Vermonters are highly encouraged to prepare for the storm and exercise caution during and after the event.
For helpful preparedness tips, visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/family
You should also:
- Monitor weather forecasts.
- Prepare for power outages ahead of time, including where you may go to get warm, or charge cell phones should you lose service for an extended period.
- Check on vulnerable neighbors before, during, and after the storm to ensure they have provisions, heat, and are doing well.
- Plan travel accordingly taking forecasts into consideration. For state road conditions you can visit https://newengland511.org/.
- For weather, road, or emergency updates sent directly to your e-mail or cell phone sign up for Vermont Alert at http://www.vtalert.gov.
- If you can do so safely, clear drainage points like storm drains or culverts of obstructions to allow melting snow to flow freely.
- Be mindful of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, which can be fatal. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu, but without the fever and may include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. Leave the building and call for help if you suspect CO poisoning. Common sources during the winter season include:
- Blocked heating vents. Ensure they are clear of snow, particularly those that are at ground level.
- If you lose power and use a generator, use it outside, away from windows or doors. Don’t even use it in the garage, it can still drift into living areas.
- Do not use alternate heating sources, many can emit CO.
- Check your smoke and CO detectors lately.
- For health safety advice visit: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/climate/winter-weather
- If you lose power and need a place to warm up call either your town or Vermont 211 to find warming centers or shelters if there are any.