WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-YCQM - Mike O'Neil - June 5, 2011

YCQM - Mike O'Neil - June 5, 2011

June 5, 2011 -- Vt. Emergency Management Director Mike O'Neil joins Kristin Carlson and Darren Perron to discuss storm flood damage, recovery and advice for homeowners.

TRANSCRIPT:

Good morning, I'm Darren Perron.

 And I'm Kristin Carlson. We have mike O'Neil the head of Vermont emergency management.

 We'll also have your neighbors in the news. Find out how the flooding hit one family during a difficult anniversary. Hiking trails open for the season. A Vermonter makes it big in golf and we'll try some dandelion wine.

 First, mike O'Neil the head of Vermont emergency management, a long career in the fire service serving in the Burlington and south Burlington fire department. But now the flood and flood cleanup is his mission. Thank you for being here.

 Thank you, Kristin.

 It's been a busy, difficult time for a lot of Vermonters. What's the latest?

 We had FEMA assessment teams on the ground, public assessment teams up in Caledonia County. They reported back 1 o'clock this afternoon they had over $750,000 worth of damage to report in Caledonia County as well.

 Public infrastructure?

 Roads, bridges, those types of things. The individual assistance teams which deal with the homeowners displaced, we haven't gotten any preliminary reports from them but they're working.

 The hard hit are the northeast kingdom in central Vermont, mostly?

 That's what we experienced over the weekend with those quick-rising storms that came in and that's the track of the storm, kind of went along that corridor. Not so much got to Caledonia County but not in the intensity that it was in central Vermont and Berlin, Barre, Barre Town, and Montpelier.

 Right now the state has applied for federal emergency help from the -- has applied for emergency help from the federal government, asking for an emergency declaration to couple with the other storm damage we already had. Any word on when that will come through or when we might hear if that's possible?

 Friday evening the governor's request to the president when went in. Subsequent to that we've had this additional damage so our folks have been working closely with FEMA to get an addendum that documents this most recent document in support of the original request from the governor. We've also had contact with our congressional delegation who have written in support of Vermont's request for a declaration. So that process is ongoing and we expect to hear -- there's no firm time frame but i can say that all avenues of state and federal response and government folks have -- are lobbying hard for Vermont's case.

 We heard from the Barre mayor that he thought estimates of damage in Barre could be one to $2 million, staggering, especially when you think about how the state and cities are already dealing with financial deficits and budget problems. Really, do you have any sense of a total number? Three quarters of a million in Caledonia County. Any numbers?

 I don't have an exact number but we're trying to demonstrate the impact on the federal government. They have formulas, they're not quite as solid but they're interested in -- the new FEMA director is interested in impact and the impact statement plays a big role in our request. Impact is the effects of loss of revenue due to roads, the state's ability to pay even before these events. We're talking about stores, marinas, things around the state that depend on a seasonal business. I mean, Vermont's income is dependent upon a lot of seasonal issues. And with this disruption, it has a far-ranging impact so we've been careful in assisting the governor to send the right impact statement to the president.

 There's the story of the public infrastructure damage, the tough road washouts and also the personal stories which you've heard of homeowners. Is there any sense that there might be any assistance for them? Because --

 we're working as hard as we can between the state, local folks and our congressional delegation to make that case. That's the true story, the folks still in shelters. You can always replace furniture and those types of things, but these are the folks that are bearing the impact. I mean, it's been a long winter, folks that were kind of looking forward to getting out in the warm weather and enjoying Vermont's summertime. And the fact that they're out of their homes and their lives have been totally disrupted is the key for us to focus and make sure that we get those folks relief as soon as possible.

 Any word on when there might be any possible -- i know it's harder to get the money for the private homeowners. Any word on when that money or if there might be money? I know it's harder.

 The declaration is combined. We asked for both forms of assistance in the same declaration. It is -- it is more difficult and we are trying to make the best case possible. We don't have a time frame on that but -- and for certainly over the weekend's events we're still in the stages of gathering that impact.

 What should homeowners do?

 Homeowners need to report any damage to Vermont 211. They're set up and have been set up through this whole process to receive those damage reports. 211 forwards the information to us so that we can make that assessment. And we use the information so we can schedule federal teams to go out and do that assessment.

 This really has been a difficult spring; it was like the double whammy because we had all of the flooding impacts along the lake. Then we had this storm that really hit central Vermont and parts of northeast kingdom. At what point did you know that, in monitoring the situation, that the storm that hit most recently was going to be as bad as it was?

