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Vermonters encouraged to prepare for flooding

JEFF EPSTEIN
WATERBURY, Vt. — The National Weather Service has placed all of Vermont under a flood watch beginning Friday evening and continuing until mid-day Sunday. Vermonters are encouraged to be vigilant over the weekend and take steps to prepare before floodwaters appear.

Rain is expected to be heavy at times Friday night into Saturday, which could cause substantial flash flooding. A significant snowpack in the mountains will also mean hillside communities, especially in central and northern areas could be more susceptible to flash flooding in streams and small tributaries. The flood threat will continue through the weekend as the ground is saturated and rivers and streams are already high and can react quickly due to snowmelt and rain.

Vermonters should ensure their safety and the safety of those around them this weekend.

If rising water is approaching, leave. Evacuate over high ground, and plan that route now for this weekend and any time there may be flooding.

Turn off the circuit breaker in your home before you evacuate – if you can do so safely. Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before you once again occupy your home if it has been flooded.

Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Strong currents or unseen washouts can sweep you and your car away.

Register for Vermont Alert (www.vtalert.gov) – VT-ALERT can deliver weather and other warnings to your phone or email. These alerts are personalized to notify you of problems in specific areas.

Check on your neighbors.

If you are in a flood-prone area, or if you believe your home will be flooded, it is advisable to move valuables from your basement in case water enters your home.

Check your insurance coverage now, and then contact your insurance company if you have damage.

The Vermont State Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Friday night and continue throughout the weekend as needed with appropriate staffing from state agencies and partners.

For storm updates, follow Vermont Emergency Management, Vermont State Police, Agency of Transportation, Department of Health, and other state agency Twitter and Facebook sites.

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