It is generally a rule of thumb from emergency managers for any imminent disaster that people prepare with water, provisions and so forth to take care of themselves for several days, if not a week or more. The full impact of Tropical Storm Irene on Central Vermont was not anticipated but we did get warning and are now in the throes of the most difficult times without water or power in some areas and the issue of isolated pockets where folks can’t get out.
Since Woodstock Early Bird has not been able to address the Noah Road situation, we are posting this comment, noting it indicates the view of the writer and not necessarily Woodstock Early Bird who understands our public officials are doing the best they can and what they need most right now is our patience and trust. That said, if there are issues, we are interested in airing them in the hope of not point fingers, but trying to improve the situation either now or next time around:
Here is a letter from John Johnson of South Woodstock
I haven’t seen anything posted on your blog with regards to South Woodstock and Noah Wood Road. I do believe there are like issues on Long Hill and other roads in South Woodstock. Hopefully this will put things in perspective:
We have no way out other than to walk over a half mile to get to Rt. 106 which has multiple breaks between here and Woodstock and the other way to Springfield. (While I have Internet, I can work remotely though my place of employment is not accessible between here and North Springfield.)
There is no power for those without generators which means no drinking water or water at all! Our generator has been running non stop since 1:00 AM Monday. It is fueled by propane which cannot be refueled due to impassable roads and not to mention that the Dead River facility in Woodstock was leveled. I believe that’s where many of the tanks that now reside at the head of the Quechee gorge came from. No vehicles can get through to bring relief on our road (Noah Wood). When an attempt was made yesterday to remove boulders so this could be done, the gentleman and his heavy equipment were forced to stop. We were told nothing could be done until FEMA comes and takes pictures.
Fortunately, my wife and my twin boys are able to trek it out and can walk to South Woodstock, though it is nearly 3 miles from our home. They did this yesterday only to find out the store has no electricity and was closing down. There are multiple elderly people on the street who have nothing and waiting on FEMA to come and take pictures doesn’t put food or water on their table now does it? If you remember how inept FEMA was during Katrina, you will understand how we have very little trust in our government to help. Turning our neighbors away who can help is not acceptable! I trust you will post this on your blog and those with some authority might find a way to get things righted sooner than later!
I have copied multiple officials on this email including Senator Leahy and Governor Shumlin.
John Johnson
3707 Noah Wood Rd.
South Woodstock, VT 05071
802 457-2592
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by jim ford on August 30, 2011 at 10:38
very well said. We were told the same thing on long hill rd and will second very little faith in our state and federal gov.
LikeLike
Posted by JulieK on August 30, 2011 at 11:02
This is appalling. The areas hit hardest should be the first to have immediate assistance and it seems that those with the power to offer that assistance are doing their best to find out where those areas are. I’ve seen a helicopter fly overhead the Reading areas by a local person taking initiative to determine where the areas in peril are and what the best way is to either get to people to rescue them or get supplies to them. There should be more help available right now rather than letting things get worse for these affected areas.
LikeLike
Posted by Joanne Boyle on August 30, 2011 at 12:33
It seems that FEMA has not designated Windsor County as in need of assistance! See: http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15472
LikeLike