Be Careful!

Gov. Shumlin, state emergency officials urge caution in regions impacted by icy conditions

MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin and state emergency officials urged Vermonters to keep an eye on weather reports, avoid driving and use extreme caution when traveling in regions impacted by icy conditions, and prepare for power outages where warranted.

“Portions of Vermont are already experiencing icing conditions on roads and trees, which create dangerous driving conditions and the potential for widespread power outages,” the Governor said late today. “The National Weather Service forecast indicates that conditions will worsen in certain regions, particularly Franklin and Chittenden Counties, as well as the Northeast Kingdom and along the northern border. People should continue to be vigilant into Sunday.”

The Governor was briefed today on changing weather conditions, electric utility company preparations, and Agency of Transportation and Public Safety activations. As of early Saturday evening, NWS forecasts were predicting sleet and freezing rain in much of the entire northern half of the state.

“We are hoping the impacts of this wet storm will be minimal, but are making sure we are prepared if the freezing rain and icing become more serious for parts of the state,” the Governor said. Gov. Shumlin noted that while it is good news that this storm is not predicted to pack a punch like the ice storm of 1998, it is still important for affected Vermonters to use caution and be prepared.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation began today focusing efforts in Franklin, Grand Isle and northern Chittenden County, and was prepared to expand south and west as needed overnight. While crews will be out all over the state, AOT moved about 20 people and 10 trucks, along with chainsaws and wood chippers, to Chittenden and Franklin Counties from the four southern-most districts.

“As was the case last night and today in northwestern Vermont, the icing that is anticipated will take constant attention and is tough to deal with,” said AOT Secretary Brian Searles. “If you have to be on the roads tonight, use extreme caution and remember that conditions are vastly different from place to place, and can change in short distances based on the flow of colder air, elevation and the warmer rain pulling frost up from the ground.”

Green Mountain Power Corp. lined up out-of-state line workers and tree trimmers to assist their Vermont crews, recognizing the potential of ice-covered tree branches to sag and break onto power lines, creating outages.

The state Emergency Operations Center in Waterbury will be staffed by state agencies from 7:00 this evening to provide communities and responders assistance. The EOC will remain open until conditions stabilize. State agencies, utilities, and other organizations like the Red Cross are watching the forecast and preparing for a response should the weather create a need for assistance in any community. The Vermont National Guard is also prepared to mobilize if necessary.

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At this time, those in affected areas are encouraged to:

• Stay off roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.

• Check in with your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may be in need of assistance.

• Ensure your home has a sufficient supply of whatever you use as “fuel” to heat your home.

• Have extra items on hand in case you can’t leave your house for a while.

o Flashlight

o Batteries

o Battery powered radio

o Water

o Non-perishable foods

• If you lose power and need a warm place to go Vermont 2-1-1 has a list of shelters that are open. No shelters are needed at this time.

• If you see a downed power line, leave it alone – always treat power lines as if they are live. A live wire can kill you.

• If clearing trees or limbs, make CERTAIN they are not in contact with a power line. Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.

• Never run a generator indoors. Ensure it is outside – far away from windows or any other area from which exhaust can vent back into a living area. Carbon monoxide can cause injury or death.

• Have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Helpful links:

DEMHS: http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/hazards/winter

National Weather Service Albany (Forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/

National Weather Service Burlington (Rest of Vermont): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/

Vermont power outages: www.vtoutages.com

Vermont Division of Fire Safety: http://firesafety.vermont.gov/

DEMHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

DEMHS on Twitter: @vemvt … https://twitter.com/vemvt

Road conditions: www.511vt.com