Friday, December 1, 2006
Contact: Brian Hauswirth, 573-751-0290
Blunt Activates Guard, Directs Resources to Aid Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt has offered extensive state assistance to communities recovering from severe winter weather. He has activated the Missouri National Guard, offered appropriate state facilities if requested to serve as warming stations and shelters, and directed the state to provide power generators in anticipation of a cold night and ongoing needs. The assistance will be available only in those communities whose officials request state aid and will be distributed based on the state's emergency operations plan.
“I am taking proactive steps to ensure Missourians have a warm, safe place to weather the power outage and hazardous conditions left by last night's winter fury,” Blunt said.
The governor's action will facilitate a quick response when local communities call on state assistance. Activated Missouri guard members are in an alert status, ready to help however needed. If requested by local authorities, they will be available to go door to door, transport Missourians to warming stations, distribute food or otherwise assist with the storm response. Also, if requested by local officials, state facilities may be made available as an alternative site for warming stations or overnight shelters. State provided generators could also be made available to help communities facing below freezing temperatures without electricity if they request the assistance.
More than 250,000 Missouri homes and businesses are reportedly without power. Due to winter weather, icy conditions and towering snow drifts electric companies have estimated power may not be restored before tonight.
State assistance will be activated based on requests from local governments and emergency operations centers. The assistance is only made available upon request. Local communities in need of state assistance should contact the State Emergency Management Joint Operations Center. The state operations center then coordinates the response.
Earlier today the governor issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency statewide in response to heavy precipitation, white-out conditions, high winds, and ice that have impacted communities throughout Missouri. The order also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan and directs state agencies to provide support in affected areas as needed.
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