Feb. 5, 2010
Manchin Declares State of Emergency in WV Because of Approaching Winter Storm
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Charleston, WV (HNN) – Gov. Joe Manchin has declared a statewide State of Emergency due to the winter storm that is reaching West Virginia at this time. Through the next two days, the storm is predicted to drop large amounts of wet snow in the northern and eastern panhandle areas and a mixture of ice and snow across West Virginia.
“The information I’m receiving from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service suggests that this storm will bring large amounts of heavy, wet snow and ice that will hamper travel and could affect other services and utilities,” Manchin said. “We have already taken precautions in anticipation of this storm, but the State of Emergency provides additional resources that will enable us to better deal with the weather.
“As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ As this storm hits, I encourage West Virginians to please only travel if absolutely necessary. Be responsible and use good judgment. Don’t get out unless you have to.”
For emergencies, citizens should call 911 for assistance.
The governor also ordered the implementation of the state’s Emergency Operations Plan and activation of the state’s Emergency Operations Center. The state of emergency allows the governor to direct special resources to the affected areas that otherwise would not be available.
The state of emergency remains in effect for 30 days unless extended or rescinded by another proclamation by the governor.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STATE OF EMERGENCY
Q: If I have an emergency and need immediate assistance who should I call?
A: Call 911 immediately.
Q: How do I find out about road conditions?
A: Please call 877-WVA- ROAD (877-982-7623).
Q: How can state employees find information about weather-related work conditions?
A: Please call the West Virginia State Employees Information Line at 304-558-9117, or toll-free at 888-558-9117. For state employee inclement weather policy: http://www.state.wv.us/admin/personnel/emprel/POLICIES/Emerg2.pdf
Q: Can I drive during a snowstorm-related State of Emergency?
A: Please do not drive during severe weather unless it is absolutely necessary. DO NOT DRIVE ON ROADWAYS CLOSED DUE TO THE WEATHER.
Q: If I do not have electric and I am seeking shelter or need assistance, who should I call?
A: Local 911 center.
Q: If I am stranded on a West Virginia roadway, who should I call?
A: If this is an emergency, please call 911.
Q: If I would like to donate supplies and/or volunteer during a State of Emergency, who should I call?
A: Local emergency shelter or county emergency services center.
FOR A DIRECTORY OF COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES, PLEASE VISIT: http://www.wvdhsem.gov/co_emergency_cont.htm
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Manchin Declares State of Emergency in WV Because of Approaching Winter Storm
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Charleston, WV (HNN) – Gov. Joe Manchin has declared a statewide State of Emergency due to the winter storm that is reaching West Virginia at this time. Through the next two days, the storm is predicted to drop large amounts of wet snow in the northern and eastern panhandle areas and a mixture of ice and snow across West Virginia.
“The information I’m receiving from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service suggests that this storm will bring large amounts of heavy, wet snow and ice that will hamper travel and could affect other services and utilities,” Manchin said. “We have already taken precautions in anticipation of this storm, but the State of Emergency provides additional resources that will enable us to better deal with the weather.
“As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ As this storm hits, I encourage West Virginians to please only travel if absolutely necessary. Be responsible and use good judgment. Don’t get out unless you have to.”
For emergencies, citizens should call 911 for assistance.
The governor also ordered the implementation of the state’s Emergency Operations Plan and activation of the state’s Emergency Operations Center. The state of emergency allows the governor to direct special resources to the affected areas that otherwise would not be available.
The state of emergency remains in effect for 30 days unless extended or rescinded by another proclamation by the governor.
# # #
Q: If I have an emergency and need immediate assistance who should I call?
A: Call 911 immediately.
Q: How do I find out about road conditions?
A: Please call 877-WVA- ROAD (877-982-7623).
Q: How can state employees find information about weather-related work conditions?
A: Please call the West Virginia State Employees Information Line at 304-558-9117, or toll-free at 888-558-9117. For state employee inclement weather policy: http://www.state.wv.us/admin/personnel/emprel/POLICIES/Emerg2.pdf
Q: Can I drive during a snowstorm-related State of Emergency?
A: Please do not drive during severe weather unless it is absolutely necessary. DO NOT DRIVE ON ROADWAYS CLOSED DUE TO THE WEATHER.
Q: If I do not have electric and I am seeking shelter or need assistance, who should I call?
A: Local 911 center.
Q: If I am stranded on a West Virginia roadway, who should I call?
A: If this is an emergency, please call 911.
Q: If I would like to donate supplies and/or volunteer during a State of Emergency, who should I call?
A: Local emergency shelter or county emergency services center.
FOR A DIRECTORY OF COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES, PLEASE VISIT: http://www.wvdhsem.gov/co_emergency_cont.htm
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