Arkansans step up again after ice storm

A viscous ice storm has paralyzed much of the northern part of Arkansas, as dangerous weather has again taken lives, ravaged communities and left hundreds of thousands of residents without power.

Heavy ice accumulated on tree branches, bringing them down on power lines and knocking out power to more than 600,000 customers before the storms blew out of the State. Roads quickly became treacherous or even impassible and, sadly, lives were lost to accidents on our roadways. Thousands were left wondering how to care for their families, while facing brutally cold nights without any way to heat their homes.

Some counties are still dealing with no water, no phone or cell service, no operating grocery stores and no gas stations. Many emergency officials are telling me that this is the most widespread weather-related damage and destruction they've seen in all their years.

My office and other state officials have wasted no time in responding to this crisis. On Tuesday, as the freezing rain coated trees and power lines, I declared a state of emergency in Arkansas. This declaration helped coordinate our state agencies with the Department of Emergency Management, cutting through red tape to more quickly provide necessary resources to assist the cities and counties with the most critical needs.

I signed a second declaration to allow out-of-state utility crews to quickly join the effort and aid the work needed to be done on the ground to restore power. Thousands of men and women have worked around the clock to free electrical lines caught by falling trees and clear roads of debris. There are thousands of utility poles to be replaced as we work to get communications fully restored and power back on for all our people.

President Obama called me within a day of our request for federal assistance, saying that he recognized the gravity of the situation in Arkansas. The President declared a federal emergency for our impacted counties, thereby activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to mobilize additional equipment and resources. Generators were quickly released to hospitals, shelters, and other facilities that needed them most urgently. I am pleased with the reaction we have gotten so far from a federal administration that is only into its second week.

On behalf of all Arkansans, I extend deepest sympathy to those who lost loved ones as a result of this storm, including the family of Trumann Police Chief Larry Blagg. Chief Blagg was doing all he could to help fellow first responders clear debris, when he was felled and killed by a falling ice-covered branch. We are forever grateful to him and others who are working so hard to help their neighbors and get their communities up and running.

Chief Blagg's dedication to the people he served illuminates the stalwart character of Arkansans, that spirit of brotherhood that shines brightest in times of adversity. We come together to help our neighbors and our communities, unified in our determination to rebuild and move forward. Thousands have united in that spirit this week to bring comfort and aid to those in need. I am grateful to the Department of Emergency Management, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the Highway and Transportation Department, workers with utility companies serving our state, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Arkansas National Guard. We must also show our appreciation to our law-enforcement and public-safety personnel, as well as the everyday Arkansans helping their neighbors through the aftermath of this storm.

When natural disasters threaten our State, we hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Such was the case this week, as hundreds of thousands of Arkansans looked to their leaders for quick action and attention to their needs. The response has been unprecedented, because for many Arkansas communities, this disaster was unprecedented. Even though the weather has calmed, our dedication to cleanup and rebuilding will not slow down. Thank you.