Notice From the American Red Cross For Upcoming Storm

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Contact: Doug Bishop Phone number: 802-343-7597 Regional Logo JPG format


NEWS RELEASE

 

RED CROSS PREPARES FOR HEAVY RAINS AND URGES OTHERS TO DO THE SAME

Heavy rains expected to soak already saturated ground

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE … (Burlington, VT – June 27, 2013)  The American Red Cross of Vermont & the New Hampshire Upper Valley is urging people to be alert and take steps in advance of the heavy rain expected over the next 24-hours.  A few steps taken before, during and after potential flooding will help ensure people weather the storm safely.  The Red Cross is heeding its own advice as it takes steps to prepare for a potential response to anticipated flooding.

 

Already saturated ground that is expected to receive significant rain in the coming days creates a potential need in communities across the region.  The steps being taken by the American Red Cross of the Vermont & the New Hampshire Upper Valley to ready itself include:

 
◾ Red Cross volunteers have been asked to advise of their availability through the weekend; more than 60 have already responded
◾ Vehicles and equipment are being readied
◾ Outreach has begun to potential shelter sites
◾ Lines of communication are open with State and local emergency planners
◾ Red Cross disaster services workers are being lined up to staff the State Emergency Operations Center

 

As conditions warrant, the Red Cross will look to open shelters to serve communities that may be hard hit by the anticipated severe weather.  Additional services to impacted towns will be assessed in consultation with local and state officials.

 

While the Red Cross, locally, is hard at work to ensure it is prepared should the need for its service arise, the organization is urging individuals to take steps to prepare for the potential for rapidly rising water along streams, rivers and in low-lying areas.  The Red Cross suggests:

 
◾Before -- Ensure that you have available and ready to go items that you may need if you must evacuate your home.  This includes everything from a flashlight, to a fully-charged cell phone, baby and pet supplies, medications and more.
◾During -- Stay informed and safe during a flooding event by ensuring you have a crank or battery-powered radio; head to higher ground as warranted; stay away from flooded roads while driving; and keep curious children away from flood waters.  Just six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a person off their feet and a car can be swept away in less than two feet of water.
◾After -- Only return home after it has been declared safe; look for and avoid downed power lines; wear protective gear (gloves, boots, mask) during clean up; and ensure your water supply is safe.

 

A great deal more preparedness information is available at www.redcross.org.  The Red Cross strongly encourages people to go to this site, take the time to review their safety plan, create an emergency kit for their home and car and to stay informed before, during and after storms.  To put much of this helpful information right at your fingertips, the Red Cross also encourages people to download its free First Aid and other preparedness apps from the iTunes Store or Google Play for Android users.

 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at  @RedCross.

 

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[Chris Santee]

5 AM Vermont Emergency Operations Center Update

No issues reported in Vermont

WATERBURY, VT – This is an update from the state Emergency Operations Center.  The EOC has been staffed by DEMHS and state and local partners since 7:00 p.m. Thursday night.

No issues have yet been reported to the EOC.  All state roads are open and no local road closures have been reported.

Motorists are encouraged to drive appropriately for conditions and drive slowly in downpours.  Ponding water can cause cars to lose control.

We will continue staffing levels at the Emergency Operations Center as long as conditions pose a potential threat to life and property.

For an updated forecast visit the National Weather Service forecast office (Burlington and Albany) web sites at: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/ or http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/.

Weather, road, and other updates are posted on the DEMHS Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vemvt) pages.

[Chris Santee]

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets
802-272-4547

Agency of Agriculture issues Flood Precautions to Farmers and Pet Owners
The National Weather Service indicates some areas of Vermont may experience flooding in the next 24-48 hours. With this information in mind, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) urges farmers and pet-owners to prepare now for flooding and potential power outages associated with the upcoming heavy rains. Please monitor local weather reports for more information about how the weather will impact your area.

Suggested preparations include the following...
Crop-related Activities:
• Harvest early vegetable crops that can be harvested, that are in flood plain fields, i.e. leafy greens, etc.
Hoop houses in the flood way should have the sides elevated to not restrict the flow of flood waters.
• For producers located in flood prone areas:  the edible portion of any crop that comes in contact with flood water is considered adulterated and may not be sold.

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. (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.
• Move livestock and poultry to higher ground out of the way of floodwaters.

Equipment Activities
• Remove hoop houses from low-lying areas that could be subject to high water.
• Move equipment to the highest, open ground possible away from floodwaters.

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.

