Bredesen Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for Seven Counties
Friday, February 06, 2009 | 09:47am
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen has asked President Obama to declare seven counties in West Tennessee federal disaster areas following the winter storm that struck on Wednesday, January 28. The counties are Dyer, Henry, Lake, Obion, Montgomery, Stewart and Weakley.
At Bredesen’s request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency this week began the process of conducting the damage assessments required for a formal request of federal aid. The preliminary damage assessments have totaled more than $11 million in storm-related damages and emergency response costs in those seven counties.
“I appreciate the exemplary work of first responders and utilities in reacting to the emergency situation that impacted Tennessee as well as our neighboring states,” said Bredesen. “I’m also pleased with the quick action taken by local, state and federal officials to obtain the damage assessments required to support this request.”
In Tennessee, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reports that more than 20,000 customers lost power for an extended period and one fatality in Obion County was attributed to the storm’s impact to the region. That individual died due to carbon monoxide poisoning from an improperly vented generator.
“The effects of the ice storm in multiple states cost many their lives, often tragically due to carbon monoxide poisoning or hyperthermia,” said James Bassham, Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. “Those deaths highlight the continued need for individuals to be prepared to safely sustain themselves or their neighbors during a large-scale emergency until outside assistance can be mobilized.”
Additional information about state and federal assistance will be released by TEMA as details become available.
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