Being Prepared

An Interview with the National Weather Service Burlington

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

It is no secret that climate change is real and its impact in our communities is becoming more frequent and more severe. After the devastating floods of the last two years, we know that fact all too well here in Vermont. And we are not alone: More and more, states all over the country are dealing with dangerous flooding, wildfires, droughts, severe storms, and record-breaking heat.

Given that reality, staying informed and up to date on the weather has become not just a question of convenience, but a matter of necessity. Which is why, today in the Buzz, we are featuring the National Weather Service (NWS) in Burlington and the hardworking Vermonters who keep their operation running 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a year. Just as they provide the weather forecast to help you determine if the conditions are good for ice fishing, they are also on the frontlines when a natural disaster strikes. During the floods this summer and last, the NWS worked around the clock to provide warnings, resources, and forecasts to keep our communities safe and informed.

The Bernie Buzz had the chance to meet some members of the NWS team at their station in the Burlington Airport and learn more about the work they do. I hope you'll watch the video above to hear what they had to say. One of the messages they left us with is: Be prepared. So, if you haven’t had a chance yet, please take a moment to sign up or bookmark some of the below resources:

• To get updates from the National Weather Service Burlington, you can visit their website at www.Weather.gov/btv, listen to their reports on NOAA Weather Radio, or follow them on social media.
• Sign up now for VT Alert, a free service through which you can receive immediate weather updates and other alerts including evacuation information, chemical spills, shelter-in-place alerts, boil water advisories, and roadway interruptions.
• Monitor New England 511 for road closures and Vermont Emergency Management for local updates and resources.
• Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for emotional support related to flood stress and trauma. More information is available HERE.
• If you would like to volunteer to help your neighbors and community, you can find more information here: https://www.vermont.gov/volunteer.
• For an overview compilation of flood resources, including translation materials, see HERE.
• And please do not hesitate to contact my office if you think we can be of help. You can call us at 802-862-0697, or toll free at 1-800-339-9834.

To the team at NWS Burlington and every Vermonter who has stepped up for their communities during the floods and their aftermath: Thank you.

Sincerely,