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State Of Emergency Declared
December 16, 2009
Alabama Governor Bob Riley on Wednesday declared a state of emergency Escambia and three other Alabama counties due to the significant rainfall and flooding.
The disaster declaration includes Escambia, Covington, Crenshaw and Dale. Numerous homes and businesses have suffered damage in communities that include Atmore, Flomaton and Brewton. Baldwin County, which suffered damage in Perdido and other northern locations, was not included in the declaration.
By declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to assist communities, make the appropriate assessments of damage and seek state and federal assistance for the affected areas.
“The state will do everything it can to help our citizens and our communities,” said Riley.
Alabama EMA Executive Officer Jeff Byard and Recovery Section Chief Benjie Abbott toured the damage today. “Counties are reporting the damage as being worse than the spring floods,” said Byard.
“I have been in contact with FEMA regarding the need for preliminary damage assessments,” said AEMA Director Brock Long. “It is important we move quickly, avoiding all unnecessary delays.”
Additional rainfall forecast for Friday has the potential to exacerbate damage levels in the state, and Alabama EMA is prepared to extend assistance as needed, according to the governor’s office.
Pictured above: Flooding in Flomaton on Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
2 Responses to “State Of Emergency Declared”
FEMA has not declared a disaster area. The State of Alabama declared a state emergency. That allows the state to help cities and counties, and it removes the need for a bid process to make emergency repairs. It does not directly do anything for an individual citizen. But it does get the ball rolling toward allowing the state to request FEMA help for governments and individuals.
how are we as citizens supposed to get in contact with FEMA for assistance??