Description
This training will guide communities in preparing and responding to emergencies, with a focus on safety and resilience for water and wastewater systems. Participants will learn essential skills and information to support their communities in the face of disasters.

Topics will include:

• Safety – Learn situational awareness and operator and facility safety fundamentals, including potential hazards such as electrical issues, toxic gases, and structural damage, using recent flood events as real-world examples.
• Mutual Aid Networks – Overview of the Vermont WARN mutual aid network and how to effectively partner with local and state emergency management teams.
• Emergency Planning and Hazard Mitigation – Strategies for creating or strengthening emergency response plans at both the facility and community levels, with insights from recent disaster responses.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Key SOPs for pre- and post-disaster preparedness, including generator maintenance and communication protocols to support smooth operations during critical times.
• Funding – USDA funding opportunities available for enhancing system capacity and resilience, especially for mitigating risks from disasters declared in 2022.

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to enhance the safety and resiliency of their facilities and be better prepared for efficient emergency response and recovery.

Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)

Instructors
Liz Royer (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Dan Whipple (Integrity Safety Consulting Services, LLC)
Sam Politi (Brook Field Service)
USDA

Additional Sessions 
This class will be offered again on the following dates:
July 15, 2025 at Vermont State University – Randolph
December 11, 2025 at Williston Fire Department