Emergency declarations

Requests Federal Funds to Repair N.C. 12 on Outer Banks

11/16/2009 -- Raleigh -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today will sign an emergency declaration to help Dare County recover from the heavy rain and flooding that saturated the area last week as Tropical Storm Ida moved through North Carolina.

The declaration of a State of Emergency is the first step in seeking federal funds to help clear debris and repair N.C. 12, as it enables the N.C. Department of Transportation to request funding assistance from the Federal Highway Administration.    » read more »

Thousands of New Jersey residents affected; various counties to receive state aid

November 16, 2009 -- NEW JERSEY – Today, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2) praised Governor Jon Corzine’s swift action in issuing an emergency declaration for the areas hit by last week's Nor'easter.

The Jersey Shore was hit hard, causing beach erosion, destroying beach replenishment projects, flooding homes and businesses and displacing huge mounds of sand that blanketed inland side streets, sidewalks and driveways.    » read more »

November 12, 2009 -- DOVER – Delaware Governor Jack Markell has declared a state of emergency for Kent County and Sussex County to better enable response to the current storm, effective at 6 p.m.

Earlier today, Gov. Markell authorized the Delaware National Guard to position heavy vehicles and personnel in a number of locations in Sussex County to be ready for any needed response to flooding overnight or Friday. In addition, the Guard delivered more than 1,000 sandbags to Sussex County for use by local governments in staving off flooding.    » read more »

Authorizes state agencies to prepare for potential effects from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida and a coastal Nor'easter

November 11, 2009 -- RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine has this evening declared a State of Emergency for Virginia in response to the combined effects of the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida and a coastal Nor'easter. The declaration immediately directs state agencies to take necessary actions to protect the health and safety of citizens throughout the Commonwealth.    » read more »

November 9, 2009 -- A state of emergency was declared today for areas of Mississippi expected to be impacted by high winds and heavy rainfall carried by tropical storm Ida as she moves into the Gulf Coast region. The declaration was signed by Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, as Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour was in Washington, DC.

"Mississippi has a seasoned leadership team that is well-experienced at dealing with emergency situations," Governor Barbour said. "While Ida appears to be weakening, we urge that residents, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone areas, continue to be vigilant, prudent, and alert to any changes."    » read more »

November 09, 2009 -- MOBILE - Alabama Governor Bob Riley on Monday declared an official state of emergency in Alabama due to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Ida. The emergency declaration enables the Governor to invoke various emergency preparedness measures.

During a press briefing at shipbuilder Austal USA in Mobile, Governor Riley urged Alabama residents to take the threat seriously and to follow the direction of local emergency managers for storm preparation.    » read more »

June 23, 2009 -- The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by record snow and near record snow during the period of March 27-28, 2009.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Beaver, Ellis, Woods, and Woodward.

Assistance is available to State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures that were undertaken to save lives and protect public health, safety and property over a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.    » read more »

May 9, 2009 -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Due to excessive rain and flooding, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin this morning declared a state of emergency in the following southern West Virginia counties:

Boone
Logan
McDowell
Mingo
Raleigh
Wyoming
and surrounding counties.

“State and local emergency management officials are on-site, assessing damages and offering assistance where needed,” Manchin said. “We continue to monitor the rivers and streams so that we can offer additional assistance should the situation worsen.”    » read more »

05/06/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of the Jesusita Wildfire which has burned over 400 acres, destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of over 8,000 people.

Earlier this week, the Governor signed an executive order which mobilizes the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and other state agencies to secure and deploy the additional resources and personnel that are necessary to save lives and protect homes statewide from wildfires.

The text of the proclamation is below:

A PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS on May 5, 2009, a wildfire started in Santa Barbara County, which is exacerbated by high winds and continues to burn; and    » read more »

New H1N1 policy sets school closing procedures; Three additional schools to close, joining Rockville High School

Baltimore, MD (May 1, 2009) – Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has signed an executive order declaring a public health emergency for Maryland in an abundance of caution to prepare for swine flu in Maryland. The Governor also announced a new statewide public and private school policy based on advice and guidance of the CDC.

Based on new guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and discussions with governors on a conference call today, the state will close any public or private school and cease all extracurricular activities for up to 14 days in the event a student is deemed "probable" for the H1N1 influenza virus.    » read more »

April 26, 2009 -- The Department of Health and Human Services today issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to recent human infections with a newly discovered swine influenza A (swine flu) virus.

The formal declaration of a Public Health Emergency (PHE) is a tool that facilitates HHS’ preparation and mobilization for disasters and emergencies. For example, PHEs were recently declared for flooding in North Dakota, the Inauguration, and several 2008 hurricanes.

Today’s declaration, made under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, will help HHS prepare for prevention and mitigation activities by enabling Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorizations of drugs, devices, or medical tests under certain circumstances.    » read more »

Dozens Of Homes Already Destroyed As Fire Now Covers More Than 15,000 Acres

Columbia, S.C. - April 23, 2009 - South Carolina Governor Sanford today issued a State of Emergency for Horry County as a wildfire that has already consumed 15,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 70 homes continued.

The state Forestry Commission is the primary agency in charge of fighting the fire, and the state Emergency Management Division has also deployed support assets to the scene in consultation with the Governor’s Office. The state Emergency Operations Center has been activated, with assets dispatched to fight the fire including a National Guard helicopter and other personnel.    » read more »

March 26, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has issued a disaster declaration due to today's blizzard, activating the National Guard to assist with rescue operations and authorizing up to $200,000 in state funds for emergency assistance.

"Our first and foremost concern is the health, safety and welfare of Colorado's citizens," Gov. Ritter said. "We have activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions, coordinate the state's resources and respond as needed. We are also asking residents to limit their travel and encourage employers to consider releasing employees in a phased manner to alleviate heavy traffic this afternoon."

Here is the text of Executive Order D 005 09, "Declaring a Disaster Emergency Due to a Severe Blizzard":    » read more »

March 16, 2009 -- BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota Governor John Hoeven today issued a statewide disaster declaration in anticipation of potential flooding, citing heavy snow pack on saturated land around the state and flood forecasts by the National Weather Service indicating "a strong potential for significant flooding in river basins throughout the state."

Hoeven formally requested assistance from the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to supplement state and local efforts. Hoeven said, "Because of the urgent and compelling flood threat, I am requesting Corps assistance for flood control efforts in the Devils Lake, James River, Souris River, and Red River of the North basins, as needed."    » read more »

March 10, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has asked President Obama’s administration to approve individual assistance for qualifying Kentucky residents who suffered severe damages to their homes and property in the January winter storm.    » read more »