Gov. Gregoire pleased with emergency, citizen response to tornado

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire said she is pleased with the local response to the tornado that swept through Clark County Thursday.

Her office and state emergency management responders have been in frequent contact with local emergency managers immediately following yesterday�s tornado.

�Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragedy,� said Gregoire. �We are once again reminded of the power of Mother Nature.�

In addition to prompt responses by fire and law enforcement units, emergency management
Officials, the Red Cross and many individuals have pitched in on cleanup and temporary shelters for victims, she said.

�We�ve heard a lot of great examples of neighbors helping neighbors,� she said. �That says a lot about the power of community there.�

John Wheeler, emergency management coordinator of the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, advised the Governor�s Office that a local or state disaster declaration won�t be necessary because most of the damage is covered by private insurance.

Gov. Gregoire dispatched Jim Jacks, her southwest Washington representative, to meet with community members and neighborhood leaders in Clark County and will continue to be in contact with local officials.

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