Emergency declarations

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 »

March 6, 2009 -- DENTON, TEXAS -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the Tuscola Fire following a request for a fire management assistance declaration from the State of Texas on Thursday.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 350 homes in and around the communities of Tuscola and Potosi, in Taylor County. The fire threatened buildings, infrastructure, and utilities in the area. Voluntary evacuations were issued for twenty people, two homes burned, and US highways 83 and 84 were closed due to the fire. The fire started on Thursday and had burned in excess of 150 acres of private land.    » read more »

March 6, 2009 -- DENTON, TEXAS -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the Taloga Fire following a request for a fire management assistance declaration from the State of Oklahoma on Thursday.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 372 homes in and around the community of Taloga, in Dewey County. The fire threatened buildings, roads and bridges, infrastructure, utilities, recreation, equipment, fishing streams and spawning sites, and wildlife in the area. Voluntary evacuations were issued for over 200 people. The fire started on Thursday, and had burned in excess of 20,000 acres of State and private land.    » read more »

Authorizes state agencies to respond to winter storm

March 02, 2009 -- RICHMOND — Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency today, authorizing state agencies to respond if local governments need assistance in the wake of the winter storm that began Sunday, March 1.

"This is the most widespread winter weather event to affect Virginia in eight years," Governor Kaine said. "So far our counties, cities and towns are coping very well with all the snow, wind and power outages. We want to be able to move quickly if additional help is needed to protect the health and safety of our citizens."

In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and reposition resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia.    » read more »

Proclaims State of Emergency, Directs Government to Utilize Resources, Help People

02/27/2009 -- To combat California’s third consecutive year of drought, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency and ordered immediate action to manage the crisis. In the proclamation, the Governor uses his authority to direct all state government agencies to utilize their resources, implement a state emergency plan and provide assistance for people, communities and businesses impacted by the drought.    » read more »

February 23, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci has issued an Emergency Declaration extending the hours of service for power crews to help restore electricity.

The Emergency Declaration was issued at 9 a.m. today to expedite power restoration for the households and businesses in the State currently without electricity.

Governor Baldacci participated in several calls yesterday and this morning and has been fully briefed on the winter storm. He remains in close contact with officials at the Maine Emergency Management Agency.    » read more »

February 11, 2009 -- Oklahoma City — In the wake of deadly tornadoes Tuesday that swept through sections of the state, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has declared a state of emergency for 17 Oklahoma counties.

A tornado in the Carter County town of Lone Grove killed eight people and injured dozens more. Twisters caused extensive damage in several Oklahoma communities, including Edmond, Oklahoma City, Pawnee, Wilson and Springer.

The counties included in the declaration are: Canadian, Carter, Cleveland, Garvin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Murray, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Nowata, Osage and Washington. More counties can be added if conditions warrant.

Gov. Henry said state officials are poised to provide all eligible assistance.    » read more »