Hurricane Sandy Update – 10.27.12

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.