Be Safe During Flooding

After yesterday’s violent thunderstorms, rain continued through the night and morning, and is still falling as I write on Monday afternoon. Yesterday, the Governor declared a state of emergency in anticipation of widespread flooding. While I believe most of the Addison District has not seen severe flooding, there are areas where water continues to rise and roads are closed. The threat of severe flooding is frightening for many people, especially those living near rivers, lakes, and streams, and folks in towns impacted by Hurricane Irene or other past flood events.

Please take precautions, especially when traveling, and be sure to check on neighbors who may be vulnerable or alone. Stay clear of rushing or even standing water and seek dry ground. Call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency or 2-1-1 if you need help accessing community social services. Below is a list of resources for information and assistance.

FLOOD SAFETY GUIDANCE from VT Department of Health

In a Car

• Do not drive around barriers.
• Do not use roads that are marked as closed. Follow detours.
• Listen to public safety officials.
• Do not drive through flood water. Even water that is not deep can float a car.
• If your car stops in water, get out of the car and move to higher ground.
• If possible, avoid driving at night when it is hard to see.

At Home

• If there is water coming near your house, don’t wait – get out and move to higher ground.
• If you need to find a shelter, dial 2-1-1 on your phone to find Vermont resources near you.
• If you touch flood water, wash your hands with soap and clean hot water.
• Do not eat or drink anything that has touched flood water.

Outside

• Stay away from flood water. Water can be very deep and can rise quickly.
• Do not walk through flood water. Even water that is not deep can move quickly and be dangerous.
• Stay away from fallen electricity lines. Electricity can travel through water and hurt or kill you.
• Do not go into a home that is flooded unless you are sure that the power has been turned off.

See Vermont Department of Health website for more information about how to stay safe in a flood. The website contains information in multiple languages.

RESOURCES FOR UPDATES & INFORMATION – Most of these organizations have active social media accounts with updates.
Weather
National Weather Service – for weather updates & alerts in Vermont
Travel & Road Conditions
Vermont Agency of Transportation – current road conditions in Vermont
New England 511 – interactive map of road closures throughout New England
Amtrak Service Temporarily Suspended – train service between NYC & VT
Specific Community Resources
Vermont 211 – community resources, including list of flood shelters Vermont Language Justice Project – flooding safety advice in 16 languages
Town of Middlebury – links to road closures & emergency management bulletin
Town of Huntington – information on community emergency shelter
Alerts & Safety Information
Vermont Emergency Alert System – sign up to receive emergency alerts
Vermont Department of Health – guidance on how to stay safe in a flood
Vermont Emergency Management – updates from Dept of Public Safety
National Weather Service – flood safety tips & resources
American Red Cross – flood safety information
National Center for Environmental Health – flood safety tips
News Outlets
Addison County Independent – flood coverage in Addison County
VT Digger – statewide coverage, with ongoing flood updates
Vermont Public – statewide radio coverage, with ongoing flood updates
WCAX – statewide TV coverage, with ongoing flood updates
New York Times – national coverage of New England flooding

Please stay safe and informed about the weather and flooding conditions. During Hurricane Irene and the COVID Pandemic, Vermonters stepped up to help one another and I’m sure folks are doing the same now. Thank you. Take care and stay dry