Missouri Governor Blunt Seeks Emergency Federal Assistance for Severe Winter Storms Impacting Missouri

Request Would Add to Resources Already Assisting Missourians

December 11, 2007 -- JEFFERSON CITY – Seeking to add federal resources to the state resources activated to assist Missourians, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt is asking President Bush to approve his request for an Emergency Disaster Declaration for the State of Missouri as a result of severe winter weather. More than 170,000 utility customers statewide experienced power outages from freezing rain and ice.

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“My primary concern is the safety of Missourians. We have been providing state resources such as generators and I have mobilized the Guard to perform health and welfare checks in response to the ice storms,” Gov. Blunt said. “Now we are requesting federal resources to help with our response and recovery efforts. I am asking the President to quickly approve my request so we can add to the resources we are providing at the state and local level.”

The governor’s Emergency Disaster request focuses on securing the assets needed to conduct life safety actions, and debris removal by state and local governments during the severe winter weather impacting the entire State of Missouri.

Gov. Blunt has activated the Missouri National Guard to assist Missourians in Barton County and Northwest Missouri. State Agencies are providing requested state resources to local government for their emergency protective actions for their citizens.

Missouri’s 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.

Gov. Blunt’s request for the Emergency Disaster Declaration was provided to President Bush through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VII Office in Kansas City.

Source: Missouri Governor