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Vermont Emergency Management September, 2023 Newsletter

VEM News

September, 2023
Volume 17 Issue 9

**Best viewed on a computer browser or horizontally if you are on a smart phone**

 

October 12 Deadline for FEMA and SBA Storm Assistance Programs

October 12th will be the final day for individuals, towns, and businesses in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor counties to apply for federal assistance following July’s storms.

For towns seeking reimbursement for storm and recovery expenses, that is the last day to submit your request for Public Assistance under the federal PA disaster following July’s storms. For more information on that visit https://www.vlct.org/fema-public-assistance-program-pa, or email ADM.2023floods@Vermont.gov

Individuals who suffered losses to private property in the storm also have until that date to apply for funding under the federal Individual Assistance grant program. IA assistance provides funding for home repairs, replacement of property – which can include vehicles that were flooded – immediate needs, medical care, and other expenses. 

To apply for the IA program, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or download the FEMA App. Disaster Recovery Centers are also available around Vermont to provide application assistance; to find a DRC visit https://vem.vermont.gov/flood/registration

Individuals whose losses are not covered by IA, and businesses can also apply for assistance from the Small Business Administration. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate not covered by insurance or IA. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. To apply visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ 

 

State Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The draft 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) update is available for public review and comment on the VEM website. Please find the link to the draft documents and feedback form on the SHMP website: https://vem.vermont.gov/plans/SHMP 

The comment period has been extended until Friday, September 15th.

Vermont's State Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies natural hazards that affect Vermont, assesses risk and vulnerability to these hazards, and identifies top priority mitigation actions at the State level to remove vulnerability and create a more resilient Vermont. 

The Plan must be updated and submitted by Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approval every five years. Updating the Plan is required for Vermont to remain eligible to receive FEMA funding following disasters.

Look for updates on plan implementation later this year. Reach out to caroline.paske@vermont.gov with questions.

 

Emergency Preparedness Conference Schedule of Events

The Schedule of Events for the 2023 Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference is now available!  We're pleased to offer 32 sessions over the course of 2 days, including 11 sessions that will also be available remotely.

If you haven’t already, there is still time to register for the conference. Registration closes at 11:30pm on Wednesday, September 6th – please register now to save your virtual or in-person spot. Additional information is available on our conference webpage.

We hope to see you at the conference on September 20 & 21!

 

HAZMAT Training for Emergency Responders

The State HAZMAT Team delivers many different HAZMAT classes. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a delivery, please contact VT Hazardous Materials Response Team Chief Patrick.McLaughlin@vermont.gov

         
Air Monitoring

This class combines both classroom and hands on components of proper air monitoring. Fundamentals of air monitoring are covered including many properties of gases such as Vapor Density, LEL and toxicity. It is best to have your meter(s) present as the instructors are familiar with most meters in use.

Compressed Natural Gas

With the advent of CNG trailer crossing all areas of Vermont your department may want to have this 2 hour course offered by VHMRT. This session will cover properties of CNG as well as the safety features of the trailers hauling the product.

HAZMAT Refresher

You have taken the time to get your department trained in HAZMAT and you dont want to see that time and effort lost because you did not do the annual refresher. VHMRT can help you by offering a refresher for whatever level of HAZMAT you need: awareness, operations or decon.
Lithium Ion Batteries 

This is a new class and expected to be available for delivery starting in September.

Clan Lab Awareness Training

The State Police Clandestine Lab Team can provide this training. Please email Lt. Hugh O'Donnell at Hugh.ODonnell@vermont.gov with your request, please include date/times for the training.

Additional information about the State HAZMAT Team, and training options, is available on their website: https://firesafety.vermont.gov/emergency/hazmat

 

Training

September 2023

MGT 417: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers- In Person
Missisquoi Valley Union Middle and High School, Swanton, VT
September 11, 2023, 8:00am- 4:00pm & September 12, 2023, 8:00am- 3:30pm
Registration required Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC): https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=8972

Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference
Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center
September 20-21, 2023
Schedule of Events: https://vem.vermont.gov/news/conference-schedule-events-now-available

October 2023

L0146 Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program (HSEEP) - In Person
Londonderry Rescue Squad, Londonderry, VT
October 4-5, 2023, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day
Prerequisite: IS-120

Must attend all sessions to receive credit.
Registration required via the State Learning Management System: https://vermont.csod.com/

MGT 417: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers- In Person
Norwich University- Northfield, VT
October 9, 2023, 8:00am- 4:00pm & October 10, 2023, 8:00am- 3:30pm
Registration required Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC): https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=9030

MGT 417: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers- In Person
Brattleboro Fire Department
October 19, 2023, 8:00am- 4:00pm & October 20, 2023, 8:00am- 3:30pm
Registration required Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC): https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=8993

November 2023

SEOC Orientation- In Person
DPS – Headquarters- Waterbury
November 14, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Prerequisite: IS-100
Must be on the SEOC Roster
Registration required via State Learning Management System: https://vermont.csod.com/