Gregoire proclaims winter storm emergency
January 19, 2012 · Updated 12:36 PM
OLYMPIA — A storm emergency was issued by Gov. Chris Gregoire Thursday that will allow the activation of the Washington National Guard if needed.
The proclamation will ensure the delivery of dairy products across the state, her office reported. Along with the National Guard, other state agencies may be used to help local jurisdictions during the storm.
"This is purely a precautionary measure," Gregoire said in a statement issued by her office. "So far, we haven't received any requests for state assistance, but we know weather conditions are rapidly changing."
Gregoire said she wants to have as many resources as possible to ensure the safety of communities.
Dairy truck drivers' work-hour restrictions have been waived to avoid shipment delays, according to Gregoire's office. Delays could mean the loss of almost $1 million per day for the state's dairy industry. The waiver is in effect through Jan. 22.
The state's actions are to be coordinated through the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray.
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