March 2, 2009
Contact: Gordon Hickey
(804)225-4260
www.governor.virginia.gov www.vaemergency.com
~ Authorizes state agencies to respond to winter storm ~
Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency for Virginia 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.
· The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has staffed the Virginia Emergency Operations Center with response team members from several state agencies, major utilities and other affiliated organizations and is coordinating the state response to the storm.
· The Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation have been working since the storm began to clear roadways of hundreds of vehicle crashes, fallen branches and piles of snow.
· The Virginia Department of Health has released public information on generator safety and heart safety.
· The Virginia National Guard is on standby to respond as needed.
More information about winter weather preparedness is available at www.vaemergency.com. Detailed information about how Virginians can stay safe during an emergency is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.ListoVirginia.gov.
