State Officials Evaluate Snow Damage from the Air Today

 

Experts Also on the Ground in McKinley, Cibola and Rio Arriba Counties

 

SNOW UPDATE

 

Bill Richardson                                                                                                                            John W. Wheeler

   Governor                                                                                                                                             Cabinet Secretary

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              CONTACT: Beverly Allen

                                                                                                                              505-231-7197

SANTA FE, NM- State experts from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are in the air and on the ground in McKinley, Rio Arriba and Cibola Counties today getting an up-close look at the snow accumulations and damage from the three storms that hit New Mexico last week. Emergency Management officers trained in emergency response, emergency preparedness,  and disaster recovery, in cooperation with local officials are in the process of determining what needs to be done and preparing for the next storm that is expected to arrive tomorrow.

 

Cabinet Secretary John W. Wheeler said “our partners at the New Mexico National Guard are providing a Blackhawk Helicopter for the flyover in the western part of the state. Additionally, our staff is on the ground in all three counties assisting local officials in the response and recovery process.”

 

One of the biggest concerns for officials right now is snow and ice removal from rooftops in all the affected areas in order to avoid more damage. The best way to remove snow and ice is to start around the edges and work toward the center. Make sure all gutters and drain spouts are clear before starting.

                                                          

Cabinet Secretary Wheeler advises New Mexican’s, “if you absolutely have 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. Stick with your travel plan, stay on well traveled marked roads and 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 bydialing 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 tomorrow and Thursday Wheeler cautions residents to make sure sidewalks, driveways and roofs are cleared and, “you stock up on supplies including extra fuel if you are in an isolated area now while the roads are clear, just in case you are snowed in again.” 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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