University of Vermont Extension is offering a statewide webinar series covering multiple facets of community emergency preparedness. The framework and planning processes to be shared through the webinars apply broadly to all hazard preparedness issues.
Town emergency managers, selectboard members, other town officers, first responders, and interested community members are encouraged to participate in these free webinars, which will be offered mid-day on Tuesdays in June.
Kicking off the series in June, which is National Dairy Month, the first four weekly topics will have an agricultural perspective.
The presenter is Julie Smith, UVM extension dairy specialist and a certified trainer for the Extension Disaster Education Network's Strengthening Community Agrosecurity Preparedness program.
“It is important for community members to come together to coordinate effective preparation and response to all emergencies,” says Smith.
The series begins June 4 with an introduction to agricultural issues of relevance for all hazards planning in Vermont.
The June 11 session considers agricultural farms and facilities in the community through a process called “asset scoring.”
Participants in the June 18 and 25 sessions will walk through the process of identifying capabilities and resources necessary to address potential consequences of agricultural emergencies in the community.
Each June webinar runs from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. They're available to individuals at their own computers as well as in a facilitated group format at sites around the state. A toll free phone connection will be provided for the audio portion. Recordings will be made available at a later date.
Anyone requiring accommodations to participate in this program is asked to write Louis Bedor, lbedor@uvm.edu, by May 30. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/126ewFr.