Emergency Management

RRPC Emergency Management Planning primarily focuses on Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation.

We work with Emergency Management Directors (EMDs), emergency services personnel, social service agencies, and more in Rutland Region communities to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize actions that eliminate or lessen risk. This means providing training opportunities and platforms to share information, experiences, and lessons learned.

We also help municipalities prepare and practice their emergency plans. Above all, the RRPC is a resource serving communities where they are at, helping to strengthen resiliency throughout the region.

The RRPC is the go-to resource for LEMPs.

Vermont statute dictates that every municipality reviews, improves, and adopts their LEMPs between Town Meeting Day (first Tuesday in March) and May 1st. RRPC is here to help, whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking to add an annex or a new arrival wanting to learn the ropes.

Our assistance workshops are seasonal, but there are many resources available to you year-round.

Hazard mitigation planning is our bread and butter.

Since 2019, we’ve gathered stakeholders together in 23 out of 27 of our Rutland Region municipalities to produce FEMA-approved LHMPs. This is accomplished by assembling a local Hazard Planning Mitigation Team who identifies vulnerable community assets, conducts risk assessments, and develops a comprehensive and action-orientated Hazard Mitigation Strategy.

Throughout the process, RRPC facilitates community outreach, collecting and incorporating public comments and feedback into the plan.

The RRPC helps to build emergency management capacity in the Rutland Region.

The purpose of the REMC is to coordinate emergency planning and preparedness activities to improve the region’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all disasters. We have 54 voting members (2 per municipality) and many non-voting members representing fire, police, rescue, medical providers, schools, and more.

Committee meetings are held once every 3 months – typically in a hybrid format – and are always open to the public. Guest speakers are also welcome! For our Regional Plan, Bylaws, Agendas, and Minutes, refer to the Resources Section below.

RRPC also plays a role in response and recovery during larger-scale events.

The Emergency Management Planner serves as a “Local Liaison” upon activation, collecting situation updates and damage reports from our municipalities. We ask a series of questions related to shelter and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) openings, evacuations and casualties, and impacts on roads, public infrastructure, homes, and businesses. This information is key to determining if the region is eligible for funding through an Emergency Disaster Declaration.

Other RRPC staff are trained yearly to conduct secondary outreach by phone in the case of a major incident (think Irene-level of disaster).

The RRPC has the most accurate and up-to-date information to save you time, effort, and money in all your local planning endeavors.

HELPFUL DOCUMENTS:

• 2024 Vulnerable Populations Communication Protocol
• LEMP Complete Form 2023
• LEMP Considerations 2023
• Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement 2023
• REMC Bylaws
• Rutland REMC Regional Plan

HELPFUL LINKS

1. Sign-up for VT-ALERT
2. Connect Vermonters to services and resources
3. Promote the Citizens Assistance Registry for Emergencies (CARES)
4. Subscribe to VEM monthly newsletters, training course announcements, and notices of funding
5. EMD Resource Page
6. EMD Public Contacts Page
7. Funding Opportunities and Grants
8. All Programs and Resources
9. FEMA Home Page