SerVermont - Plainfield Emergency Management VISTA

Plainfield, located in Washington County just east of Montpelier, is a small town that has built a strong network of partners to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies - particularly flooding, which has significantly impacted the community in recent years. This work is supported by the local community, state agencies, and volunteer organizations.

Plainfield Emergency Management leads disaster preparedness and response efforts, including flood inundation planning, emergency evacuations, and operation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and shelter when needed. A key partner, the Hazard Mitigation Committee, focuses on reducing long-term risk through planning, recommendations, and strategies that strengthen community resilience. Together, these entities prepare for, educate about, and assess likely emergency scenarios each year to establish realistic priorities and effective mitigation strategies.

Emergency management operations also prioritize clear and accessible communication with the public through meetings, requests for help, alerts, and urgent updates. Ensuring that critical information is easy to understand helps residents and visitors stay informed and prepared. This work also emphasizes support for vulnerable populations through sheltering and evacuation protocols for those who are displaced, elderly, or living with illness or disabilities.

Through hazard mitigation planning, public communication and networking, mapping, and documentation of disaster impacts, Plainfield continues to strengthen its ability to care for the community and build a resilient foundation for future emergency response.