Oklahoma Governor Henry Tours Storm-Damaged Communities

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August 20, 2007 -- (Oklahoma City) On Monday, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry visited communities impacted by flooding and strong winds over the weekend. The survey included an aerial tour of damage in a National Guard Blackhawk helicopter and a ground tour in Kingfisher. The governor was accompanied by Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management executive director Albert Ashwood.

The governor spoke to business owners in downtown Kingfisher, where floodwaters had receded and residents had started on the task of cleaning up.

“The resilience of Oklahomans is truly amazing,” Gov. Henry said. “Business owners are already mopping up the mess, and neighbors are helping one another in an effort to clean up the community and begin the process of recovery.”

From Kingfisher, the governor and lieutenant governor made a stop at the Watonga airport and in Ft. Cobb to speak to local officials. Along the way, the governor got an aerial view of a Geary nursing home which suffered extensive storm damage.

“I cannot stress enough the fantastic job first responders have done in the wake of these storms. There is no doubt that lives were saved by their tireless efforts,” Gov. Henry said. “The damage in some communities is immense, but Oklahomans are no strangers to adversity and I know these communities will pull together to clean up and rebuild while comforting those who have suffered losses.”

The governor also noted that the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is conducting preliminary disaster assessments and the state will be seeking all appropriate federal assistance. Gov. Henry earlier declared a state of emergency in 24 affected counties, the first step toward seeking federal assistance.

Source: Oklahoma Governor