COLCHESTER, Vt. -
Shopping ahead of time is one way to prepare for the upcoming storm, but how do you react if something unexpected happens?
We wanted to make sure you knew of some of the most important resources available to you in Vermont.
At the 2-1-1 United Way call center in Essex Junction phones ring constantly with calls for help.
"Where to go for shelter or what the evacuation route is whatever the incident might be," Director Mary Ellen Mendl said.
During a storm they usually get more.
"We will probably handle any where from 200 to 250 calls tomorrow," Mendl said.
"If power is out, whether a shelter in the area is set up."
That's when you might need to call your power provider, like Green Mountain Power.
While they're hoping for few outages they still have crews ready for anything.
"We've got nearly fifty call center representatives that can answer calls," GMP spokesperson Dotty Schnure said.
While GMP is on the road, you might be too.
"Callers will ask 'how do I get from where I am now to where I'm going'?" Chief of Operations and Research at Vermont Department of Tourism Greg Gerdel said.
You're asked to avoid travel if possible until the roads are cleared but if you have to venture out make sure to call 5-1-1 first to get the latest info from the Agency of Transportation on what to expect.
Some of these call centers are expecting a large number of calls over the next couple of days so if the phones ringing off the hook too much they have people on standby to help out.
"They're all networked in case they have a really large demand," Gerdel said.
Since snow totals will vary depending on where you are, these centers are preparing to help any number of callers they might get.
You can also access many of these resources online so don't feel you have to call in to get help or information.
VTrans Online Map
Green Mountain Power Outage Reporter
Vermont 2-1-1
