12/18: How to prepare for flooding.

Monday, December 18, 2023

Friends of WGDR/WGDH -

We have been receiving reports of the start of flooding in a number of areas across our listening area. Moretown and Waitsfield are watching the Mad River crest, Montpelier and Barre both anticipating river flooding today, the Barre Auditorium has reopened as a shelter, and there is water washing over an increasing number of roads.

There is no other way to put it. This is gutting.

As your community radio station, we are once again prepared to be here for the community to share resources and updates as they are available.

In the meantime, as we watch the streams and rivers, we want to share this helpful email from our partners at Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC). It reminds us all of the impact going through this has on our mental health and practical steps for right now to prepare for possible flooding in your home, business, or place of work.

On behalf of everyone here at WGDR and WGDH, we are right here with you all.

Llu Mulvaney-Stanak

Station Manager, WGDR/WGDH

Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC) Pre-Flooding Reminders

It’s tough news to hear this morning that we are again facing flood impact in Central Vermont. I’m writing to you from a shelter-in-place order at my home several yards from the Mad River, which has slipped its banks. As one of my favorite colleagues and I just reminded each other: as hard as it is to think we are facing flooding again, the good part is: we know what a strong community we live in, and we all know each other a little bit better now. If you are a business owner in Montpelier, Barre, Waitsfield or another municipality likely to flood:

Move items off the floor to higher locations - try to move items on the first floor up four feet, and remember to consider what is in your basement. Take valuable merchandise from the location if it’s possible. If not, place valuable items on desks or tables. Volunteers in Barre and Montpelier are available currently if you need help moving or preparing for potential flooding. Email: info@centralvermont.org to be connected with support. Take some quick photos of how you are leaving your space in case you need these for insurance Unplug or remove electronics; disable elevators if this is an option

Revisiting the potential of flooding gives me a lot of emotions and I know I’m not the only one. If you are feeling in need of mental health support, please consider these resources from Washington County Mental Health. Sincerely, Melissa Bounty, Executive Director CVEDC

WGDR/WGDH broadcasts at 91.1 FM in the greater Plainfield area, 91.7 FM in the hollows and hills of Hardwick and beyond, and at WGDR.org to the whole world. Our studio is located at the Eliot Pratt Center on Goddard College campus at 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667.