White Mountain Joint Information System

Based on current and forecasted weather conditions, the Apache County Board of Supervisors has declared a State of Emergency. The County’s Emergency Operations Center is now staffed to support first responders, partners and municipalities within Apache County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2010

NAVAJO COUNTY DECLARES A STATE OF EMERGENCY

HOLBROOK, ARIZONA — The Navajo County Board of Supervisors concluded a Special Meeting this morning resulting in Resolution 04-10 being approved in a 5-0 vote declaring a state of emergency in Navajo County as a result of the severe and dangerous weather system currently moving through the County.

Navajo County’s Assistant County Manager/Emergency Manager, Dusty Parsons provided the Board with an update on the weather situation and its potential impact on communities and residents throughout the County.  “This is a severe storm system that expected to continue for the next several days and could cause severe snow and flooding emergencies in the county,” Parsons explained.

With the declaration of emergency, Navajo County’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated to a full Level 1 activation to provide available resources to the citizens of Navajo County. Navajo County’s Emergency Management team has been meeting and working with local communities and emergency responders to prepare and provide necessary resources in the event this action was to be taken.

The following emergency shelters may be activated:

Show Low: McNeil Gym – 620 E. McNeil, Show Low

Heber/Overgaard: Mogollon Complex – 2188 W. Country Club Drive, Heber/Overgaard

“This is a very dangerous storm,” declared Board Chairman Jesse Thompson.  “This declaration of emergency reflects the County’s commitment to fulfill its responsibility to protect and assist our residents at this time.”

For more information please call Navajo County’s Emergency Management Hotline at: 928-524-4200, option 3. Weather and other emergency services information is also available on the County’s website at www.navajocountyaz.gov

Arizona Division of Emergency Management has prepared a brochure on helpful tips relating to emergency preparedness. This brochure is available on their website at: http://www.dem.azdema.gov/operations/docs/pubs/brochures/preptips.pdf

Specific weather forecast information can be found at the National Weather Service website at: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/