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CONTACTS:
Kevin Hall, Governor's Office (804) 225-4260; (804) 393-9406 (cell)
Bob Spieldenner, VDEM (804) 674-2400
For Immediate Release
Feb. 13, 2007
RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today declared a statewide emergency, directing state agencies to take all necessary actions to aid in the response to and recovery from severe winter weather forecast to arrive later today in northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
The National Weather Service has forecast between a quarter and a half inch of sleet and ice in the northern part of the state and the Shenandoah Valley with some areas potentially receiving up to one inch of ice.
"State disaster response agencies stand ready to help those in need, and this disaster declaration allows us to pre-position certain assets in specific regions where weather could create problems," Governor Kaine said. "Residents should prepare now by collecting emergency supplies, making plans to communicate with family members and others, and monitoring local weather information and other emergency instructions."
The Virginia Department of Transportation is preparing roads for the weather and has crews on standby to clear debris. The Virginia National Guard will deploy up to 150 Guard personnel and equipment to assist emergency response operations. The Virginia Department of Forestry has positioned chainsaw crews in critical locations. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is coordinating state efforts and assisting local governments to make preparations.
The Virginia Public Inquiry Center will open tomorrow, Wednesday, February 14th, to field questions from concerned citizens and provide emergency information to the public. The toll-free VPIC will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (866) 880-4288 until further notice.
For detailed information on winter preparedness and recovery, visit the VDEM Web site at www.vaemergency.com.
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