Governor Declares Emergency Ahead Of Hurricane

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Brad Henry has declared a state of emergency for Oklahoma just in case hurricane evacuees from Texas are brought to the state.

Hurricane Ike is expected to hit Texas Saturday and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Michelann Ooten says evacuees could begin arriving any time.

The governor's declaration clears the way for the state to get federal disaster assistance to cover expenses related to housing evacuees.

Oklahoma City police Sgt. Gary Knight says volunteers and emergency responders are preparing the old Lucent Technologies plant in western Oklahoma City.

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

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