Thursday, July 20, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Readies State to Assist in Storm Recovery; Issues Executive Orders
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt issued two executive orders this morning in response to last night's severe storm system and accompanying high winds and torrential rain that ravaged part of St. Louis and surrounding areas.
"These executive orders will assist storm recovery and clean-up efforts by positioning state resources to assist however needed," Blunt said. "We are doing all we can to help ease the hardship on affected communities and residents. Keeping Missourians safe and cool has become today's top concern."
Executive Order 06-25 declares a state of emergency and activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan and directs state agencies to provide support in affected areas as needed. Executive Order 06-26 authorizes the activation of the Missouri National Guard to provide assistance if requested.
More than 397,000 Missouri residents remain without power as temperatures are expected to climb above 100 degrees. Crews have been called in from around Missouri and surrounding states to help restore power to the area as quickly as possible. A precautionary boil order has been issued for St. Louis County residents north of I-70.
The governor encourages all residents to stay cool, increase fluid intake and take advantage of cooling centers as temperatures rise. Missourians' safety remains his number one concern as the area works to recover from the storms while battling triple digit heat.
The executive orders are available on the Governor's website at http://gov.missouri.gov/index.htm.
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