Governor Issues Emergency Disaster Declaration for Ice Storm Damage

Governor Issues Emergency Disaster Declaration for Ice Storm Damage
Montpelier, VT - As a result of damages suffered in last week's ice and snow storm throughout Vermont, Governor Douglas has issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for four counties in Vermont.
The order allows the state to expedite the arrival of utility crews from other states and Canadian provinces to assist with restoring power. It will also form the basis for an application for federal disaster relief funding if eligibility thresholds are met.
"As a result of a storm that impacted most of New England on December 11, 2008, causing excessive and heavy icing and extensive utility damage that is considered ongoing at this time, I hereby declare a State of Emergency for the Counties of Bennington, Orange, Windham and Windsor Counties," the Governors Executive Order reads.
"I further order and direct the activation of the Vermont Emergency Operations Plan and authorize the use of state resources to alleviate hardship and suffering of citizens and communities impacted by the storm and resulting damage and power outages," the Governor said.
Governor Douglas is also urging Vermonters to continue to use caution, assist neighbors with special needs, avoid downed power lines, report outages to their utility company, and alert town officials to damages to personal property. Please report related storm damage costs to Vermont Emergency Management at the number below.
Vermonters with questions or concerns can call Vermont Emergency Management at (800) 347-0488.
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