Public Alerting

This information has been provided for your use in the event of an emergency requiring public notification and possible public response. Please take a few moments to review it.

How will you be notified?

If there is an emergency requiring public notification, you will be alerted by one or more of the following warning signals:

  • Weather-alert radio sounding a tone followed by an emergency message.
  • The loud, steady tone of emergency sirens, lasting 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Special announcements on local Emergency Alert System radio stations (see below).
  • Auto dialed contact via Rapid Emergency Notification Telephone System. (If your phone number is unlisted or if your primary phone is a cellular phone, read below for more information).
  • Broadcasts from loudspeakers on emergency vehicles, known as “route alerting.”

 

 

 

 

Rapid Emergency Notification Telephone System

If you live or work in the Vermont Yankee Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) and have an unlisted landline telephone number or a personal cellular telephone number that you would like added to the emergency notification call list, please fill out a registration card. Cards can be found on the back of the Vermont Yankee calendar, available at the Town Office.

A new registration card should be sent EACH YEAR.

This information will be kept confidential and will only be used in an actual emergency or in a capacity to test the notification system. Multiple local media outlets will be notified of any scheduled tests.

RENTS is an acronym for the Rapid Emergency Notification Telephone System currently in place in the EPZ. It is a high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications. This system allows both local and state emergency management personnel to telephone all or targeted areas of the EPZ in case of an emergency situation that requires immediate action.

The system is capable of dialing 60,000 phone numbers per hour. It then delivers a recorded message to a live person or an answering machine, making three attempts to connect to any number.

The message sent via RENTS will be crafted to be as short and direct as possible in order to convey the necessary information to ensure the public’s safety. The message will include the date and time of the incident, specific instructions, and contact information for questions.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

Sirens and other warning signals are intended to alert you to tune in a local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio station for information and instructions. The EAS is a direct link between you and public safety officials. Emergency information and instructions will be provided as needed at any hour, day or night, and will advise you of any actions that may be recommended for your protection and safety. Follow the instructions carefully, and DO NOT evacuate unless directed to do so.

When you receive an alert, immediately tune your radio to one of the EAS Stations in your state. In New Hampshire, these stations are:

  • WKBK — Keene — 1290 AM
  • WKNE — Keene — 103.7 FM
  • WZBK — Keene — 1220 AM
  • WOQL — Keene — 98.7 FM
  • WYRY — Keene — 104.9 FM

You may also find NH EAS messages on Vermont* stations:

  • WKVT — Brattleboro — 1490 AM
  • WTSA — Brattleboro — 96.7 FM / 1450 AM

(*Always follow the instructions for NH residents.)

Public Information

Your OEM team has established contacts and procedures for disseminating information through local media outlets. Information may also be posted at central and high-traffic locations, such as the town offices, post offices and transfer station.