Governor Henry declares emergency for winter storm

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Governor Brad Henry today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties due to the winter storm affecting many areas of the state.

"We began preparing for the winter storm yesterday by pre-positioning assets across the state and ramped up response efforts this morning when the ice and snow began to fall," Henry said.  "State troopers, National Guardsmen, emergency management officials, transportation personnel and other first responders are all on the job, helping Oklahomans everywhere they can.  The latest emergency order will assist this response effort and help us cover the costs associated with it."

"I am urging all Oklahomans to take winter storm precautions and stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.  This is a very serious winter storm and we want Oklahomans to stay safe," Henry said.

The declaration provides a formal mechanism for local governments to seek reimbursement for recovery costs through the state's disaster public assistance program should conditions warrant. Th executive order is also the first step toward seeking federal aid should it be necessary.