Saturday, December 2, 2006
Contact: Brian Hauswirth, 573-751-0290
Blunt Manages State Storm Response from SEMA
Issues Executive Order to Assist with Clean Up
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt was at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) this morning, actively managing the state's response to the the recent storm that left more than a quarter of a million Missourians without power and that left a trail of snow, rain and ice that continues to clog highways and roadways across the state.
“We are working around the clock to stage state resources to assist communities battling the aftermath of this storm. As of this morning we have fulfilled every request for assistance we have received,” Blunt said. “I have deployed the National Guard, staged dozens of generators and heavy vehicles, opened warming stations and continue to gather additional resources to ensure our citizens are well equipped to get through the next several days.”
The governor has been in constant communication with the Department of Public Safety and SEMA since early Thursday evening. His visit to SEMA's Joint Operations Center today provided him the chance to confirm the state's response was progressing as he has directed.
Blunt also issued an executive order late yesterday to help Missourians cleanup damage caused by the winter storm by allowing the director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to grant waivers to help expedite recovery efforts. The order gives DNR discretion to waive waste disposal and open burning laws and rules to eliminate debris.
Gov. Matt Blunt directed state aid to St. Louis County and City at local officials request. Almost 300 National Guard members with 35 heavy vehicles arrived throughout the night. Of those at least 150 began a door to door campaign this morning in St. Louis City to assess residents' welfare. Another 50 are on the ground in St. Louis County. A state generator is in Washington County providing power to the city of Potosi's water system. Blunt has sent an additional 20 generators staged in the area and available to provide power to help heat select public buildings and warming sites if needed. At the governor's direction, the state is operating three warming stations at Wainwright, Midtown and Prince Hall state buildings. Cocoa, coffee, blankets and other supplies are also available through SEMA if requested by local authorities.
Yesterday Blunt declared a state of emergency statewide, activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan and directing state agencies to provide support in affected areas as needed.
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