 We had indications earlier in the day. We've had watches out about severe rain. However, we've had watches since January about severe weather. And so our system is that we monitor reports coming in from the locals and we started getting reports early on, on Friday evening, about those reports from southern part of the state about possible washouts and those types of things which than kind of ramped up our system. We brought our folks in to our emergency operation center, state and federal partners, along with our military folks, the guard assistance group, and started ramping that up and worked through the next two evenings.

 So what exactly is the role of the Vermont emergency management team when the state has this kind of a natural disaster?

 We're a coordinating point. What we -- what we preach to our state and -- or local responders is that when you're overwhelmed in your own community, the number that you call is Vermont emergency management and we'll coordinate assistance to you whether it can be in the form of the military or it can be in the form of special teams. Depending on what your crisis is, we'll provide that information and contact you with the right resource to try to get the resource. And we have the ability to reach outside the state as well through a number of different avenues to get folks the resources they need in the community.

 The National Guard has played a role in helping out already, they've been helping folks, and I know they're on standby. Do you think they're going to be needed anymore? Has their role in the crisis kind of passed?

 We're still in the state of emergency declared earlier on in this incident.

 By the governor.

 By the governor, yes. And the guard plays a role. We're in almost daily contact with those folks by cell phone and by their joint operations center. So any time those assets are needed they're available at a phone call.

 You have a long career in the fire service. You've seen a lot of disasters; you've seen a lot of problems between Burlington and south Burlington. How does this rate with what you've seen with your time? Vermont?

 This clearly from every indication that we get from any one of our partners, whether the national weather service or any of our state partners, that this is the worst that it's ever been at one time and it's been a continual -- a continual ongoing incident since back in December when they had the windstorms, there was a federal disaster declaration made to the state back in December, which seems like a long time ago, but it really is. And the federal folks were probably out of the state for maybe a week before this new round of events started. So it's been a long haul for folks. However, you know, once again, this most recent event is the one that's really impacted folks by, you know, we had very little shelter use prior to this weekend. At one point we had over 200 folks in shelter so that shows you the recent impact.

 And still have people in shelters.

 Still a number of folks in shelters overnight and we're dealing with those situations and trying to get those folks the assistance they need. As i said, that's the true impact of this crisis at this point.

 I know you're looking to the advice of the state geologists for mud slides and land slides. That was a huge problem for some homeowners in Barre. Is that still an ongoing warning and watch sign for folks?

 It is and we're working with the state geologists to get a more definitive report about that. The city of Barre has been proactive, been on the phone with the police chief in Barre, a long-time friend of mine.

 The chief?

 The chief. I've talked every evening and every morning. We commented about the fact that the last person i talked to at night was him and the first person in the morning was him to make sure that they get what they need and assist the situation and provide what we can for the folks who have been displaced.

 The cleanup for some people has started, i know some people are still in shelters, but what do people need to keep in mind safety-wise?

 Contact their local officials before they reenter a building that's been evacuated to chip check on a number of things.

 Local police or fire?

 Or building officials, whoever in their community is responsible for that to make sure the building is safe to be reoccupied. And we had a number of homes Atlanta -- that have been disconnected from the power grid so they need to make sure that's checked before they reenter. There's discussion about the water and water quality, and, you know, being careful with wells and septic systems.

 There's sewage in the water.

 This is still unfolding as it goes. We're not into the cleanup phase yet only because we're still dealing with some of the issues as late as this afternoon we were dealing with sandbag requests from Colchester and up in the islands way because of the wind-driven water on the lake. We focus our attention from one area of the state to the other to make sure we know when the water came on Friday that it was going to make it to the lake. How quickly was anybody's guess but we warned the folks on the lake that the water was -- you know, another round of water was coming their way.

 A double whammy for folks on the lake with the initial problems in the spring and now the water has hit them hard again and again and again.

 Now the wind --

 and now the wind.

 The wind has a dramatic effect. I think a lot of folks don't realize what can happen on the lake and how quickly it can change.

 The sandbags were sent up. Do you know how they're helping or working at this point?

 My understanding is they requested them and they were waiting for their arrival so they could begin work.

 This is a difficult question, mike O'Neil, i know you're sorting things out at emergency management but how long of a problem do you think that'll be? Projecting forward, what kind of a time frame is the state and residents looking at as far as cleanup and impacts?

 We're looking at many, many months. You know, one of the big things is that -- trying to assess the impact long-term on some of these projects, road projects. There's still over a hundred properties inaccessible to even be assessed because of the high water. We need to focus on getting those before we can set a timeline. We know it's going to be many, many months. The other part of that is Vermont is open for business and there are a lot of places in the communities that are still open and open for business. And we want to encourage folks to understand that it's not -- it's not as completely bleak as possible, it certainly is for the folks who are displaced, but, you know, the business owners have been impacted as well, and, notice, the conversations we've had with those folks is that they want the public to know that a lot of their places are open for business. They've suffered some damage but what really helps a business is customers.

