Governor Adds Three Counties to Emergency Declaration

ATLANTA - Governor Sonny Perdue has declared a state of emergency in three additional counties, bringing the total number to nine following severe weather that hit Georgia overnight.

“It’s a sad day in Georgia,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I was in Americus this morning, and the devastation was, frankly, greater than I’d expected. We know we have nine confirmed fatalities and now we’re just hoping that there are no more”

The three counties added to the emergency declaration list this afternoon were Columbus-Muscogee County, Mitchell County and Crawford County. This morning’s declaration covered the following Georgia counties: Baker, Clay, McDuffie, Stewart, Sumter and Taylor counties.

 “I have spoken with both President Bush and FEMA Director Paulison,” said Governor Perdue. “I am confident that federal, state and local governments are working together to address the needs of the affected communities.”

For additional information on storm damage and assistance, visit www.gema.state.ga.us.

The text of the Governor’s Executive Order is below:

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, Columbus-Muscogee, Crawford, McDuffie, Mitchell, 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, Columbus-Muscogee, Crawford, McDuffie, Mitchell, Stewart, Sumter, and Taylor Counties.

                        It Is Further

Ordered:     That personnel and equipment resources of the State of Georgia be made available to assist in the response and recovery activities currently being undertaken in the above mentioned counties, and that the Georgia Emergency Management Agency activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan.

Any inconsistent prior order is hereby rescinded.

This the 2nd day of March, 2007.

Governor Sonny Perdue