Governor Rendell Activates Emergency Operations Center; Orders National Guard on Stand-by to Assist in Response to Heavy Rain

HARRISBURG, Pa. Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell has ordered the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to activate its Emergency Operations Center so that state agencies can assist local governments and residents as they deal with heavy rainfall in many parts of the state.

PEMA is preparing the appropriate disaster declaration, should it become necessary.

The Governor has also directed the Pennsylvania National Guard to be on stand-by status for the central and eastern parts of the state, where rain is forecast to be heaviest.

The heavy rain will increase the potential for flash floods in certain areas. Local and state emergency managers are preparing for the possibility of minor and moderate flooding, with a potential for evacuations and road closures in some areas.

"A good deal of rain has fallen already and the National Weather Service is now forecasting higher rainfall totals than originally anticipated," Governor Rendell said. "People who live along streams and creeks know the dangers of rapidly rising water. In light of the forecast, these residents need to be prepared. That's why they should take immediate steps to prepare before the situation becomes an emergency."

Agencies including the departments of Military and Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Environmental Protection and Agriculture; the Pennsylvania State Police; the Public Utility Commission; the Turnpike Commission; and the Fish and Boat Commission will staff the Emergency Operations Center. Additional agencies could be called upon to support the response as deemed necessary.

For more information, including important advisories, visit www.pa.gov.

Media contacts:

Gary Tuma, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

Ruth Miller, PEMA; 717-651-2009

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor