Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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March 12, 2010

AFTERNOON UPDATE: Manchin authorizes National Guard to respond to potential flooding

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD — BLUEFIELD — Gov. Joe Manchin today authorized the West Virginia National Guard as a precaution to potential flooding.

Guard members will be stationed in areas where flooding may occur, in the Potomac Basin and along the Ohio River. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service and the West Virginia National Guard to monitor the current weather.

 “The safety of West Virginians is always my number one priority,” Manchin said. “We encourage all residents to watch local weather reports and those living near waterways or in flood-prone areas to use good common sense and be prepared just in case flooding becomes a problem.”

 Jimmy Gianato, director of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said those in flood-prone areas should take extra precautions, including making a emergency kit with basic supplies, like water, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, essential medication and a battery-operated flashlight and radio with extra batteries.

 For more information about emergency kits, what to do before, during and after a disaster and how to create an emergency plan, citizens are asked to visit  www.ready.wv.gov.

 “We encourage families to go online and visit our web visit because it brings all vital emergency information to one convenient site,” Gianato added.

 Gianato also is reminding motorists to never drive through standing weather, no matter how deep. Citizens also are encouraged to make sure storm drains around their homes are free of debris. For road conditions, call the West Virginia Department of Transportation toll-free hotline at 1-800-W VA-ROAD. For an emergency, residents should call 911 immediately.

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