to return to the scene immediately: put away all records at the end of the day and lock filing cabinets and storage rooms.

5.  Contact your IT support to confirm that electronic records are backed up and to understand the process for retrieving backups, if need be.

6. Make copies of records that will be required to respond to the potential emergency and remove those from site, using flash-drives, mobile devices, or simply by making photocopies.

For more information on records that may get damaged by water, please visit their website at :
http://vermont-archives.org/records/handbook/pdf/FloodDamagedRecordsFAQ.pdf

You may also contact VSARA’s Records and Information Management staff at rim@sec.state.vt.us or by calling
802-828-3700 and ask for a records analyst.

[Chris Santee]

Sandy Update - Saturday
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont Emergency Management continues to prepare for any possible adverse effects from Tropical Storm Sandy.  The storm is forecast to move up the east coast throughout the weekend and make landfall in the northeast early next week.

The National Weather Service reports that wherever the storm makes landfall, the main threat from the storm will likely be high winds beginning during the day Monday.  Localized flooding is also possible where the rain is heaviest.  The forecast can be found at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/

Vermont Emergency Management and other state agencies are preparing for numerous downed trees and possible power outages.  Chainsaw crews from the Agency of Natural Resources are on standby to assist in tree clearing on public lands.  The National Guard is preparing for a possible activation, should the state request assistance.  The Agency of Transportation has its chainsaw crews ready to clear roads if necessary.

The Vermont Emergency Operations Center will be fully staffed on Monday morning and will remain open as long as necessary.

Vermonters should continue to prepare for adverse conditions; clear storm drains and culverts so water can drain properly and not make flooding worse; and make sure anything that can fly around in high winds is secured.  That includes lawn furniture, toys, or anything that could damage property or cause injury if it is caught by a wind gust.

Most importantly, if you see a downed power line, never touch it – all power lines should be treated as if they are live at all times.  When clearing downed trees be sure they are not in contact with power lines as trees can conduct electricity and you can be electrocuted.

If you lose power and use a generator make sure it is always run outdoors and is not blowing exhaust back into your home.  Make sure smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are working and have fresh back up batteries in them.

Other suggested preparedness actions for the public:

Make sure your family emergency supply kit is stocked with fresh water, batteries, flashlights, and other basic necessities.  Every home should have such a kit whether or not a storm is approaching.
Review your family’s emergency plan.
Know a safe route out in case you need to evacuate to higher ground
Establish an out of state contact in case your family is separated
If you lose power and run a generator, make sure it is always run outside and that exhaust is NOT entering the home.
Never touch a downed power line and never touch anything that is in contact with a power line.
 
For more preparedness tips visit: http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness.

For road closures call 511 or visit: www.511vt.com.

Weather Forecast: www.weather.gov/btv

[Chris Santee]

Sandy Update - Sunday
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont State agencies continue to prepare for the impacts from Hurricane Sandy.  Governor Peter Shumlin has declared a State of Emergency for Vermont in advance of the storm.  The designation will allow the state to use National Guard and other federal resources if needed.

The National Weather Service reports that wherever the storm makes landfall, the main threat from the storm will likely be high winds beginning during the day Monday.  NWS says 60-80 mile per hour wind gusts are expected along the Green Mountains and in the Northeast Kingdom.

“I want to stress – this is not another Irene,” Governor Peter Shumlin said.  “The main concern we have here is the wind.  The wind will be strong enough to easily take down trees and power lines with them; so Vermonters should prepare for power outages over the next couple of days.” 

Localized flooding is also possible where the rain is heaviest.  Flooding is possible anywhere, but NWS says the southern half of Vermont is the most susceptible. The forecast can be found at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/

The Vermont Emergency Operations Center will be fully staffed on Monday morning and will remain open as long as necessary.  State preparedness activities include:

Chainsaw crews from the Agency of Natural Resources are on standby to help with clearing of debris.
Swiftwater and technical rescue crews will be staged as necessary.
State police mobile command posts are on standby for quick deployment when needed.
State utilities have brought in extra line crews from out of state to help with restoration efforts.
The National Guard is prepared to assist with tree clearing, swiftwater rescues, or any other missions deemed necessary.
The Red Cross is prepared to open shelters should homes lose power for extended periods.
 
“Vermonters should continue to prepare for every contingency,” the Governor said.  “Clear storm drains, gutters, and culverts so water can drain properly – and make sure there’s nothing in the yard that can be blown around in high winds.”

If you come across a downed power line, never touch it – all power lines should be treated as if they are live at all times.  When clearing downed trees be sure they are not in contact with power lines as trees can conduct electricity and you can be electrocuted.

If you lose power and use a generator make sure it is always run outdoors and is not blowing exhaust back into your home.  Make sure smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are working and have fresh back up batteries in them.

Other suggested preparedness actions in advance of power outages for the public:

Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries.  A battery powered radio is an important source of critical weather and emergency information during a storm. 
If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water.  Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water.  Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.
Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored).  During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unnecessarily.  Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).
If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using a generator.  Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors. Carbon Monoxide (CO) fumes are odorless and can quickly accumulate indoors. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator directly into household wiring, a practice known as “backfeeding.” This is extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
Make sure your Smoke and Carbon Dioxide detectors have fresh batteries and are in working order.
Be extra cautious when you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm.  Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris, and could be live.  Never attempt to touch or move downed lines, and keep children and pets away from them.  Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences.  Always assume a downed line is a live line.  Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.
 

For more preparedness tips visit: http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness.

For road closures call 511 or visit: www.511vt.com.

Weather Forecast: www.weather.gov/btv

Vermont Emergency Management on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

[Chris Santee]

and don't forget, if you lose power, you may not be able to log on here for this info !
printing a checklist might be a good idea.