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July 3rd Celebration Weather & Safety Plan

The safety of all attendees, parade participants, performers, vendors, volunteers, and staff is our top priority.

Montpelier Alive works closely with local public safety officials to monitor weather conditions throughout the July 3rd Celebration. If severe weather threatens the event, organizers may pause activities or direct attendees to evacuate event areas.

Stay Connected

For real-time updates, follow the Montpelier Alive Facebook & Instagram pages

VT-ALERT is used by state and local responders to notify the public of emergencies.  Those include, but are not limited to, evacuation information, chemical spills, shelter-in-place alerts, severe weather advisories, boil water advisories, and roadway interruptions. Able to tailor alerts to specific locations, types, and devices. Sign up here.

Sign up for Notify Me for non-urget updates from the City of Montpelier. 

Cooling Centers

Montpelier City Hall: 8am - 8pm 
Kellogg-Hubbard Library: 10am–5:30pm
Montpelier Transit Center: 7am-6pm
Montpelier Senior Activity Center (MSAC) (for the senior community): 9am – 3pm
First Aid Tent on the State House Lawn

When an Evacuation May Be Called

An evacuation may be ordered if dangerous weather is approaching, including:

  • Thunderstorms or lightning in the area

  • Strong wind gusts

  • Severe weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service

  • Other conditions determined to pose a risk to public safety

Event organizers and public safety officials continuously monitor weather conditions and will make decisions with safety as the primary concern.

How You Will Be Notified

If cancellations become necessary, information will be communicated through:

  • Signage

  • Social media

  • Event staff and volunteers

If an evacuation becomes necessary, instructions will be communicated through:

  • Public address (PA) systems

  • Event staff and volunteers

  • Montpelier Police and Fire personnel

  • Emergency vehicles 

  • Signage

  • Social media

Follow all directions from event staff and emergency personnel.

What To Do During an Evacuation

Attendees

  • Leave event areas promptly when instructed.

  • Follow directions from event staff, volunteers, and public safety personnel.

  • Move to a nearby indoor shelter, parking garage, or your personal vehicle if it is safely accessible.

  • Do not remain under tents, canopies, or temporary structures.

Parade Participants, Floats, and Performers

  • Immediately stop performances or parade activities when instructed.

  • Follow directions from event staff and public safety personnel.

  • Secure equipment only if it can be done quickly and safely.

  • Proceed to the nearest designated shelter location.

Vendors

  • Suspend all food service and sales activities immediately when an evacuation is announced.

  • Secure equipment only if it can be done safely and without delaying evacuation.

  • Follow directions from event organizers and public safety personnel.

Designated Shelter Locations

If directed to evacuate, attendees may be directed to one of the following locations:

  • Kellogg-Hubbard Library

  • Christ Episcopal Church

  • Trinity United Methodist Church: 1st floor accessible

  • Unitarian Church of Montpelier

  • Montpelier City Hall

  • Capital Plaza Conference Facilities

Shelter locations will be assigned based on capacity and accessibility needs at the time of the evacuation.

Accessibility

Individuals with disabilities, mobility limitations, or other access needs should notify the nearest event staff member or volunteer for assistance. Accessible shelter locations will be prioritized whenever possible.

Important Safety Reminder

Tents, canopies, and temporary event structures are not safe shelters during severe weather. Please move to a designated shelter location immediately when instructed.

Re-Entry Information

Once weather conditions have improved and public safety officials determine it is safe to do so, announcements on the Montpelier Alive social media and other channels will be made regarding the resumption of activities and re-entry into event areas.

Thank you for helping us keep the July 3rd Celebration safe for everyone.