Press Release - State Emergency Operations Center
Press Release
Vermont State Emergency Operations Center
Date:
July 12, 2023
Contacts:
Vermont Emergency Management, vtjic@vermont.gov
Vermont Braces for New Round of Rain/Floods
BERLIN, VT – Vermont officials are preparing for another round of flooding Thursday and Friday. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for areas of Vermont for that period with storms expected to add an additional 1-2 inches of rain in some areas.
These conditions will likely exacerbate problems experienced by weary Vermonters who have been struggling with flooding that began on July 7. Residents are advised to continue taking steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property.
Stay away from floodwaters. Never drive or walk through floodwaters, as it is highly likely the road has unseen washouts under water from the previous storm, even a car can be swept away by the current. An individual reporting a life-threatening situation should dial 9-1-1.
Respect all detours and find state road closures at https://newengland511.org/region/Vermont.
Vermont’s Swiftwater and Urban Search and Rescue teams and mutual aid from other states continue to operate in the field and have conducted over 200 rescues and 100 evacuations since the storm began Sunday. At least 14 teams will be staged in areas of greatest expected impact around the state on Thursday.
Vermont alert delivers up to the minute emergency information to your cell phone, email, and home phone. These include flood warnings, traffic interruptions, boil water notices, and other information. Register at vtalert.gov.
Governor Phil Scott declared a State of Emergency ahead of Sunday and Monday’s storm and that is still in effect. Among other tools, the emergency declaration allows state responders to request additional resources from other states, should they be needed.
The Vermont Emergency Operations Center has been at full activation since the storms began on Sunday and remains open 24-hours a day. The EOC is staffed with state and federal personnel who have been assisting communities with flood response and recovery.
Three Red Cross overnight shelters are currently open:
Barre City Auditorium (16 Auditorium Hill, Barre)
Rutland High School (22 Stratton Rd., Rutland)
Hartford High School (37 Highland Ave)
There are also several local shelters open, please call 2-1-1 to find a location near you.
For a complete forecast, visit the National Weather Service forecast site:
www.weather.gov/aly (Bennington and Windham counties)
www.weather.gov/btv (Rest of Vermont)
FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
If rising water is approaching, leave.
Evacuate over high ground and plan that route now for any flooding event.
Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Strong currents or unseen washouts can sweep you and your car away.
Turn off the circuit breaker in your home before you evacuate – if you can do so safely.
Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before you once again occupy your home if it has been flooded.
If you are in a flood-prone area, or if you believe your home will be flooded, it is advisable to move valuables from your basement in case water enters your home.
Check your insurance coverage now, and then contact your insurance company if you have damage.
WEB RESOURCES
Vermont Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
VEM Twitter: @vemvt.
Vermont Alert on Twitter (Road Closures and Weather Alerts): @VermontAlert
511 on the web: https://newengland511.org/region/Vermont
NWS Albany social media: https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlbany/ or https://twitter.com/NWSAlbany
NWS Burlington social media: https://www.facebook.com/NWSBurlington or https://twitter.com/NWSBurlington
Vermont river levels and forecast: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=btv.