Orwell Emergency Management

05/28/2026

Two steps to save a life and help our EMS Responders:

- Two steps = one life saved. 1️⃣ Call 911. 2️⃣ Start hands-only CPR or use an AED if available. Take a course today. 🫶



CPR Training:

American Heart Association - https://cpr.heart.org/en/course-catalog-search

American Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/local/vermont/take-a-class/cpr-burlington-vt?srsltid=AfmBOopZcASnvEKnsjG2uHDyJXN0Nrnd9phEY-8hhJ9nlPMCG94ZJtYj

05/28/2026

Rabid Grey Fox Detected in Middlebury

We're sharing this information out of an abundance of caution for all of us to take proactive steps to protect ourselves and others, even if the local risk is low...

The Health Department noted a recent case of rabies was discovered in a grey fox in the town of Middlebury, Vermont. Since wild animals move and interact with each other, a rabid animal detection means there is circulation of the virus and a risk of rabies from wildlife in the greater town area. All residents are urged to take steps to protect humans and domestic animals from rabies.

If you are bitten by an animal: wash the wound very well with soap and water and contact your health care provider. Follow all their instructions.

If your pet or farm animal was exposed to a wild or stray animal that might have rabies: contact your veterinarian. State law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies — even barn cats.

If you see a wild or stray animal acting strangely, or are concerned about a rabies exposure, call the Rabies Hotline (1-800-4-RABIES) or report it to your town’s animal control officer.

Do not touch or pick up wild or stray animals – even baby animals – or try to make them into pets. Doing so can put yourself or your family at risk of exposure through a bite or scratch. You can’t tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. Interacting with young wildlife may result in them being orphaned or tested for rabies, which requires humanely euthanizing the animal. So, for their own sake, leave wildlife in the wild.

Learn more about rabies in Vermont – visit: www.healthvermont.gov/rabies.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals and is fatal to both humans and animals. In Vermont, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats and woodchucks. Cats, dogs and livestock can also get rabies if they have not been vaccinated. Rabies virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is transmitted when the virus is introduced into a bite wound, open cuts on the skin, or onto mucous membranes like the mouth or eyes.

As Always: Be Smart; Stay Safe!

Rabid animals show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. Enjoy wildlife from a distance, and protect cats and dogs with rabies vaccine.

05/27/2026

Bear Aware!

Due to recent sightings in and around the village, be mindful of bears in the area.

One has been seen near Young Road, and garbage was discovered strewn into the woods behind the Orwell Congrational Church this past Sunday morning.

Chances are - they are more likely frightened of you than you are of them, but be wise and avoid contact.

If you are out walking your dog - it's suggested that you carry bear spray... Just incase.

With the return of warmer weather, black bears have emerged from their winter dens and are actively searching for food. Orwell Emergency Management reminds the public to adhere to the following guidelines for removing potential attractive food sources and avoiding interactions with black bears:

• Never intentionally feed bears.

• If possible, store all garbage containers with tight-fitting lids and place them within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell them, such as the inside wall of your garage, in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.

• Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to eliminate odors.

• Put out garbage on the morning of collection, not the night before.

• Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so only during daylight hours when bears are least active from December 1 to April 1. Suspend the feeder from a free-hanging wire, at least 10 ft off the ground and 10 ft from the trunk of a tree. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.

• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.

• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food grease and residue. Store grills securely.

• Do not place any meat, dairy or sweet foods in compost piles.

• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.

• Properly install electric fencing to protect crops, beehives and livestock.

Please share any bear sightings on the Orwell Community Network page!

As Always: Be Smart; Stay Safe!

05/27/2026

You might feel tempted to jump in after seeing someone struggling in the water, but that can put you in danger, too. A panicked swimmer can accidentally pull you under. Instead, remember these steps:

- Shout to get the attention of a lifeguard, if one is nearby.
- If there is no lifeguard, call 911 or tell someone else to call.
- Reach out with an object — such as a stick or towel — and pull the person to safety.
- Throw a floating object — like a buoy or life jacket — to help them stay afloat.

05/27/2026

Bleeding can kill in minutes. Learn simple, life-saving steps to control bleeding. 🩸👩‍⚕️

Quick tip: Apply firm pressure, pack the wound, and use a tourniquet when necessary. These actions save lives. Share this — everyone should know. 🙏🩸

Stop the Bleed Training:

UVM Medical Center - https://www.uvmhealth.org/conditions-specialties/injury-prevention/stop-the-bleed

American College of Surgeons - https://www.stopthebleed.org/get-trained/

05/19/2026

Today, Governor Scott recognized May 17-23 as EMS Week in Vermont. This week serves to recognize the incredible service and amazing dedication that EMS teams give to our state each and every day. Thank you to all providers, responders, and service members for your continued dedication.

They Run to Your Rescue - Day or Night - in All Kinds of Weather!

In recognition of this most noteworthy recognition for the selfless dedication of your local EMS providers, if you happen to see any of the Orwell First Response Squad's members* this week, remember to let them know how much you appreciate what they do.

*Peter Ochs, Mary Miller, Joe Miller, Jess Krol, Alex Kansky, Katie Geno, and Chad Geno.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057139793579

05/16/2026

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
..Please check with state and local authorities regarding
guidelines for allowed activities...

* The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid 70s to low 80s
may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water
temperatures, which are currently only in the mid 40s to mid 50s
across Lake Champlain and the smaller lakes and rivers.

* The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to
anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard,
when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of
immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high.
Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly
if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this
threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life
jacket!

* South winds this evening 10-15 knots will become southwest
overnight, then northwest by midday Sunday. If boating on large
bodies of water, these winds can increase the likelihood of
overturning your boat, canoe or kayak due to increased wave
heights.

* Due to recent rain, area rivers continue to run fast with swift
water currents. The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or
canoe into the frigid river waters. Once in the cold water, the
strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety.

05/12/2026

📝 Obtain a Burn Permit – Contact your Town Forest Fire Warden to obtain a permit for open debris burning 📝

https://fpr.vermont.gov/forest/wildland-fire/forest-fire-warden

📸: A stick figure with a shovel next to a fire with four tips: check with your town fire warden or fire department for burning permit requirements; avoid burning on dry, windy days when a fire can easily get out of control; be prepared with water, a fire extinguisher, and a shovel nearby; and never leave your burn pile until it is completely out.

05/12/2026

That single "click" is one of the most effective safety features in your car — protecting your life, your passengers, and your paycheck. ⬇️

Click It or Ticket