NM Emergency Operations Center Monitoring Winter Storm Impact

 

                                                                                                                              beverly.allen@state.nm.us

 

Bill Richardson                                                                                                                            John W. Wheeler

   Governor                                                                                                                                             Cabinet Secretary

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              CONTACT: Beverly Allen

                                                                                                                              505-231-7197

SANTA FE, NM- Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management personnel are working this weekend to monitor and assess the impact and effects of New Mexico’s latest winter storm.

 

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is in contact with Emergency Managers in the areas hit hardest, including the Navajo Nation, the State of Arizona and working with the NM Department of Transportation to determine needs and assets. Here is an update of the latest reports:

 

·        McKinley County reports that roads are clearing and there are no major issues at this time. They are standing by to assist the Navajo Nation in coordinating food and water deliveries to isolated areas cut off from supplies due to impassable rural roads. A food pantry in Gallup is coordinating with the Navajo Nation EOC in Window Rock. McKinley County will also assist the Nation in an assessment of the Mexican Springs and Twin Lakes Area.

·        San Juan County reports they received only light snow flurries overnight and roads are being cleared. County Emergency Management visited the Shiprock EOC and has offered assistance to the Navajo Nation if requested. Private industry in the county is on standby for accessing isolated areas using Snow Cats if they are needed for rescue or food and water deliveries. At this time there are no requests for this. San Juan County Sheriff Department’s rotary wing aircraft is also on stand-by.

·        Jicarilla Apache Nation Office of Emergency Management reports that snow removal on the roads is going well, however, they are concerned about heavy snow accumulations on roofs within the nation.

·        Rio Arriba County emergency officials are in Chama and have met with village management to assess the situation with 18 ½ inches of snow reported as of yesterday. Main roads in Chama are clear with secondary and tertiary roads getting better. The County is working with NM Department of Transportation District 5 for additional snow removal equipment.

 

 

                               

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·        Arizona has declared a state of emergency for the Northeast part of the state which includes the Navajo Nation and the main priority is to keep roads open. The Navajo Nation Emergency Operation Center has been activated and New Mexico Homeland Security and Emergency Management Cabinet Secretary John Wheeler has been in contact with Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley. Both the Nation and the State of Arizona are forwarding information to the New Mexico State EOC.

 

                                       

Cabinet Secretary Wheeler advises New Mexican’s, “if you need to travel during winter storms, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. It’s also a good idea to advise someone at your destination what time you are leaving and your anticipated arrival time.”

 

Wheeler also cautions that before leaving, “always check the road conditions between your point of departure and your destination.” Travelers can call the NM Department of Transportation’s Road Information hot line by

Dialing 511 or go to www.nmroads.com if you are travelling to Arizona, road conditions and weather can be checked at www.az511.gov or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623).

 

With the National Weather Service predicting another storm system to move through the state in the middle of next week, Wheeler cautions residents to make sure sidewalks and driveways are cleared and, “you have emergency supplies in case you are snowed in.” He also asks that people reach out to their neighbors to make sure of their well being and offer aid to those with special needs.

 

The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was signed into law in 2007 by Governor Bill Richardson to enhance New Mexico’s ability to coordinate the state’s efforts for the prevention, preparedness and response and recovery for all hazards. The DHSEM also serves as the bridge between State and Federal Government and the cities and counties of New Mexico for homeland security and emergency management activities.

 

 

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