Gov. Henry Declares State of Emergency

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gov. Brad Henry has declared a statewide state of emergency because of a winter storm that has stranded motorists and is being blamed for several highway deaths.

Henry says state troopers, members of the Oklahoma National Guard, emergency management officials, transportation personnel and other first responders are all on the job to help Oklahomans everywhere they can.

"We're gonna have first responders all night long getting to people who are stranded," Gov. Henry said.

The governor says his emergency order will assist the response effort and help cover its cost.

"It's the worst I've ever seen," Henry said. "This is a record breaking storm. I don't know if anybody anticipated it was going to be this bad."

The declaration provides a mechanism for local governments to seek reimbursement for their recovery costs through the state's disaster public assistance program. It is also the first step to seeking federal disaster aid.

"It's very likely that I will request a presidential emergency disaster declaration, which will allow us to get federal assistance," Henry said.

Henry urged Oklahomans to take winter storm precautions and stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Stranded motorists seeking shelter should call 1-866-GET-INFO to register themselves as safe and well. Loved ones can search for individuals that they are looking for by calling 1-866-GET INFO or online at disastersafe.redcross.org/