 I think also this weekend several communities are planning sales and trying to get out the word about the people who are open.

 Right. And we have a number of state parks that are closed but we also have a number of state parks that are open. And, you know, that's the message we want to convey. While it's a serious situation there are some things that folks can do to help out.

 What about fatigue? Fatigue for the emergency officials but the fatigue, really, for the homeowners and the business owners who have suffered so much lost sleep and so much stress?

 That's our number one concern are those folks. There have been community meetings going on, one at St. Albans town tonight and one in Barre to provide as much information to them as possible. A lot of stress is caused by folks not having answers to their questions. So there are a number of forums set up for people to get answers to their questions. We spend a lot of time making sure that information is available to those folks.

 What are some of the top questions you guys are getting from folks?

 A lot of folks are saying what next? What do i do? Some people don't know where to turn. Some folks have never dealt with any kind of situation like this. So it's hard who to point them to. Everybody's circumstance is unique, and we want to make sure that they connect with their local officials. The local officials are the ones best suited to answer their immediate questions. The chief has done a great job in the city of Barre along with the mayor to make sure they have these forums so they can get the correct information and help them get through it.

 What's next now? Obviously we're hoping for dry weather.

 Dry weather, it's clean up, it's making sure that -- the biggest positive aspect of this if you can call anything in this positive is the fact that we haven't had any loss of life, you know, we haven't had any injury -- major injuries. That's one thing we have going for us. Typically in this recovery time people are vulnerable to injury. We want to make sure that folks stay safe and contact their local officials or local first responders before they try to do something or make alterations to their homes.

 So far, like you said, no loss of life, no serious injuries.

 That's correct. So that's the fortunate piece for us and we want to make sure that that continues. And getting folks the correct information and who to contact before they do anything.

 Mike O'Neil the head of Vermont emergency management, we appreciate the update on the flood and we'll continue talking with you. As you said, months and months and months, right?

 Absolutely.

 All right. Thank you very much.

 You're welcome.

 Now here's Darren with our neighbors in the news.

 Kristin, thank you. Up next meet a Vermont golfer making history. Stay with u when i grow up, i want to be a fireman 'cause, it's like the coolest job ever they get to save lives and who doesn't want to do that? They get to ride on those trucks and never have to stop for red lights or nothin' if your child is sick over and over again, it could be pi a defect in the immune system that affects millions early detection can give children a chance to dream and that pole you slide down... Cool

> victims of flooding across our region have lost so much but for one flooded out resident in Barre last week's evacuation hit home doubly hard.

 My emotions are so up and down.

 Emotion rushes over Patricia Hansen after being forced from her home by floodwaters in b Barre Thursday.

 As we left, coming through, the water was coming up to our waist.

 Hansen is one of hundreds who has taken refuge in a Red Cross shelter.

 Lots of distraught citizens because their homes are full of water and mud and muck, not knowing where to go, what to do, what services are available to them so we're trying to make the contacts for them.

 She and her daughters are staying at the Barre auditorium but there's a history that keeps Hansen from going inside.

 My daughter died, and that's where they held her memorial.

 The bodies were found in a creek near the high school exactly six years ago.

 I couldn't even go in there after that. I sat out here for four hours and waited until i was so exhausted that i had no choice but to go in and lay down. That was still hard.

 Hansen says it's haunting to return here on the anniversary of her daughter's death. As people of Barre work to assess the damage to each home she has most of her loss is sentimental.

 My daughter's porcelain dolls, things the kids from school made for her the day she died. All of that's going to be gone.

 It's a city wide challenge working to rebuild. But for Hansen the rain became a downpour of what will always be a dreary day in her memory.
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 Well, despite the recent wet weather Vermont's trails are open for the season. Judy Simpson headed into the woods. She has this report.

 The sun is finally out in the green mountain, and despite all the rain Vermont's hiking trails are open for business.

 I don't know of any trails that are closed. The state parks open this week. We're encouraging people to get out and hike as long as they're safe. We don't have a map that says, you know, starting -- trails are worse.

 The green mountain club is a member-supported non-profit dedicated to maintaining the 500 miles that make up the long trail. And there are thousands of other trails that connect to the long trail including here in Underhill state park.

 We open on Friday. As you can see, the sun's out today, so we've had a lot of visitors coming in, a lot of day use, and a lot of campers. And a lot of people from Vermont but a lot of out-of-state people as well.

 I think it's probably going to be a really nice day. I mean, I'm hoping that -- well, it definitely cleared up quite a bit. It was cloudy when we first started driving out but I'm sure the views will be worth it.

