Tag: Vermont

Vermont’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Vermont, Vermont's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Vermont’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster — And How to Survive Them Behind the Wheel

By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist

Let me be clear—when disaster strikes, roads become more than routes. They become lifelines, battlegrounds, and bottlenecks. I’ve driven through hurricanes in Florida, wildfire evacuations in California, and flash floods in Texas. But Vermont? Vermont’s got a whole different beast when it comes to bad roads during bad times.

Between its winding mountain passes, frost-heaved asphalt, and dense tree cover, the Green Mountain State turns into a trap when the lights go out or the weather gets mean. Whether it’s a Nor’easter burying Route 100 under three feet of snow or a flash flood taking out bridges in Windham County, if you’re not prepared to drive like your life depends on it—you’re already a victim.

Let me walk you through the worst roads to avoid (or conquer) and then arm you with 15 crucial survival driving skills. And for those who really find themselves neck-deep in trouble, I’ve got three DIY hacks to keep you moving even when the tank runs dry.

Vermont’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

Here’s a short list of Vermont roads that’ll break your spirit (or your axle) in a disaster:

  1. Route 100 (from Killington to Waterbury) – Winding, narrow, and one rockslide away from being impassable. Gorgeous in fall, deathtrap in winter.
  2. Route 9 (Bennington to Brattleboro) – Prone to flooding, steep inclines, and black ice. This one gets shut down regularly in Nor’easters.
  3. Interstate 89 (Montpelier to Burlington) – The main artery in and out of Central Vermont. In a mass exodus, this becomes a clogged mess.
  4. Route 107 (Stockbridge area) – Mountain passes and not enough guardrails. One good rainstorm and you’re on mud.
  5. Route 17 (App Gap) – Twists like a snake and climbs fast. A driver’s nightmare in snow or fog.
  6. Kelly Stand Road (Searsburg) – Dirt and isolation. You’ll lose cell service and possibly your undercarriage.
  7. Route 108 (Smugglers’ Notch) – Seasonally closed, but people still try to push through. Don’t be one of them.
  8. Lincoln Gap Road – Just avoid it. It’s basically a hiking trail someone paved.
  9. Route 15 (Hardwick to Morristown) – Flooding danger, especially during late spring thaw.
  10. Danby Mountain Road – Off-grid and often washed out. The sort of place AAA won’t find you.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Conditions

You can have the best 4×4 on the market, but without the skills to match, you’re still a target. Here’s what every survivalist driver needs to master:

  1. Off-Road Navigation – Learn to read terrain and use topographic maps. GPS is unreliable in power outages or remote terrain.
  2. Throttle Feathering – Control your gas pedal in slippery conditions. Over-acceleration leads to spinning out or getting stuck.
  3. Tire Patching and Plugging – Know how to plug a tire on the fly. Keep a kit in your glove box, and practice before it matters.
  4. Field Tire Inflation – A hand pump or portable compressor can save your ride. Drop PSI on snow; boost it back for gravel.
  5. Braking in Skid Conditions – Don’t slam the brakes. Learn threshold braking and cadence braking for older vehicles without ABS.
  6. River and Flood Crossing Judgment – Never guess depth. A 12-inch current can float most vehicles. Know when to turn back.
  7. Spotting Hazards Ahead – Train your eyes to read the road 15 seconds ahead. It buys you time to react or reroute.
  8. Driving in Reverse at Speed – Sounds crazy? Try navigating a narrow escape route in reverse without stalling or crashing.
  9. Using Mirrors Like a Pro – Your mirrors are your sixth sense. Check every 10 seconds. Blind spots kill in disasters.
  10. Utilizing Low Gears – Downshift for better control in snow, mud, or downhill slopes. Don’t burn your brakes.
  11. Driving in Convoy Formation – Stick to 3-second gaps, signal intentions, and never bunch up. Panic leads to pileups.
  12. Navigating Without Lights – Cover tail lights with tape if you’re bugging out at night. Stay under the radar.
  13. Knowing When to Ditch – If your car’s stuck and burning gas, abandon it and hike. Your life is worth more than your ride.
  14. Distraction-Free Driving – Silence the phone. Every second counts. Your focus is your strongest survival tool.
  15. Fuel Conservation Techniques – Coast when you can. Idle as little as possible. Draft behind large vehicles (safely) to reduce drag.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

When the needle’s on E and there’s no gas station for 50 miles, ingenuity keeps you moving. Here are three tricks I’ve used or witnessed in the field:

