How will I know when there’s an emergency?

You will be alerted by at least one of the following ways: town siren, telephone*, weather-alert radio, or public address systems. When you hear the alert, turn on your radio to an Emergency Alert System radio station. Stations in Vermont are WTSA 1450 AM, WTSA 96.7 FM, WKVT 1490 AM, WKVT 92.7 FM, WVAY 100.7 FM.

*Automated telephone alert system will be operational in 2006.

Who’s in charge during an emergency?

The town Emergency Management Director is in charge when emergencies are local. In the event of a state- or region-wide disaster, state emergency officials will support local first-responders. The Federal Emergency Management Agency works with states when major disasters occur, such as the recent Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana.

Is there someone I can call to find out what’s going on?

At the time of an emergency, the best way to find out what is going on is to tune in to an Emergency Alert System radio station and listen for information and updates.

Where should I go if told to evacuate?

Depending on the type of emergency, you may be told to evacuate to any one of a number of places. Tune in to an Emergency Alert System radio station and follow instructions.

Do I really have to evacuate?

When safety officials instruct residents to evacuate, it is because they deem evacuation to be the best way to keep people safe. By not following instructions, you could put yourself and your family at risk.

Can I pick up my kids at school?

In the event of a radiological event, schoolchildren will be transported by bus to the reception center in Westminster, where you can meet them. DO NOT pick them up at their school.

What about facilities like childcare or nursing homes?

Check with your child-care provider before an emergency happens about an evacuation plan. The Emergency Management office in each town has offered to provide transportation for child-care centers and homes that request it.

Residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities will be transported to host facilities with appropriate staff and medical equipment. The reception center in Westminster will be notified and will have information regarding the host facilities available for family members.

If I’m separated from family or friends, how can I find them?

If you are separated from your family during evacuation, plan to meet them at the designated reception center. To minimize anxiety, plan ahead by having a central contact person out of the area who family members can call if they are separated.