February, 2024
Volume 18 Issue 2
**Best viewed on a computer browser or horizontally if you are on a smartphone**
Eclipse Planning
Northern Vermont will experience a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This unique event is expected to draw 50-200 thousand visitors to that area for the day.
A partial solar eclipse will begin at 2:14 p.m.; at 3:26 p.m., a total eclipse will darken Vermont's daytime sky, lasting about 3 minutes. The phenomenon will continue as a partial eclipse until 4:37 p.m. The area impacted by the eclipse will be an east-to-west line from St. Johnsbury, Barre, and Middlebury north to the Canadian border. A map of the area can be found at: https://vem.vermont.gov/document/eclipse-area-totality
Municipalities should plan for possible stress on their emergency services, injuries, increased traffic, and in some cases, extreme traffic issues. Other considerations could include where visitors park their vehicles (both legally and illegally), the impact on public lands during mud season, wildfire risks, and more. Many schools in the area plan to close early that day.
Should your city or town host a special eclipse event, you are asked to notify the state for our planning purposes at https://plan.vermontvacation.com/users/sign_up. The state is not hosting any events.
State agencies are preparing for the spike in visits and potential challenges that many extra people present. A working group comprising personnel from tourism, marketing, public safety, natural resources, transportation, education, and others has been working on addressing impacts.
Event Planning Template Available
For those hosting eclipse events or other large events, VEM now has a template for large event planning for local Emergency Management Directors. This annex outlines areas of consideration for towns hosting large events of all kinds, from the upcoming eclipse to a concert to the annual fair.
This year marks 20 years since the Phish concert in Coventry that attracted roughly 65,000 people to the small Vermont town during a week of unanticipated torrential rains, deep mud, and an estimated 30 miles of traffic jams. This new annex prompts municipalities anticipating large events to plan in advance for elements that can turn a planned event into a complex incident.
The optional annex includes several sections aimed at event planning to preserve life safety. Sections include participant demographics, communications, basic services, contingency and evacuation plans, weather planning, medical needs, fire risks, substance use, and traffic and road conditions. Each section contains a series of questions for municipalities to consider in planning and preparation, including partners and stakeholders to include on event planning teams.
The annex is available on VEM’s Local Emergency Management Plan Resources page, along with various other topic-specific annexes. Feel free to contact your regional coordinator with any questions about the annex. For eclipse-specific planning, also consider joining the Vermont League of Cities and Towns bi-weekly planning call series that began on January 25.
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**Reminder – Local Emergency Management Plans must be submitted between March 5th and May 1st. Please contact your Regional Planning Commission or Regional Coordinator with any questions.**
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Spring Flood Seminars On-Line
A series of recorded Spring Flood videos have been posted on the Vermont Emergency Management YouTube page. These videos inform local officials about how to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of the upcoming spring flood season.
After viewing the videos, please join us for one of our virtual live regional question and answer sessions:
• February 6th, 12-1pm: Spring Flood Q&A – Northwest. Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Addison counties.
• February 7th, 12-1pm: Spring Flood Q&A – South. Bennington, Windham, Windsor, Orange, and Rutland counties.
• February 8th, 12-1pm: Spring Flood Q&A – Northeast. Washington, Lamoille, Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia counties.
During these sessions, the National Weather Service will provide an update tailored to the region and all participants will have the opportunity to ask questions from the partner agency representatives who serve that region. Please be sure to view the recorded presentations before attending these events, and come prepared with questions.
Registration is not required for any of these events. Please click the link of the corresponding event at the correct date and time, and you’ll join the event.
If you have any questions, please reach out to DPS.EMHSTraining@vermont.gov
Emergency Management Director Job Description and Manual Now Available
Vermont Emergency Management has created 2 new documents to assist towns and cities with attracting and educating Emergency Management Directors.
- The Emergency Management Director Job Description was created for those looking to advertise the position to their community in the hopes of identifying candidates or attracting volunteers to fill the Emergency Management Director role.
- The Emergency Management Director Manual can be used to educate new Emergency Management Directors (as well as to refresh existing Emergency Management Directors) about the responsibilities of an Emergency Management Director. It includes the steps a new Emergency Management Director should take, suggested practices, training opportunities, and how to obtain Emergency Management Director certification.
The Emergency Management Director Manual is not intended to replace attendance at the recommended 8-hour Emergency Management Director course, but rather to supplement it. The next 8-hour Emergency Management Director course is being offered virtually on February 14th & 15, 1-5 pm each day. Sign up through the Learning Management System. If you don’t have a Learning Management System account, please register for a free account. Please reach out to your Regional Coordinator with any questions. These files, as well as additional files that support your community preparedness, are available on the Local Emergency Management Plan Resources page of our website.
