Maine Governor Baldacci Declares State of Emergency for Aroostook County

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April 29, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci this evening has declared a State of Emergency for Aroostook County.

Severe storms, combined with snow on the ground, have created dangerous flooding conditions in Aroostook County, and particularly in the Fort Kent and Wallagrass areas.

“The National Weather Service is predicting that parts of Aroostook County could be hit by record flooding,” Governor Baldacci said. “The Maine Emergency Management Agency and my office are monitoring the situation and working closely with local emergency management officials to protect public safety.”

Resources, including water craft and wardens from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, are being shifted to Aroostook County from other areas of the State to assist local authorities, and the Red Cross has made preparations for shelters in the event evacuation becomes necessary.

In addition, Governor Baldacci has given Vernon R. Ouellette, the director of the Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency, the authority to direct and compel evacuation if he determines the action is necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery.

“We must do what is necessary to protect the lives of residents of Aroostook County and the lives of emergency personnel who might be called upon during a rescue,” Governor Baldacci said. “The situation in Aroostook County is changing rapidly, and Director Ouellette is in the best position to determine when an evacuation order should become mandatory. Hopefully, it won’t be necessary.”

Governor Baldacci participated in a conference call with emergency responders statewide earlier today, and spoke directly with Director Ouellette during a briefing at MEMA late in the day. During the briefing, Ouellette outlined preparation underway for the storm’s aftermath and explained that mandatory evacuations could become necessary.

Waters are expected to continue to rise in the Fort Kent area until early morning on Thursday and aren’t expected to fall below flood stage until Friday afternoon.

“People need to be careful and not take any unnecessary risks,” Governor Baldacci said. “Things can change quickly. We want everyone to be safe, use common sense and report any trouble.”

MEMA offers these flood and flash flood safety tips

: • Avoid all flooded roadways. If a road is barricaded, take an alternate route. If you come on a road that is flooded and not marked, please notify local officials.

• Keep away from fast-moving streams. Swiftly moving water is extremely powerful and can easily overpower a person.

• Keep children and pets inside and away from flooded streets, culverts, and streams.

• Report any flooded roads to local officials.

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Visit www.maineprepares.com for more flood safety and preparedness information. Visit www.511maine.gov for current road conditions.

Text of proclamation and letter:

STATE of MAINE PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, there is a severe storm causing heavy rain across the State of Maine, widespread concerns for flooding in many areas and the potential for severe flooding in Aroostook County; and

WHEREAS, a disaster appears imminent; and

WHEREAS, the public health and safety is imperiled, and public property is endangered by such emergency conditions; and

WHEREAS, the resources of communities in Aroostook County are or will soon be exhausted; and

WHEREAS, the resources of the State may be needed to protect the citizens and property of those communities; and

WHEREAS, it may be necessary to order evacuations to be undertaken in endangered areas;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Statutes of the State of Maine, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency exists in Aroostook County in the State of Maine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty-ninth day of April in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand and Eight.

JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI Governor

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April 29, 2008

Vernon R. Ouellette Director, Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency 158 Sweden Street Caribou, Maine 04736

Mr. Ouellette:

By the powers vested in me by the Constitution and the Statutes of the State of Maine, today I declared a State of Emergency for Aroostook County. The declaration comes in response to a severe storm that has brought heavy rain across the State and creates the potential for severe flooding in Aroostook County.

Predictions suggest that flood waters could exceed record levels in Aroostook County, creating life-threatening situations for residents in affected areas and emergency personnel who could be called upon for rescue.

First and foremost, it is my responsibility to protect the health and welfare of Maine residents. Given the rapidly changing situation on the ground in Aroostook County, I am delegating to you my authority under Title 37-B, section 742(1)(C)(6) to direct and compel evacuation if you determine the action is necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery.

Under a mandatory evacuation order authorized, all Maine residents are expected to leave an affected area.

I will continue to monitor the situation in Aroostook County in conjunction with the Maine Emergency Management Agency. I expect a report from you, as the situation permits, if mandatory evacuations are ordered.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency and my office are both fully engaged during this emergency and will provide the support necessary to protect the people of Aroostook County.

Thank you and good luck during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

John E. Baldacci Governor

Source: Maine Governor