The committee devoted attention to the town’s emergency communication infrastructure, noting the absence of a dedicated radio station and the challenges involved in setting one up due to licensing requirements. There was a consensus on the necessity of having various emergency services, including police and fire departments, communicate on the same frequencies to avoid operational silos. Members reflected on past incidents, such as a severe blizzard that left parts of Westport without power or communication for several days, emphasizing the need for a plan that ensures regular check-ins on vulnerable populations.

A case study involving air horns used in Texas served as a cautionary tale. Despite the low cost of establishing such a system, local authorities in Texas had been indecisive, resulting in a significant loss of life. This prompted a dialogue about partnering with local radio stations to disseminate information during emergencies, with suggestions that residents should tune into a specified radio channel for updates if they hear the horn outside its usual time.

Committee members acknowledged the necessity of developing a disaster plan that every household could receive, outlining steps to follow during various emergency situations. This initiative aimed to reduce anxiety among residents and enhance community resilience, especially in scenarios where power outages might impede traditional communication methods. The importance of messaging that promotes both community and individual preparedness was underscored, given the vulnerabilities associated with climate change.

The meeting also addressed the need for coordination between the Climate Resilience Committee and the Hazard Mitigation Committee. Concerns were raised about potential misalignment of priorities between the two groups, with an acknowledgment that communication could be beneficial, particularly in identifying shared hazards and priorities. There was a proposal to invite the PAR team to a future meeting to enhance collaboration and ensure both committees’ efforts are aligned.

One notable topic of discussion was the fragility of Westport’s electric power infrastructure. Members recounted previous attempts to engage with Eversource and National Grid for insights into their resiliency strategies, which had been met with challenges. Suggestions emerged that the select board should draft a letter to Eversource requesting a resilience plan for Westport, with the understanding that such a formal request might elicit a more substantive response than previous inquiries. There was a consensus that involving the select board would enhance the chances of receiving a meaningful response from the utilities.

In addition to communication strategies, the committee reviewed ongoing work by UMD on integrating individual committee reports into a cohesive document. There was concern about the absence of topics in existing reports, such as the elevation of roads and programs aimed at assisting vulnerable populations, like seniors needing air conditioning units. Members acknowledged the need for further engagement with subcommittees and encouraged identifying high-priority items that could not be tackled independently.

The meeting concluded with a proposal to postpone the next gathering to October 16, allowing for better organization and availability of members. This delay was intended to facilitate a more productive meeting, particularly as summer schedules might hinder attendance and participation.