For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today called state and local leaders from the east coast region impacted by the current snow storm—relaying the Department's continued support and underscoring the importance of ongoing partnerships between local first responders and the federal government.
"We are continuing to monitor this winter storm closely and are in frequent communication with our state and local partners across the impacted region," said Secretary Napolitano. "I urge all residents to heed the warnings of local officials and prioritize safety by staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary. This is a team effort and we will continue to work with our partners as the storm develops and the recovery process begins."
Secretary Napolitano today spoke with Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, and Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty. These calls come in addition to the frequent communication between DHS and the impacted states regarding winter weather over the past few weeks, and Secretary Napolitano will continue contacting additional Mayors and Governors as the storm progresses.
The Department's National Operations Center continues to operate around the clock to monitor weather developments and communicate their impact in real-time to federal, state, local and tribal partners. At the request of local governments, FEMA has also deployed state liaison officers to the emergency operation centers in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. DHS also remains in contact with other potentially impacted states across the Northeast.
Visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather to learn more about winter weather preparedness.
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