Preparations pet-owning Vermonters should take to ensure their pets weather this event safely:
Before the storm impacts Vermont:
• Develop a contingency plan for your pet should you need to evacuate. This may involve identifying neighbors, veterinary clinics or other individuals who can house your pet or contacting town officials to determine whether co-sheltering of pets is a possibility for you.
• Take a digital photograph of your pet. Make sure that dogs are collared and that they have appropriate ID tags. Taking these steps in advance of the emergency will make it easier to locate pets that become lost during the storm.
• Make sure that you have proof of current rabies vaccination and that this information travels with your pet should you have to evacuate. Pets can exhibit behavior that is out of character when they are in stressful or unfamiliar situations. Proof of rabies vaccination will help to ensure that shelter staff and other caretakers are protected.
• Make sure that you have enough pet food, necessary medications and other supplies. The Agency of Agriculture recommends having at least a week’s worth of stock on hand in order to be covered during prolonged power outages.
• If you do not evacuate, bring your pet inside in advance of the storm or otherwise house the pet in a safe manner out of harm’s way.• Locate crates, leashes and other means of restraint should it become necessary to relocate with your pet.

During the storm’s impact:
• If you evacuate, take your pet with you, but not all shelters that house people will have the capability to shelter pets in a co-located area. This limitation highlights the importance of pre-planning for your pet’s well-being should you anticipate having to leave your home during the storm.
• If you evacuate with your pet, use leashes or crates to restrain dogs and make sure that cats are confined to carriers.
• Evacuate with your pet’s food, water, medications, supplies (litter box, litter) and first aid kit. Do not assume that the temporary shelter will have essential supplies to meet your pets’ needs for any period of time.
• Be sure to travel with proof of your pet’s current rabies vaccination, veterinary contact information and other necessary medical documents.

After the storm:
• Your pet may be agitated or anxious for a period of time even after the storm dissipates. It is important to keep a close eye on him or her until that anxiety subsides so that your pet does not escape from your care. This may include ensuring that your pet is under supervision when outside and restraining your pet on a leash during walks and other outings.
• As soon as you are able and once you have attended to your needs and those of your family, get back into a routine with your pet. Household pets thrive on routines, and returning to a predictable schedule as soon as possible will lessen anxiety and other unwanted behavioral issues.

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. Visit us online at VermontAgriculture.com

Faith Raymond
Agency of Agriculture
Program Service Clerk
116 State Street
Montpelier, Vermont
802-828-2430
Faith.Raymond@state.vt.us

[Chris Santee]

Gov. Shumlin, emergency officials urge Vermonters to watch weather reports
Use caution as warranted; forecasts warn of potential flooding

MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin and Joe Flynn, head of the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, today urged Vermonters to keep an eye on weather reports in the coming days, and use special care if forecasts of heavy rainfall, high winds and flooding become reality.

“We certainly hope that the weather clears and water levels drop,” the Governor said. But, he noted, many streams and rivers are saturated from several days of steady rain. The National Weather Service in Burlington is forecasting additional heavy rainfall – particularly overnight Thursday and into Friday -- that could result in flooding across the state.

“As we’ve learned from past experience, it’s better to prepare for the worst, even as we hope for the best,” Gov. Shumlin said.

The state is under a flood watch today, and the National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rainfall. Lake Champlain and other waterways are approaching flood stage, and the Governor said nearby homeowners and business owners should keep an eye on water levels. He said Vermonters should use common sense in traveling if the weather becomes more severe, avoiding water-covered roads, making sure to drive at safe speeds especially during downpours, and preparing for power outages by having water, food and other supplies on hand. Even if rain lessens Friday, rivers may not reach their crest until Saturday or later. Lake Champlain, already above 98 feet, may reach flood stage of 100 feet or above days later.

Gov. Shumlin requested a FEMA representative to be on hand Friday in the event of serious flooding, and the state is working with the Red Cross to ensure shelters are open if needed.

In addition, Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn said the state’s Emergency Operations Center will open tonight at 6:30 p.m., and remain in operation as needed, possibly through the upcoming weekend. That office is staffed by representatives from AOT, Public Safety, the Vermont National Guard, the Agencies of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Public Service, search and rescue, and others. Flynn said Vermonters who see emergency situations – roadway flooding, for example – should report those to local officials, including police, fire and emergency management officers, who will be in contact with the Emergency Operations Center.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation, which has been repairing washed-out and weather damaged roadways in several locations this week, has crews and equipment on standby to respond quickly if upcoming storms create further problems. The agency has chain saws fueled and ready to go, barriers/signs/cones prepared for use if needed, hand and power tools ready, as well as state message boards. In addition, southern districts are ready to move north with people and equipment when and if needed. Rail, airports and public transit systems are also preparing for potential weather-related problems.

The Agency of Agriculture is suggesting farmers stay alert and take precautions, such as charging generators, securing extra feed if needed, and moving animals and equipment to higher ground.

Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding on Wednesday advised state agency secretaries to stay connected and available in the coming days in the event a weather emergency is declared. Vermont utilities have been geared up for power outages throughout this week’s storms, and remain ready to respond if additional outages are reported.

[Razzle Dazzle]

I'm thinkin' the brunt of the rain missed us?
Giddy up!