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Kasich Declares State of Emergency...
Severe Storms
knock out Power across 2/3 of Ohio
Power Outages for One Million Homes, Businesses and Looming Heat Wave
Mandate Immediate Statewide Response
COLUMBUS – Today Governor John R. Kasich declared a state of emergency
for the entire state of Ohio after severe storms and high winds knocked
out power for approximately one million power company customers across
two-thirds of the state. The widespread outages could take up to
a week to fully restore and, together with the current severe heat
wave, could create crisis situations for the elderly, young children
and those with sensitive medical conditions.
The governor’s declaration authorizes state agencies to take any
necessary actions to assist local government authorities anywhere in
Ohio to help respond, cleanup and recovery efforts and coordinate
activities.
“I’m very concerned with the problems created by the combination of
power outages and severe heat, and so I’ve declared an emergency for
all of Ohio so that state resources and personnel can help local
governments meet the needs and challenges that they face. Ohioans
in affected areas should, if possible, stay tuned to their radios or
TVs for information on where they can go for assistance. Those
without power can call their local 211 numbers for information on where
to turn for help. Folks should also knock on their neighbors’ doors to
make sure they’re ok and look out for those who they know might need
some extra help. Together we’ll get through this,” said Kasich.
Kasich has directed Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director
Nancy Dragani to open the state’s Emergency Operations Center in
Columbus to coordinate state and local resources. Officials from
all state agencies, volunteer organizations such as Citizen Corps and
the American Red Cross are converging at the Emergency Operations
Center to monitor response and recovery efforts within the affected
areas. The state has already been in contact with Federal
Emergency Management Agency officials and will request federal
assistance if it is needed.
State agencies supporting the response efforts include the, Ohio
Departments of Transportation, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Health,
Public Safety, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Public
Utilities Commission of Ohio.
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