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**Vermont Alert Rack Cards are available for distribution at Town Meeting or other events and locations in your town. Email VEM for a delivery.**
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Homeland Security Grant Program 2024 Announcement
The State of Vermont, Department of Public Safety - Homeland Security Unit is pleased to announce the application period for grant funding is now open for the following grant programs:
• FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) Release
• FY2024 Vermont Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG) Release
WHERE DO I LOOK FOR INFORMATION?
For all funding announcements, application materials, instructions and resources, please visit the Homeland Security Unit website. Please familiarize yourself with the requirements of the funding announcements, what must be submitted, and what may be applied for.
WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS DUE?
All applications and supporting documentation must be RECEIVED by the Homeland Security Unit by Friday, March 1st, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Proposals received after this date and time may NOT be eligible for consideration. To facilitate processing, completed grant applications and supporting documentation must be sent via email to DPS.HSUGrants@vermont.gov. Your application and supporting documentation must be received before the due date and time listed above.
WHAT NEXT?
Please communicate these funding opportunities to the agencies, organizations, and communities you represent.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
For all funding announcements, application materials, instructions and resources, please visit the Homeland Security Unit website.
We will also be offering a series of RFP Overview Webinars, as well as Technical assistance sessions. Please note that you must sign up to attend any session(s); registration closes 24-hours prior to class and an invite will be distributed at that time. See below for the offering schedule. Sessions will only be held if at least one person is signed up to attend. Signup here.
WEBINAR SESSIONS
January 19, 10 - 11 a.m.
January 20, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
February 1, 1 - 2 p.m.
February 7, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
February 12, 3 - 4 p.m.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SESSIONS
January 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
February 2, 1 - 2 p.m.
February 8, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
February 13, 3 - 4 p.m.
February 29, 10 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 2 p.m.
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Resilient Vermont 2024: After the Flood
Presented by Norwich University
Mar 19, 2024
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mack Hall Auditorium, Norwich University, Northfield, VT
**There is a $50 charge for this event**
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Training
Most trainings require a Learning Management System(LMS) account. You can register for an account here.
For a complete listing of trainings go to the Events Calendar in the LMS
February 2024
Vermont Local Emergency Management Director Course
This course will familiarize Local Emergency Management Directors (EMD) and Coordinators (EMC) with major roles, responsibilities, and “how to do it” guidance, across all four phases of Emergency Management.
LOCATION: Virtual
DATE/TIME: February 14-15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION: via State Learning Management System: https://vermont.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/e35883cd-148…
Public Information Officer Basics for Locals
This course has been specifically designed by Vermont Emergency Management for local responders and government officials in Vermont. The three-hour course covers the fundamentals of press relations, effective use of social media, press release preparation, and interview dos and don't. Please note that this course is not the official FEMA Basic Public Information Officer class. However, it can help attendees decide if they wish to further their career development through the FEMA Public Information Officer curriculum.
LOCATION: Virtual
DATE/TIME: February 16, 2024, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
State Emergency Operation Center Orientation
The purpose of this training is to provide an overview of the State Emergency Operations Center. This course is ONLY available to those who staff the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center.
LOCATION: DPS Headquarters, Waterbury, VT
DATE/TIME: February 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100 and WebEOC Sate User Training
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
ICS 100- Prep- Introduction to Incident Command
THIS IS PREPARATORY TRAINING - IT DOES NOT PROVIDE ICS 100 QUALIFICATION; IT PREPARES STUDENTS TO TAKE THE ONLINE IS-100 TEST FOR OFFICIAL CREDIT. This course provides training on and resources for personnel who require a basic understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS). This course introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This course is for entry-level first responders (firefighters, police officers, emergency medical services providers, public works, public health personnel, and others) and other personnel that require introductory ICS.
LOCATION: Barre City Public Safety- Barre, VT
DATE/TIME: February 21, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
PER -340: Active Threat Integrated Response Course
This course is performance-level, direct delivery designed to improve integration between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) during active threat incidents. The course provides law enforcement officers with key medical skills based on tactical emergency casualty care (TECC) guidelines, which can be used at the point of injury to increase the survivability of victims in active threat incidents. Participants will discuss rescue task forces (RTFs), basic hemorrhage control and airway management, and organization of a unified response.
