Governor Perdue Declares State of Emergency for Cherokee County

Today(May 21, 2008) Governor Sonny Perdue issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Cherokee County after the area was struck by a tornado, high winds and hail last night. Governor Perdue toured damaged areas in Cherokee County this afternoon.

“I am always amazed at the extensive damage caused by these storms, but we are proud to see our communities pull together as neighbors help neighbors recover from this type of situation,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “GEMA will continue to work with our local and federal partners as they assess the recovery effort.”

The executive order allows for state resources to be available to local governments for response and recovery activities, and calls for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to activate the state’s Emergency Operations Plan. It also allows for joint local, state and federal assessment teams to survey the affected areas and allows for state resources to assist with debris removal. The executive order also enacts the state’s price gouging statute.
GEMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide any necessary assistance requested by the affected county.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more emergency information and updates, contact GEMA at 1-800-TRY-GEMA (1-800-879-4362) or visit www.gema.ga.gov.

The text of Governor Perdue’s executive order is below:

Whereas: On May 20, 2008, a severe weather system moved into the State of Georgia producing severe thunderstorms resulting in excessive rain, hail and tornadoes which caused extensive damage in Cherokee County; and

Whereas: The assistance of the government of the State of Georgia is necessary to protect the public health, preserve the public safety, keep property damage to a minimum, and restore the social and economic welfare of these counties; and

Whereas: In light of these circumstances the exercise of the authority vested n the Governor pursuant to Article 3, Section 38-3-51, of the Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981, as amended, is warranted to issue reasonable orders, rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to preserve public health, safety and welfare, and to bring the emergency situation under control within the acknowledged limitations of the powers of the Governor.

Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby

Ordered: That a State of Emergency exists in Cherokee County.

It is further

Ordered: That personnel and equipment resources of the State of Georgia be made available to assist in the response and recovery activities currently being undertaken in Cherokee County and that the Georgia Emergency Management Agency activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan.

This 21st day of May, 2008.

Governor Sonny Perdue