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Emergency Management

Emergency Management Director

Emergency Management Coordinator
  • Jen Harris

About


The Royalton Emergency Management and Shelter Team meets regularly to discuss, plan, prepare, and review past and potential emergency events and disasters. We are required to update and submit our Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) each Spring. This is a requirement to be eligible for state and federal assistance. We also participate in updating the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) every 5 years. This plan lists and evaluates potential hazards and rates how they would impact the town. From that plan, we work on efforts to mitigate (reduce or eliminate) the impacts.

The Emergency Shelter Team prepares, maintains, and staffs our emergency shelters in the event one is needed. We have activated and opened shelters twice in 2023.

We are always looking for volunteers. No specific training, experience, or obligations are required. Feel free to contact the Emergency Management Director or the Town Administrator if interested.

Vermont Alert

VT-ALERT is the state system that notifies Vermonters of emergency situations, weather alerts, road information, and more.  Register for a free account at www.vtalert.gov. In the event of an emergency, the Town will utilize VT Alert to provide you with important information. 


Winter Preparedness

  • Be a good neighbor; check on neighbors, friends, relatives during severe weather.
  • Call 211 for warming and emergency shelter locations.
  • Make sure any heating vents are clear of snow, ice, and other obstructions.
  • Use traction devices on your boots in slippery conditions.
  • Take it easy while shoveling. Use extra caution when shoveling or raking roofs.

Portable Generators  Propane, diesel, and gas generators produce carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Do not run a generator indoors. Place it at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent, and in a dry area. Have working carbon monoxide detectors in living spaces. Do not refuel while generators are running or hot.

Winter Emergency Supply Kit            Have a kit, or stockpile of items in case of extended severe weather and power outage. At a minimum, you should have lighting (flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, glowsticks), extra batteries, portable radio, blankets, warm clothing (including hat/gloves), 1st Aid kit, medications, food, and water. Fill up bathtub or buckets with water if anticipating power outage.

Power Outage            Stay away from downed power lines. Trees and branches can conduct electricity. Always assume power lines are live! Do not use an oven, kitchen stove, or grill to heat the house; they all produce carbon monoxide. Keep flammables at least 3’ from wood stoves, fireplaces, or other heaters. Clean chimneys and stovepipes before heating season.

Vehicles                      You should have in your vehicles: flares or reflectors, a blanket, flashlight (or headlamp), sturdy (metal) shovel, sand or traction device, tow strap (and tow hook if needed), jumper cables, extra hat/gloves/jacket/boots.

Winter Driving Tips    Check weather and road conditions before traveling. Drive slowly, 4WD does not help when braking or sliding. Travel at a safe distance. Clear all snow and ice off vehicles and mirrors before driving. Make sure the windshield is defrosted. Keep exhaust pipes clear of snow, ice, and obstructions. Be aware of black ice; it can look like dry pavement.



VERMONT 211
Vermont 211 is a great way to find information everyday, and is also helpful in an emergency. Visit https://vermont211.org/ or dial 211 from any phone and an operator will assist you. If Royalton has opened their emergency shelter, 211 will be aware of the availability.  

BUILD A PREPAREDNESS KIT

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries (headlamps and light sticks work well)
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
  • Towel, extra socks, hat and gloves

Anyone interested in participating in emergency management planning or emergency shelter volunteering, please contact Brad Salzmann