News Releases for August 2007
August 27, 2007
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Hoeven Requests Fema To Conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments Due To Northwood Tornado
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) join local and state officials to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for the City of Northwood, which received damages resulting from the August 26 Enhanced Fujita-3 (EF-3) tornado.
"The city received extensive damage, and local, county and state officials, and all of us are doing everything we can to address the needs of the community," Hoeven said. c"State and federal officials are working together to support local officials and assist with recovery efforts." Hoeven took FEMA officials and other resources to Northwood today to assist with the emergency response.
FEMA teams will be in Northwood Tuesday with assessments beginning Wednesday. Information collected from the PDAs is the first step to requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) programs. The Governor issued an emergency declaration and the City of Northwood has declared a disaster resulting from the damages of this tornado.
The N.D. Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) continues to coordinate state resources assisting in recovery efforts for Northwood. The N.D. National Guard (NDNG) has sent 100 soldiers to assist with security, heavy equipment operations and communication support. The N.D. Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has sent additional heavy equipment. The N.D. Highway Patrol (NDHP) has officers assisting with security needs. The N.D. Electrical Board is assisting local authorities in restoring electrical power to the city. The N.D. Department of Health (NDDoH) is coordinating environmental health, medical supply and patient care needs. The N.D. Department of Human Services (NDDHS) is coordinating voluntary agencies and sent a Crisis Mental Health Team to the area. The N.D. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NDVOAD) is assisting with sheltering and feeding needs of the citizens.
"This city has been hit hard by a strong tornado, and we’re committed to doing all we can to helping them with the recovery effort," Hoeven said.
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