LOCATION: Barre City Elementary and Middle School, Barre, VT
DATE/TIME: February 28, 2024 -March 1, 2024 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. each day
REGISTRATION: Louisiana State University National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (LSU NCBRT) Calls ID: 31569, Access Code: NCBRT340
March 2024
MGT -417: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers
The purpose of this 2 day management/planning level course is to provide the operational-level details to support many of the topics covered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved AWR 148: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents – Partnering Rural Law Enforcement and the Local School Systems awareness-level course. Rural schools, law enforcement, other emergency responders, and community stakeholders are often limited in their access to resources, so it is imperative that all potentially affected parties collaborate in planning, preparation, communication, response, and recovery in the event of a school-based incident. Moreover, these affected parties must come together to practice their interoperable skills through drills and exercises to ensure the strategies in place provide for an effective crisis response and collaborative recovery. With the intent of building upon the foundation of the AWR 148 course and utilizing an all-hazards approach, this two-day course will provide content instruction, develop concept-specific skills, and provide opportunities for law enforcement, school personnel, and community stakeholders to collaboratively apply the course objectives in scenario-based applications.
LOCATION: Manchester Community Library, Manchester, VT
DATE/TIME: March 14, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. & March 15, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION: Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC)
April 2024
G0191- ICS/EOC Interface
This course provides an opportunity for participants to begin developing an effective interface between the Incident Command System (ICS) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for their community by applying Incident Command System (ICS) principles. This course reviews ICS and EOC responsibilities and functions and depends heavily on exercises and group discussions to identify interface issues and develop solutions. As part of the course, these concepts are then applied to exercise situations.
LOCATION: Bristol Fire Department, Bristol, VT
DATE/TIME: April 10, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
VT- Alert Manager Training
This training is intended for Town Officials who use VT-Alert for public notifications. This class is required for all people who will be using the program at the manager level. This training can also act as a refresher as needed. The class will be approximately 1.5 hours long and consist of sending live test alerts. A computer and internet connection are required. A second computer monitor is highly suggested as there is a follow along portion to the class. Prior to the training please confirm that your town has the required VT-Alert adoption paperwork. If you are unsure please contact dps.vtalert@vermont.gov
LOCATION: Virtual
DATE/TIME: April 17, 2024, 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
L0146 Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) course provides a comprehensive overview of exercise design along with practical skill development. Using the same terminology and processes, this course will provide activities that will give participants an opportunity to interact with many of the templates and other materials that are provided by the National Exercise Division to ensure exercises are conducted in a consistent manner. Anyone who will be a member of an exercise design team or fulfill a role in one of the following areas of the exercise design process: design, development, conduct, evaluation or improvement process for exercise. The primary audience for the course is training officers, exercise managers, persons that will utilize the exercise and evaluation system and persons interested in becoming an HSEEP Evaluator for Vermont Emergency Management.
LOCATION: Newport District Office, Newport, VT
DATE/TIME: April 17-18, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: IS-120
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
ICS 300- Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (Class is Full)
This course focuses on the management of expanding incidents and is intended for those who will be serving in the following positions: command staff, section chiefs, strike team leaders, unit leaders, division and group supervisors, branch directors, multi-agency coordination system staff, and Emergency Operations Center staff. This course is for middle management, strike team leaders, task force leaders, unit leaders, division and group supervisors, branch directors, Emergency Operations Center staff.
LOCATION: Milton Fire Department- Milton, VT
DATE/TIME: April 23-25, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100 and ICS- 200
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
L0105- Public Information Basics
This course will equip participants with the skills needed to be full or part-time PIOs, including oral and written communications; understanding and working with the media; and basic tools and techniques to perform effectively as a PIO, both in the proactive/ advocacy times and crisis/emergency response.
LOCATION: DPS Headquarters- Waterbury, VT
DATE/TIME: April 23-25, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
PREREQUISITES: IS-29
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
June 2024
State Emergency Operation Center Orientation
The purpose of this training is to provide an overview of the State Emergency Operations Center. This course is ONLY available to those who staff the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center.
LOCATION: DPS Headquarters, Waterbury, VT
DATE/TIME: June 4, 2024, 1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100 and WebEOC Sate User Training
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
August 2024
ICS 400- Advanced ICS Command and General Staff
This course provides training for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). This course expands upon information covered in ICS 100 through ICS 300 courses, which are prerequisites for the ICS 400 course.
LOCATION: Norwich Fire Department- Norwich, VT
DATE/TIME: August 6, 2024 & August 7, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100, ICS- 200 and ICS-300
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
VT- Alert Manager Training
This training is intended for Town Officials who use VT-Alert for public notifications. This class is required for all people who will be using the program at the manager level. This training can also act as a refresher as needed. The class will be approximately 1.5 hours long and consist of sending live test alerts. A computer and internet connection are required. A second computer monitor is highly suggested as there is a follow along portion to the class. Prior to the training please confirm that your town has the required VT-Alert adoption paperwork. If you are unsure please contact dps.vtalert@vermont.gov
LOCATION: Virtual
DATE/TIME: August 14, 2024, 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System