Missouri Governor Blunt Activates State Agencies in Response to Violent Storms

April 1, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today issued two State of Emergency Executive Orders for violent storms and severe weather including high winds, hail, tornadoes, flash flooding, and flooding currently affecting a large portion of the state.

The first executive order activates the State Emergency Operations Center, allowing state agency resources to assist local jurisdictions with their emergency response.

Members of a Coast Guard Disaster Area Response Team rescue victims from their flooded home in Eureka, Mo., March 20, 2008.: (Photo: CC Petty Officer 3rd Class Jaclyn Young)

The second executive order activates the Missouri National Guard to assist with protective action, as necessary.

“Missouri continues to see an unprecedented number of natural disasters and I urge Missourians to stay alert as these storms continue moving across the state,” Gov. Blunt said. “I am deeply grateful for the courageous response from our first responder community who have continually worked night and day to answer the call to help our residents and visitors.”

With high waters and forecasts for heavy rains later this week, citizens are reminded to avoid driving on roads with water covering the pavement. Citizens in life-threatening situations are urged to call 911 immediately.

Missourians who need resource referrals or non-emergency help are urged to call 211 from their landline telephones. The 211 Service is now available for most areas of Missouri and helps citizens with disaster information and referrals. In areas where 211 is not operational or when using a cell phone, citizens may call 800-427-4626.

State agencies activated for duty include: Missouri Department of Public Safety, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Water Patrol, Division of Fire Safety, Department of Conservation, Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Transportation, Office of Administration, and the Missouri National Guard. Non Government Organizations/Volunteer Organizations working at the SEOC includes the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, AmeriCorps, and Governors Partnership for Disaster Recovery.

Gov. Blunt encourages all families to practice their emergency planning. The state’s Ready in Three program provides guidelines for families to set up emergency plans. For more information about Ready in Three visit www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/.

Source: Missouri Governor

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