Governor Newsom declares state of emergency as storm system approaches
CALIFORNIA– Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency ahead of a large winter storm hitting the state to allow for a quick government support and recovery response effort.
The state of emergency proclamation mobilizes the California National Guard to support disaster response, directs Caltrans to request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program to support highway repairs and other support for local response and recovery efforts.
“California is mobilizing to keep people safe from the impacts of the incoming storm," said Governor Newsom. "This state of emergency will allow the state to respond quickly as the storm develops and support local officials in their ongoing response.”
The state has prepositioned fire and rescue equipment, issued alerts to unsheltered communities and vulnerable communities, and taken the following departments are ready to mobilize if necessary in the storm.
- Department of Social Services is prepared to work alongside local partners and the American Red Cross to establish congregate shelters.
- Department of Public Health is prepared to deploy regional staff to support hospitals and health care facilities.
- Department of Health Care Access and Information is prepared to deploy structural engineers to health care facilities to evaluate impacts to infrastructure. Emergency Medical Services Authority is prepared to deploy Ambulance Strike Teams.
This a breaking story and will be updated as information comes into the newsroom. Follow our live weather radar here.
