Governor Surveys Storm Damage, Declares State of Emergency

Declaration Covers Baker, Clay, McDuffie, Stewart, Sumter and Taylor Counties

AMERICUS – Governor Sonny Perdue issued an executive order today declaring a state of emergency in six Georgia counties after severe weather hit the state overnight.

“Mary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life our state experienced last night,” Governor Perdue said. “The state will do everything we can to help the communities affected by the storms.”

Governor Perdue left Atlanta early this morning to personally inspect the damage in Southwest Georgia. The Governor’s first stop was Americus, where patients had to be transferred to other regional facilities after Sumter Regional Hosptial was severely damaged.

The executive order allows for state resources to be available for response and recovery activities, and calls for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to activate the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.

“Our first priorities are establishing and maintaining communications, performing search and rescue, meeting basic human needs, and restoring critical infrastructure,” GEMA Director Charley English said. “State personnel and equipment are being dispatched as needed to the impacted areas.”

The text of Governor Perdue’s executive order is below:

State of Emergency Declaration

Whereas: On March 1 -2, 2007, a severe weather system moved into the State of Georgia producing severe thunderstorms resulting in excessive rain, hail and tornadoes which caused extensive damage in Baker, Clay, McDuffie, Stewart, Sumter and Taylor Counties; and

Whereas: The assistance of the government of the State of Georgia is necessary to protect the public health, preserve the safety of the public, keep property damage to a minimum and restore the social and economic welfare of these counties; and

Whereas: In light of these circumstances and with the authority vested in the Governor by virtue of Article 3, Section 38-3-51, of the Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981, as amended to issue reasonable orders, rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to bring the emergency situation under control within the acknowledged limitations of the powers of the Governor.

NOW, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

Ordered: That a State of Emergency exists in Baker, Clay, McDuffie, Stewart, Sumter and Taylor Counties.