Monday, January 15, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Seeks Expedited Federal Assistance for 34 Missouri Counties and St. Louis City Impacted by Severe Winter Storms
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt is seeking quick approval by President Bush of his request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for 34 Missouri Counties and the City of St. Louis as a result of the severe winter weather.
“Emergency workers have told me this is the largest mass care national disaster Missouri has ever experienced,” said Blunt, who is visiting shelters today in Springfield and St. Charles. “My primary concern is the safety of Missourians. I have asked President Bush to approve my request as quickly as possible so we can add to the resources we are providing at the state and local level. To protect our citizens, local communities and the volunteer organizations opened more than 36 shelters, eight special needs shelters and 29 warming centers. We have also taken action to provide dozens of generators and we are doing everything possible to secure additional generator support.”
The Governor's Expedited Major Disaster request focuses on securing the assets needed to conduct life safety actions including medical issues, securing generators, and debris removal by state and local governments during the three waves of severe winter weather impacting Missouri since January 12.
Blunt is asking for an Expedited Federal Declaration for Public Assistance for Barry, Barton, Callaway, Camden, Christian, Cole, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, Lincoln, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Montgomery, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Louis, Stone, Warren, Webster, Wright Counties and the City of St. Louis.
The Governor has activated approximately 550 Missouri National Guardsmen for local health and safety checks, transporting generators and supplies for shelter operations, and debris removal operations.
Other state agency actions coordinated through the State Emergency Operations Center include:
- The Departments of Transportation and Conservation are working to keep roads clear of ice and helping remove debris from roads.
- Departments of Social Services, Health and Senior Services and Mental Health are working on mass care issues including power restoration for special needs populations, sheltering operations, health checks, and winter related medical/health issues.
- Department of Natural Resources is working on drinking water, sanitary sewage, energy supplies and debris clean up issues.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri State Water Patrol are assisting with law enforcement and security issues for local communities.
- The State Fire Marshal has enacted statewide Fire Mutual Aid.
- The Office of Administration is securing generators for communities without power for critical facilities.
The Statewide Volunteer Coordinator is working with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Missouri Organizations Active in Disaster and AmeriCorps on sheltering, feeding and volunteer coordination for special needs populations and chain saw volunteers.
Blunt's request for the expedited federal declaration was provided to President Bush through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VII Office in Kansas City.
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