April, 2024
Volume 18 Issue 4
**Best viewed on a computer browser or horizontally if you are on a smartphone**
2024 Vermont Eclipse
The eclipse is over, and so far, it appears the months of planning paid off.
Tens, or possibly hundreds of thousands of visitors from outside Vermont converged on Vermont on Monday, April 8th, and the days before to view the spectacle. The Vermont Agency of Transportation’s early estimate put the number of cars entering the state at 60,000, representing 160,000 people.
There are many variables involved in estimating visitor numbers, so this is a very early rough estimate. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development will also produce an estimate based on sales tax, rooms and meals taxes, and other indicators to help arrive at a final estimate.
The State Emergency Operations Center stepped up to Partial Activation on March 25th to better provide rapid assistance to communities that may have needed it. The EOC closed on April 9th once traffic subsided, and highway traffic speeds returned to normal. Traffic speed reduction due to traffic began immediately after eclipse totality and continued until 2 am the following morning.
During the activation, the EOC was only called upon to help with a handful of issues. The largest was the need for water at the Lyndonville South, Sharon, and Williston South welcome centers. Each saw a spike in visitors, and their wells could not keep up with the extra flushes and handwashing. Portable toilets had been staged at each rest area ahead of time, so there were bathroom facilities available throughout.
The state’s 16 Welcome Centers on the interstates had a total of 34,007 visitors use their facilities. For comparison, last October, on Indigenous Peoples Day, Welcome Centers saw around 12,000 visitors.
The EOC also assisted St. Johnsbury and Newport with the issuance of eclipse-alert messages advising that both communities were full, meaning there was no more parking available. The special eclipse alert system was developed specifically for those interested in only eclipse-day-related alerts; the system had 10,700 registrants.
State and local preparations for the event began in late 2023. The state convened a planning group with representatives from state agencies, partners, and the federal government. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns also hosted planning meetings for communities for several months before the event.
State and local government officials and responders encouraged patience and understanding from Vermonters and our visitors. Considering the outcome of the event, most people heeded that advice, making this event a memorable one for Vermont.
Local and Partner Feedback Needed
We want to hear from you about the planning, preparation, and the actual day of the eclipse to include in the Great American Eclipse-Vermont After Action Report. Please fill out this short survey so your voice is heard and included.
Historical Photos and Reports Wanted
For historical purposes, Vermont Emergency Management is interested in seeing photos of town preparations and response to the eclipse crowds and traffic. Should your town have photos, a success story, or experienced a unique problem, please email them to vtjic@vermont.gov.
2024 Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference
We are very excited to announce that the 2024 Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held September 10th-11th, 2024, in person at Lake Morey Resort, with limited sessions available virtually. Sessions will begin at 9:00 am, and the day will end by 4:15 pm each day
The Call for Speakers for the conference is now open: 2024 Speaker Proposal. Each session will be 45 minutes. Those who are interested must submit their proposals by the end of the day on Monday, June 3rd.
The Call for Exhibitors for the conference is now open: 2024 Call for Exhibitors. If you are putting in a proposal please keep in mind you will need to have your exhibit set up both days of the conference. Those who are interested must submit their proposals by the end of the day on Monday, June 3rd.
If you plan to stay at Lake More Resort during the conference, please call 1-800-423-1211 and let them know you will be attending the Vermont Emergency Management Conference and would like the special room rate and specify the type of room you’d like listed below. The special rates are available until Sunday, August 12th.
For updates and more information, visit the VEM Emergency Preparedness Conference page
Nominations Wanted for Vermont Emergency Management Director of the Year
Nominations for 2024 Emergency Management Director of the Year are now being accepted. Nominations must be received by noon on August 1st to be considered. The recipient will be recognized at the Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference for demonstrating excellence in the local Emergency Management Director role. To be eligible, a nominee must:
• Have been a duly appointed Emergency Management Director for their town/city at some point between August 1, 2023, and August 1, 2024.
• Be from a town/city with a current Local Emergency Management Plan on file with Vermont Emergency Management.
• Be enrolled in or completed training within the Vermont EMD Certification Program.
Seeking Hazard Mitigation Projects to Reduce Future Flood Vulnerability
As a result of the catastrophic flooding of July 2023, there will be +/- $90 million in federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding available for Vermont communities. Importantly, the Administration and the State Legislature are working to allocate funding in the hopes that we can cover the 25% non-federal cost share for hazard mitigation projects. Although we anticipate seeking additional time extensions from FEMA, the current deadline for submitting pre-applications is June 21 (Pre-Application Form.)
The pre-application form will allow us to understand the project you’re hoping to implement and support you on application development. This program can cover buy-outs, building elevations, floodplain restoration projects, infrastructure upsizing, and more. More information about the program is on the VEM Hazard Mitigation Page. To speak with a member of VEM’s Hazard Mitigation Team, contact DPS.HazardMitigation@vermont.gov.
Training
Most trainings require a Learning Management System(LMS) account. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one at the following link: https://vermont.csod.com/selfreg/register.aspx?c=%255e%255e%255eQGm2wxcSUvINsXvXjRYs1A%253d%253d
For a complete listing of trainings go to the Events Calendar in the LMS: https://vermont.csod.com/LMS/catalog/EventsCalendar.aspx?tab_page_id=-10&tab_id=20000513#m=2&d=03/08/2023
VT- Alert Manager Training: This training is now an anytime training in the LMS. We will still host the virtual live training. You can take this training at the following link on the LMS: https://vermont.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/video/588bdf66-6e68-490e-aa8b-18ccdd115184
April 2024
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
ICS 300- Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (limited seat available)
This course focuses on 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, and 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
May 2024
**JUST ADDED** 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 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 apply the course objectives in scenario-based applications collaboratively.
LOCATION: Town of Barre Municipal Building, Websterville, VT
DATE/TIME: May 23, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. & May 24, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION: required via Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC)
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- 3:30 p.m.
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100 and WebEOC Sate User Training
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
July 2024
PER -275: Law Enforcement Active Shooter Response
Terrorism involving active shooter attacks on population centers has become part of law enforcement officers’ awareness; however, increased awareness of a problem does not ensure preparedness or appropriate response tactics. This course addresses technical aspects of planning and implementing a rapid law enforcement deployment to an active shooter incident through classroom presentations, hands-on performance-based field training, and scenario-based practical exercises.
LOCATION: Hartford Memorial Middle School, White River Junction, VT
DATE/TIME: July 9-11, 2024, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. each day
REGISTRATION: required Louisiana State University National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (LSU NCBRT) Access Code: NCBRT275
This is for LAW ENFORCEMENT. If you are not Law Enforcement please do not register for this class.
August 2024
ICS 400- Advanced ICS for 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 6-7, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100, ICS- 200 and ICS- 300
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
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: Manchester Community Library, Manchester, VT
DATE/TIME: August 13, 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: August 14, 2024, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
ICS 300- Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
This course focuses on the management of expanding incidents. It 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, and Emergency Operations Center staff.
LOCATION: DPS Headquarters- Waterbury, VT
DATE/TIME: August 20-22, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
PREREQUISITES: ICS-100 and ICS-200
REGISTRATION: State Learning Management System
September 2024
2024 Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference
LOCATION: Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, VT
DATE/TIME: September 10-11, 2024
REGISTRATION: Details to come
MORE INFORMATION: https://vem.vermont.gov/conference