Hassan Issues State of Emergency for NH

Gov. Maggie Hassan has issued a state of emergency for New Hampshire in preparation of a late-January blizzard that is expected to dump up to two feet of snow in some southern parts of the Granite State, according to WMUR-TV.

The governor did not issue a travel ban but suggested that people avoid traveling and stay home, if that was possible. State offices are also closed.

For emergency preparation information, visit ReadyNH.gov.

Other links

• NH State Senate Also Postpones Hearings
• Keeping Your Pets Safe in Freezing Cold Winter Weather
• Statehouse Hearings Postponed to Wednesday
• Meteorologists: ‘Historic Blizzard’ Could Hit Monday Night

Read the full post on WMUR.com.

Update, 4:10 p.m.

Chuck Morse, President of the Senate, and Shawn Jasper, Speaker of the House, have issued the following statement:

This afternoon, Governor Hassan declared that a state of emergency exists in the State of New Hampshire due to the impending winter storm. Because of the expected blizzard like conditions, which will include heavy snowfall, high winds and whiteout conditions, she has encouraged citizens to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. The Governor has also made the decision to close state government and advised that all but essential state employees stay home and off the roads. As a result the State House and Legislative Office Building will remain closed on Tuesday, January 27th. We will monitor the situation throughout the day on Tuesday with regard to any potential postponements or cancellations for Wednesday should the storm continue.

Update, 6:32 p.m.

Here is the full press release sent out by Gov. Hassan earlier today:

Governor Hassan Declares State of Emergency

In advance of a major winter storm that is expected to bring heavy snowfall and high winds, Governor Maggie Hassan today declared a State of Emergency and announced that state government will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, for personnel not essential to public safety, public health or the storm response.

“In advance of the major winter storm that is expected to bring heavy snowfall and high winds, we have been working with state emergency management officials, other state agencies, local communities and utilities to take every precaution to ensure the safety of our people and communities,” Governor Hassan said. “I am declaring a State of Emergency and closing state government tomorrow for personnel not essential to public safety, public health or the storm response, and I encourage private companies and local governments to do the same.”

“With possible whiteout and blizzard-like conditions throughout the day, Granite Staters should stay at home if at all possible and avoid the roads, as they will be dangerous,” Governor Hassan said. “People should make sure that they have emergency supplies and are prepared to stay at home for one or two days, and I ask you to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or people with disabilities, throughout the course of the storm.”

The state Emergency Operations Center will open at midnight and remain open as long as necessary depending on the duration and severity of the storm, and National Guard personnel have been notified to be ready to assist with storm response as well.

Governor Hassan and state emergency management officials have been communicating directly with local emergency response agencies, school districts and utilities. Widespread power outages are not expected, but the utilities have emergency plans in place and extra response crews on standby.

State public safety and emergency management officials are working with local entities to open warming stations and shelters as needed. For more information about shelters, including the closest pet-friendly shelter, residents can contact 2-1-1 NH toll-free by dialing 2-1-1 in state or 1-866-444-4211 from out of state.

The storm will begin tonight, with the heaviest snowfall expected between midnight tonight and noon tomorrow, with up to one or two inches of snow per hour. Visibility will be low, with possible whiteout conditions throughout the day, and winds are expected to exceed 50 miles per hour.

By 7 p.m. Tuesday night, the southeastern part of the state could receive 14-20 inches of snow, while central New Hampshire could receive 10-14 inches and northern New Hampshire up to 10 inches. In addition to a blizzard warning for eastern Hillsborough, Rockingham and Strafford Counties and winter storm warning for all other counties except for northern Coos, the National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning.

In addition to stocking up on emergency supplies, such as water and canned food, in advance of the storm, New Hampshire residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Monitor weather conditions via news media, NOAA weather radio or Internet sources.
• Avoid road travel if at all possible during the storm to allow public works crews to clear and treat the roads.
• Anyone who has to drive should slow down, allow extra space between vehicles and follow all traffic signs and notices. Drivers could experience sudden whiteout conditions during high wind gusts and should be prepared to be stranded in cold temperatures.
• Keep vehicle fuel tanks at least half full.
• Monitor snow loading, especially on flat roofs.
• Be a good neighbor and check on the well-being of relatives and acquaintances, especially the elderly or others with special needs.
• If the power goes out:

• • Use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns, not candles, for emergency lighting.
  • Operate emergency generators safely, with exhaust directed away from buildings.
  • Never use outdoor cooking appliances indoors because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Report the outage to your electric utility.
  • Stay clear of downed wires. Always assume downed power lines are live.

Additional information, including safety and preparedness tips, is available at http://www.nh.gov/readynh/.