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COVID-19 information from Sharon Incident Command


This website was created in response to COVID-19 to share information with the public. This website is updated regularly as needs arise.
We would like everyone to know that we have implemented the Incident Command system in town.
Incident Command is a tried and true method designed to ensure effective and efficient use of resources and establish clear lines of communication and accountability in emergencies. Nathan Potter, our Fire Chief, is the Incident Commander and Becky Owens and Susan Root are the co-emergency coordinators.
  • FOR HELP: our phone number is 763-7331, and our email sharonfirehouseIC@gmail.com. These both go to the firehouse and are monitored throughout the day. We will get back to you as soon as possible. This is not 911, but for our residents who have challenges accessing food or services.
  • Vaccine: As of January 25, vaccines are underway for the general population. They are starting to vaccinate the people who are the most susceptible for complications for COVID, and will continue down the age grouping. The first group that will get vaccinated are people older than 75. The Vermont Dept. of Health has asked younger people to help their friends and neighbor register online. If you know anyone who might have trouble registering for an appointment, please help them. Visit the VT Dept. of Health for the latest information on who is getting the vaccine at this time.
  • Food Shelf: The Food Shelf has lots of supplies and the town’s people have been generous with donations. Mary Stoddard, head of the Food Shelf, says
    “We have fresh produce, bread, eggs, cheese, meat, and most staples. All is free; no questions asked. Weather permitting we will have a help-yourself table outside or you can come to the door and pickup a prepackaged box. We also honor requests for specific items if we have them. Just come up to the door. These are hard times for many of us, and we're glad to lend a hand.”
    Sharon Food Shelf is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:30 at the Lighthouse. Any VT Upper Valley resident is welcome to stop by. HELP# 763-7331 or email sharonfirehouseic@gmail.com
    For more information about how to access food, please visit Hunger Free Vermont for more information
  • Masks: As of Saturday, August 1, 2020, Vermonters and visitors are required to wear masks or cloth facial coverings over their nose and mouth any time they are in public spaces, indoors or outdoors, where they come in contact with others from outside their households, especially in congregate settings, and where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet.There are masks available at the Food Shelf or contact the HELP# 763-7331 or email sharonfirehouseic@gmail.com if you need one.
  • Volunteers: If you wish to help, click on the Requesting/Offering Help Page on this website. We will communicate with you as information and details come in. If you want to make Face Masks for people, here are the instructions
  • Meal Programs for Older Vermonters: People age 60 and older are especially encouraged to stay at home in order to protect themselves from COVID-19, but staying well-nourished is also critical for your health. To help, you may be able to pick up meals to go or have meals delivered to your home. For more information about meals for older adults, please call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services are a Single Call Away: The Vermont Department of Health has launched VTHelplink, a new, single source clearinghouse for Vermonters to receive free, confidential and personalized information and referrals to substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services throughout the state. Visit VTHelplink or call 2-1-1 for more information.
  • Fire Department: The Fire Department has lifted its no-burn policy, you can now call the fire department for a burn permit (. We are trying to protect Property Owners, Fire Wardens, and Firefighters to any exposure to the virus. Thank you, Sharon Fire Wardens, Sharon Fire Association
  • 2-1-1: If you need assistance with paying your housing bills, finding food, or other essential services, please dial 211. You can find a list of great resources and help at: http://211.org/services/COVID19
  • The Town Offices are closed to the public, but can be accessed via appointments for certain purposes (records access, title research, etc.). Please visit sharonvt.net for more information on how to access the Town Building.
  • Library: The Baxter Memorial Library is now offering curbside pickup on books. Visit sharonvtlibrary.com for more information. They are open for in-person services, including both appointments and open hours.
  • School: The School is open virtually and to in-person learning. For more information on school opening visit www.sharonelementary.org.
  • The Vermont Department of Labor has expanded updated hours at its Unemployment Insurance Claims Center. It will now be open Saturdays starting on Saturday, March 21. The Saturday hours will be 9am-3pm. 
    CONTACT OPTIONS: 877-214-3330 (Monday – Saturday)
    Online Form (24-hours, online at Labor.Vermont.gov)
    1-888-807-7072 (Monday – Friday, only)
  • 3SquaresVT – Has your household lost pay? Have your childcare expenses increased? 3SquaresVT is here for you and your family. You could be eligible to receive a 3SquaresVT benefit or increase the benefit you already receive. We can help you apply. Visit our 3SquaresVT page, email 3svt@vtfoodbank.org, call 1-855-855-6181 or text VFBSNAP to 85511
  • Hartford Transfer Station and Royalton Transfer Station have had new hours and guidelines. Please visit their website for the latest information.
  • Cross State Travel Restrictions: There are travel restrictions in place. Please visit the state website for the latest information if you plan to travel out of state (including day trips to non-essential travels across the Connecticut River).
Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and serve our town’s people. The wisdom and expertise of many are working together, the selectboard, the Food Shelf, the school principals, and many townspeople, together we will get through this.

Respectfully,
Your Emergency Preparedness team,
Nathan Potter Fire Chief, Incident Commander,
Becky Owens and Susan Root co-emergency coordinators


Meeting Minutes: Incident Command meets every other Monday at 5 pm. The meetings are held remotely, please contact sharonfirehouseIC@gmail.com to access the public meeting.

Useful Documents to Print for Home Use
We gathered a few documents that would be useful to have in case the power goes down at your house. These are helpful information about what to do in case you are starting to have symptoms, or if you have been exposed to COVID-19, as well as a document with useful contact information for town entities. If you don't have access to a printer, contact us and we will mail you one.