The May 2026 installment of VLCT’s Muni Mornings with Kathleen focused on a timely and practical topic: how municipalities can take simple, realistic steps to be more “storm ready” before the next emergency strikes.
On Tuesday, May 6, VLCT Municipal Operations Specialist Kathleen Ramsay hosted Muni Mornings: Storm Ready, featuring Emily Harris, Engagement Section Chief at Vermont Emergency Management (VEM). In keeping with the Muni Mornings format, the session was informal but information rich, with Emily walking participants through manageable actions towns can take now, followed by an open Q&A where local officials shared experiences and questions from their own communities.
Emily emphasized that improving emergency preparedness does not have to be overwhelming. Many of the most effective steps are straightforward and can be built into regular municipal operations– such as clarifying local emergency roles, staying connected with regional partners, and using state‑provided tools for training and communication. She also highlighted new on demand learning resources that towns can use to orient new board members, staff, and volunteers to emergency management basics at any time, without having to wait for a live training.
To help municipalities continue the work started in the session, Emily shared a range of VEM resources and programs, all of which are posted on our Muni Mornings with Kathleen Recordings and Resources webpage.
Muni Mornings with Kathleen is held via Zoom in a coffee chat format and is designed specifically for Vermont municipal officials and staff. Each session features a focused topic, an expert guest, ample time for questions and peer‑to‑peer sharing, and practical takeaways you can bring back to your community. Watch VLCT communications for the next Muni Mornings announcement, and consider who from your town – selectboard members, clerks, road foremen, planners, emergency management directors, and others – might benefit from joining the conversation.