I received this from the Vermont Emergency Management Dept:
City of Rutland News Release
Media Contact: (802) 773-1812
April 16, 2007
City of Rutland Hit Hard With Power Outages/Downed Trees
RUTLAND, VT— The city of Rutland has activated its local Emergency
Operations Center following an extreme wind event early this morning. Wind
gusts of over 50 miles per hour caused trees and branches to fall throughout
the city, leading to power outages and blocked roads in most areas of the
city.
Power restoration could take several days due to the extent of the damage.
Motorists are encouraged to stay off Rutland streets to allow city and CVPS
work crews to clear debris and work on downed power lines. The Red Cross is
facilitating the opening of shelters for those without power through the
night, should there be a need.
Officials also report extremely high call volumes to city police and fire
dispatchers. Residents are asked to refrain from calling emergency lines for
information purposes, and to use 911 and fire and police dispatch lines for
emergencies, or issues in which your safety is threatened.
Everyone is encouraged not to touch any downed power lines due to the risk
of electrocution. Every power line should be treated as if it were live.
Those who are clearing trees should also take extreme caution to ensure
there are no power lines touching trees or limbs.
Governor Jim Douglas is monitoring developments and damage and will order
the use of state resources as needed. The Vermont Emergency Management State
Operations Center is activated at a level III with VEM staff and staff from
other state agencies coordinating a response. State workers in Rutland have
been sent home due to power outages in the city.
For more information, the media can call the City of Rutland at (802)
773-1812.