  1. Siphon and Filter
    If you’re in a pinch and spot an abandoned vehicle, you can siphon gas with a tube and gravity. Just make sure to filter it through a shirt, coffee filter, or even moss to catch debris before pouring it into your tank.
  2. Alcohol-Based Emergency Burn
    In a gasoline shortfall, denatured alcohol or isopropyl (91% or higher) can be used sparingly in older engines. This is for carbureted engines only—fuel-injected systems may not tolerate it well. It’s risky, but it can get you a few extra miles.
  3. Pressurized Bottle Fuel Pump
    Repurpose a soda bottle with a tire valve stem and a bit of hose. Pressurize the bottle with a bike pump and gravity-feed fuel into your engine. This works best with lawn equipment fuel tanks but can keep an old ATV alive in a pinch.

Final Thoughts From the Road

Survival is about preparation, skill, and knowing when to go and when to stay put. Vermont’s roads don’t forgive ignorance or indecision. In a disaster, they get slick, jammed, or vanish altogether. I’ve seen Subarus stranded and lifted trucks washed out. It’s not about what you drive—it’s how you drive it.

Know your routes. Scout secondary options. Keep maps printed and waterproofed. Fuel up before a storm, not after. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t trust your GPS when the sky’s falling—it doesn’t know that the bridge on Route 9 washed out last night.

Disasters favor the prepared and punish the reckless. Be the first, not the second.

Surviving Vermont’s Worst Disasters: Are You Prepared for the Worst?

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Uncategorized, Vermont Survival PreppersLeave a comment

This is How Vermont Residents Prepare for the State’s Worst Natural Disasters

Living in Vermont, we understand that the weather and natural environment can be unpredictable and harsh, especially when it comes to natural disasters. Being a prepper here means adapting to the unique challenges that our beautiful state offers. From snowstorms to floods, we know firsthand that being prepared can make all the difference when the worst happens.

Vermont’s natural disasters aren’t like the catastrophic hurricanes or earthquakes you might hear about in other parts of the country. Instead, they come in the form of things like heavy snow, intense flooding, ice storms, and even the occasional tornado. While we’re lucky enough to be far removed from some of the extreme weather patterns, we don’t take our safety lightly. We know that preparation isn’t just about stockpiling supplies; it’s about having the skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive no matter what nature throws at us.

The Power of Preparation in Vermont

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Vermont’s weather is not for the faint-hearted. Winters can bring heavy snowfalls, freezing temperatures, and power outages that can last for days. In the summer, flooding from sudden rains can wreak havoc on homes, roads, and infrastructure. And then there’s the unpredictable threat of tornadoes, especially in the spring. As preppers, we don’t sit around waiting for a disaster to strike. We actively plan, prepare, and adapt to make sure we’re as self-sufficient as possible when the worst happens.

The Top Natural Disasters Vermonters Face

  1. Heavy Snowstorms and Blizzards
    Winters in Vermont are brutal, with snowstorms and blizzards often hitting the state hard. It’s not unusual for a storm to dump several feet of snow, and combined with subzero temperatures, these events can cause power outages, block roads, and make travel nearly impossible.
  2. Flooding from Spring Rains
    Vermont’s rivers and streams are subject to rapid rises in water levels during the spring thaw or after heavy rainfalls. This can lead to severe flooding, especially in areas near the Winooski and Otter Creek. Flooding can damage homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and the aftermath is often a long recovery process.
  3. Ice Storms
    Ice storms are another common issue. Freezing rain can coat everything, including trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. These storms can be just as dangerous as blizzards and often result in hazardous driving conditions and downed trees.
  4. Tornadoes
    While Vermont is not as tornado-prone as places like the Midwest, tornadoes do occur here, typically in the spring and early summer. They can cause sudden and violent destruction in their path, and while they are generally weaker than those in more tornado-prone areas, they can still be deadly.
  5. Wildfires
    While not as common as in western states, wildfires have become more of a concern in Vermont in recent years due to changing climate patterns. Dry conditions combined with gusty winds can create the perfect storm for fast-moving fires in forested areas, especially in the late summer and fall.

The Importance of Self-Reliance

Being a prepper in Vermont isn’t just about having a stash of supplies in your basement or garage. It’s about self-reliance, resourcefulness, and building a lifestyle that can withstand whatever nature throws your way. Here are ten essential tips that all Vermonters should consider when preparing for natural disasters:

1. Winterize Your Home and Vehicles

Snow and freezing temperatures are a given in Vermont. Ensure your home is well-insulated, with backup heating options such as a wood stove or propane heater. Keep your car stocked with essentials like blankets, extra gloves, and a shovel. Never rely on your car to keep you warm for long periods.