 But there is concern about the trail's condition because of the record-breaking rainfall. Sure, there's water on the trail but the green mountain club says walk right on through. Don't go to the sides, that'll ruin the trail. As for the long trail itself it's reportedly in great condition.

 It's on the ridge line, the nature of what the long trail is, so the water drains off it pretty well. And most of the bad impacts on it come from the combination of spring rains and the melting of snow and ice. And the snow and ice are pretty much already melted.

 While some of the rocks might be a bit slippery, overall the trails are passable.

 People can also call and we'll try to give the best advice we can. We haven't been on every trail all the time but we'll try to give you tips as to what we're hearing.

 Good news to the 1 to 2,000 people who use the hiking trails each year.

> And here's another tip for you. Bring bug spray when you hike. Judy says the woods are full of mosquitoes and black flies right now.

> Woodstock native Keegan Bradley won the Byron nelson championship on the PGA tour. The 24--year-old is the youngest golfer to win on the PGA tour this year and Vermonters are celebrating their hometown boy. Adam Sullivan reports.

 When Keegan Bradley sunk his winning putt in the championship Vermonters were watching.

 I was watching Keegan.

 I saw him tap in a two-footer for his win.

 What were you doing last night?

 Watching Keegan win his first tournament.

 Bradley grew up in Woodstock attending the high school there before going to Florida to pursue the sport. He spent many days on the courses here.

 I remember when he was a youngster, 12 and 14, i played with he and his dad at Crown Point and haystack. He was quite a player then. But boy to be a professional and win a major tournament, that's unbelievable.

 He said he knew he was special, he was a standout athlete and excellent skier but no one knew exactly how good until now.

 We knew he would be a good golfer but to win the Byron nelson was unbelievable.

 The golf pro at the Woodstock country club helped him fine tune his stroke.

 We spent time on the range.

 He said its Bradley's drive that got him to the big leagues.

 He averages 310 yards a drive. That makes a golf course a lot shorter.

 A hometown boy now in the spotlight. And overnight he has become a role model for others aspiring to be pros. Alex Moore was teammates with Bradley in high school.

 It's great for Vermont golfers out there, inspiring golfers. It can happen to anybody.

 Finally we've gotten recognition that we have golfers up here instead of maple-growers.

 It automatically qualifies Bradley for the masters, a tournament no Vermonter has ever played in. While the victory was a big step for Bradley's career it's also a huge accomplishment for the entire state.

 And along with that Vermont, Bradley took home just over $1 million. Not bad, right? It.

> well, it's almost the end of dandelion season in Vermont. Some people might be happy about that but a wine maker wishes it was all year-round.

 Just looking for a good group of yellow.

 Some look at a field of dandelions and sees weeds but this man sees opportunity.

 You can't beat 'em, eat 'em.

 People traditionally try to get rid of dandelions.

 Here the hay fields are full of them and when they turn white they blow everywhere so use them for something.

 He takes advantage of the rapid-growing yellow flowers by making an age-old product, dandelion wine.

 Kind of flowery, you get a little grassiness coming through it and because you use oranges and lemons you get a citrus undertone to it.

 And it's not easy. Buckets of petals have to be hand-picked, a process that i got a try at.

 All we want is the petals. There is a natural break point behind the bud. If you get your thumbnail in there and twist it pulls right apart.

 To make one gallon of wine it takes almost a full bucket of petals.

 Some enjoy it having a wonderful day in the sun.

 It's kind of relaxing.

 Oh, yeah.

 He makes a tea from the petals and adds yeast, water and citrus which ferments for a year.

 Is it worth all the work to pick these and go through this for you?

 It is. It's kind of fun to do, it's unique for people. A lot of people can remember tasting dandelion wine that their grandfather made or anything like that.

 And he doesn't stop there, he buys fruit from local farmers to make many different kinds of fruit wines like strawberry rhubarb and cassis. And it's having big results selling thousands of bottles of award winning wine here.

 This has a capacity of 8,000 gallons. We do 25 to 30,000 bottles a year.

 One season's stock normally sells out in a week.

 Every summer i get somebody who will say to me do you plant these just to make wine.

 And do you plant them?

 No.

 Not bad, right?

 You could stay a little longer, get a few more done.

 A natural Vermont resource that's grown into a blooming business. Channel 3 news.

 Grandview's -- I'm sorry, go ahead.

 He looked like he was having fun.

 Totally. And wore those yellow pants purposely. Get it? Grandview's dandelion and other fruit wines are sold around Montpelier and at that winery. Go to wcax.com for more.

> Thanks for sharing part of your Sunday with us, everybody, I'm Darren Perron. And I'm Kristin Carlson.

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