Pawlet, VT, Emergency Management

10/23/2025

Last night, the Pawlet Emergency Management and Shelter team participated in a statewide exercise by opening the town’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and a shelter at Mettawee Community School. The exercise scenario was based on two large snow storms in January 2026 and required the team to set up both a shelter and the EOC. During the scenario, they simulated communicating with local fire departments, the Vermont Emergency Operations Center in Waterbury, the town highway department, town officials, and Washington County, NY dispatch. A second shelter is also available at the West Pawlet firehouse if the need arises.
This exercise played a crucial role in confirming existing policies and procedures as well as highlighting areas that could be improved. Appreciation goes to the team of eight who staffed the EOC and shelter, along with the volunteers who acted as shelter clients.
Also, thank you to Mettawee Community School for hosting the Town’s EOC and shelter. A second shelter is also available at the West Pawlet firehouse if the need arises.

09/03/2025

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM OUTDOOR FIRES.
Due to the dry conditions, the danger from wildland fire is high. See the Weather Service alert below:

Portions of central and northern Vermont and parts of northern New York also remain in moderate drought. Southerly winds will quickly increase to 10 to 15 MPH with gusts up to 25 MPH possible across Vermont. Localized gusts up to 35 MPH are possible particularly in the north to south oriented valleys of the Champlain Valley and portions of northern New York. This, combined with expected low relative humidity values between 25% to 35% will create near critical fire weather conditions Thursday. Winds will be strongest between noon and 8 PM, coinciding with the timing of the minimum relative humidity values. If any fires were to start the weather and fuel conditions could cause fires to quickly get out of control and be difficult to contain. Fire weather conditions areawide will quickly improve as confidence increases in wetting rainfall Thursday night.

08/11/2025

Please see the following from the Pawlet Vol. Fire Department

The "dog days" of summer are here, and our prolonged period of hot, dry weather means that the wildland fire hazard is very high in our area right now. We ask all residents to take added precautions with any camp fires, barbecues, and any other source of heat, sparks, or embers outside. Like Smokey says, "only you can prevent forest fires!"

06/20/2025

Excessive Heat Warning: Cooling Shelter Available in Pawlet
The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures for Monday and Tuesday, with Monday’s highs expected to reach up to 98°F.
To help residents stay safe and cool, the Town of Pawlet has designated the Town Library as a cooling shelter. Although the library is usually closed on Mondays, anyone needing relief from the heat can call the Emergency Management Director at 802-325-2116 or 201-637-84… See more

01/20/2025

VERY COLD WEATHER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

For anyone who needs a warming location, the Pawlet Public Library is our local warming center. Hours are below. The local forecast is also provided below.
Hours:
Monday
(Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Closed
Tuesday 11 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–5 PM
Thursday 11 AM–5 PM
Friday 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday 10 AM–2 PM
Sunday Closed

Phone: (802) 325-3123

Tuesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as -3. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 0. Calm wind.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 18. Wind chill values as low as -2. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. Light south wind.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 25.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 28.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12.

11/12/2024

BURN BAN EXTENDED FOR OUR AREA

Vermont Extends Ban on Debris Burning for Four Southern Counties
No Burning Permits Shall Be Issued in Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor Counties

Montpelier, VT – The ban on debris burning issued on October 28 by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) has been extended in Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor Counties. Persistent dry conditions in the southern portion of the state, high winds, an abundance of fuel, and regional drought have created an elevated risk for wildfires. This ban will end on November 18, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

10/28/2024

VERMONT BURN BAN

Vermont's Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) has issued a statewide burn ban from 3 PM on October 28, 2024 through 3 PM on November 11, 2024. This ban was issued due to high wildfire danger, with dry weather and dry fuels in the forests. The ban can be revoked earlier if conditions improve.

10/06/2024

10/05/2024

Free Vaccines and Health
Rte 133, Pawlet

Event
When: Oct 10, 2024, 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Where: Pawlet Community Church, Vermont 133, Pawlet, VT

Free Health Screenings and vaccines for un and under insured and those without primary care access are being offered by The VT DOH in conjunction with Rutland County Health Partners and The United Way. Vaccines available for ages 19-64 include flu, covid, pneumonia, Hep A/B and tetanus. For those 65+ WITHOUT Medicare Part D: covid, flu, tetanus and shingles. No appt necessary and you do not need to be a Pawlet resident to take part.

Event taking place at the same time and location as the Pawlet Food Pantry distribution.

08/23/2024

SCHOOL ST/RUPERT HILL RD BRIDGE

The bridge will be open to the public at 4:00 pm today, August 23. Please drive carefully through the area as the construction company personnell will be working in the area for the next few workdays.

08/12/2024

This is the latest information from the construction company replacing the School St/Rupert Hill Rd bridge which was received today from Town Clerk:

Bridge to be open by the 23rd at the latest.

The concrete is getting poured tomorrow (8/8). Then one week of concrete cure time. Then one week +/- of membrane, paving, guardrail, & restoration.

Thank you very much,

Matt Belden

Vice President Structures

Daniels Construction