2. Stockpile Emergency Supplies

The importance of having a solid supply of food, water, and medical necessities cannot be overstated. In Vermont, snowstorms and power outages can keep us cut off from stores for days. Store at least 72 hours’ worth of supplies, including non-perishable food, bottled water, and any medications you may need.

3. Invest in a Generator

Vermont’s winter storms often result in power outages that can last for several days. A generator can be a game-changer, providing power for essentials like lighting, heating, and refrigeration. Ensure your generator is in good working order and that you have enough fuel to run it.

4. Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan

Flooding, wildfires, and even tornadoes can force you to evacuate. Know the safest routes out of your area and establish a communication plan with family and neighbors. Practice this plan regularly so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

5. Be Prepared for Ice Storms

Ice storms can create hazardous conditions very quickly. Keep your driveway and walkways clear of ice, and keep a supply of sand or salt handy for traction. In the event of a power outage, a battery-powered radio or a crank-powered device can keep you informed.

6. Prepare Your Land for Fires

Even if wildfires aren’t frequent in Vermont, they are a possibility, especially with the changing climate. Clear brush and dead trees from around your property, and make sure that you have a water source nearby in case of a fire emergency.

7. Stay Informed with Weather Alerts

Vermont’s weather can change quickly. Sign up for emergency weather alerts, whether through your phone or local news stations, so you’re always in the loop. A NOAA weather radio is also a great backup in case the power goes out.

8. Have a Bug-Out Bag Ready

A bug-out bag (BOB) should contain the basics for survival: food, water, clothing, first aid supplies, and tools. Make sure that every family member has one, and keep it easily accessible in case you need to leave in a hurry.

9. Understand Local Terrain and Risks

Vermont’s landscape can be both beautiful and dangerous. Understand your local risks, whether that’s flooding along a river, avalanche zones, or areas prone to wildfires. Knowing the terrain can help you make better decisions when it comes to evacuation and survival strategies.

10. Grow Your Own Food

If you have the space, growing your own food is a sustainable and rewarding practice. Vermont’s growing season may be short, but hardy crops like root vegetables and cold-weather crops can thrive here. A garden can help you stay self-sufficient, especially if grocery stores become inaccessible.

Community Preparedness: Helping Each Other

In Vermont, we’re a tight-knit community. Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor after a blizzard or checking in on elderly family members during an ice storm, we know the value of community in times of disaster. Keep in touch with your neighbors and family members and establish a support system. In emergencies, it’s not just about surviving on your own—it’s about surviving together.

Conclusion

While Vermont may not face the same level of natural disasters as other parts of the country, we’re still vulnerable to the forces of nature. As Vermonters, we understand the importance of preparation, self-reliance, and community. By following these tips and taking a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, we can ensure that we’re ready for whatever comes our way. When disaster strikes, it’s not about panicking; it’s about staying calm, staying prepared, and staying safe.

Report Reveals 40 Priests Sexually Abused Minors over 70 Years at Vermont Catholic Church

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn catholics, Christians1 Comment

A report from Vermont’s Roman Catholic Church has revealed “credible and substantiated” allegations of sexual abuse of minors by 40 priests in nearly 70 years.

The report says none of the priests are still working in ministry and many are dead, the Associated Press reports.

“While most of these allegations took place at least a generation ago, the numbers are still staggering,” said Bishop Christopher Coyne, who leads the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, which covers the entire state.

All of the allegations except one occurred before 2000, according to the report.

The report came after Coyne commissioned the investigation when the Vermont attorney general’s office began its own investigation of abuse at a now-closed Catholic orphanage in the state.

Coyne said the abuse “has been our family secret” and that it is time for the truth to surface so families can begin to heal.

“Family secrets can be toxic,” Coyne said during a news conference at the diocese’s South Burlington headquarters. “Harmful past experiences, unspoken, unaddressed and known only by a few, fester like neglected wounds.”

The report investigated the records of 52 priests in the state, but the seven-member committee could only substantiate allegations against 40 priests.

Committee member and abuse survivor John Mahoney said Rev. Edward Foster abused him in the early 1970s when he was in the seventh grade. Mahoney, now 65, reached a legal settlement with the church. Foster’s name was among the priests named in the Vermont report.

“One can only hope that this offers some opportunity for healing of individuals, but healing within the church as well,” Mahoney said.

This isn’t the first report to detail the names of priests with allegations of sexual abuse. In July, the Diocese of Manchester released a list of 73 names of priests with a history of sexual abuse of minors.

Source: https://www.christianheadlines.com