Preparing Yourself and Your Pets for Flooding – A Look into Vermont

By Devon Krusko, Field Services and Community Programs Manager

Last July 10, 2023, historic and devastating flooding hit my “Brave Little State” of Vermont. Originally nicknamed by President Calvin Coolidge when he visited his home state to tour the damage from flooding fall of 1927, Vermont continues to withstand rural living, harsh weather, and is no stranger to the depth of damage our beloved waterways can do.

For many Vermonters, we were unaware of the depth of disaster that was about to hit. That summer had been exceedingly rainy, and when I woke up that day to it pouring down I honestly didn’t think much of it. Unfortunately, we would see up to 9 inches of rain in 48 hours on already saturated soil. The Winooski River crested at over 21 feet, 2 feet higher than during Hurricane Irene in 2011, and second to the 1927 flood cresting over 27 feet. At my own home, the water from the stream came crashing down the mountain, and the dam that typically held a small pond was quickly gone along with the retaining wall my house fortunately sits above. I was very lucky as this is all that was damaged at my house.

With 8,700 miles of dirt roads (roughly 55% of the state!), myself and many residents were quickly trapped in our homes with no way out as the dirt washed away and paved roads were submerged. There were folks who couldn’t make it back to their homes for weeks, and many who lost everything. Entire towns were underwater, including Ludlow, home of the popular ski mountain Okemo, as well as our beautiful capital city of Montpelier.

Fortunately, I was mostly prepared. I had a back stock of food, water, and pet supplies, flashlights and batteries, and a generator with enough gas for a few days. As recovery went from days to weeks to months, it was clear I needed to be even more prepared for the future.

Devon’s backyard where a small pond flooded and washed away the dam

As Vermonters do, the community came together in huge numbers to help lug mud out of basements with five-gallon buckets, provide food and services to neighbors, and manage emergency shelters for folks who had to evacuate.

Sadly, just one year later this month, on the exact anniversary of the historic 2023 event, we yet again found ourselves under water. A stark reminder that planning for emergencies must become second nature. As Vermont rebuilds once again, I very much hope that you’ll start putting your own emergency kit together this season!

If you have to evacuate or you can’t leave your home it’s important to be prepared! Make it a priority to build a disaster kit for both the people and pets in your home: