Vermont in state of emergency

Governor Shumlin declared a state of emergency, as Sandy draws closer.

“I want to stress — this is not another Irene,” Shumlin said in the Emergency Management report. “The main concern we have here is the wind. The wind will be strong enough to easily take down trees and power lines with them; so Vermonters should prepare for power outages over the next couple of days.”

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The Vermont Emergency Operations Center will be fully staffed on Monday morning and will remain open as long as necessary. State preparedness activities include:
•  Chainsaw crews from the Agency of Natural Resources are on standby to help with clearing of debris.
•  Swiftwater and technical rescue crews will be staged as necessary.
•  State police mobile command posts are on standby for quick deployment when needed.
•  State utilities have brought in extra line crews from out of state to help with restoration efforts.
•  The National Guard is prepared to assist with tree clearing, swiftwater rescues, or any other missions deemed necessary.
•  The Red Cross is prepared to open shelters should homes lose power for extended periods.
“Vermonters should continue to prepare for every contingency,” the governor said. “Clear storm drains, gutters, and culverts so water can drain properly — and make sure there’s nothing in the yard that can be blown around in high winds.”