Governor LePage Urges Mainers to be Safe as Storm Arrives

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage and State officials held a news conference at MEMA headquarters Monday afternoon to provide an update on Hurricane Sandy. As the effects of the hurricane impact Maine, Governor LePage urges Mainers to stay safe. The greatest marine and coastal impacts from the storm will occur with the band of high winds that will move northward Monday afternoon and evening.

“Use a lot of common sense, stay out of the elements, let the storm take its course, and be safe. The biggest thing is to be safe. We don’t want anyone to get hurt,” said Governor LePage.

Today, Governor LePage received a briefing on Hurricane Sandy from Commissioner for the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management Brigadier General James Campbell, Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Robert McAleer, and Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Morris. The Governor declared a statewide emergency to enable state, county and municipal governments to respond effectively to the impact of the storm. The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel as necessary to cope with this emergency situation.



MEMA joins the National Weather Service and all operational partners in urging the utmost caution as this complicated storm system brings its hazards to Maine. MEMA officials expect wind gusts 50-60 mph, possibly some 70 mph gusts in southern areas. Officials encourage Mainers to respect any local access restrictions to flooded areas, beach and shoreline areas or roadways blocked by fallen trees or power lines, to stay away from any downed power lines and report them to your electric utility. If you lose power, use generators and alternate heat sources safely. Generators should only be set up outdoors, at least 15 feet away from doors and windows.

"I urge all Maine Citizens to take necessary steps to prepare and heed all warnings issued in connection with this event,” said Governor LePage. “We continue to have daily updates with Maine Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. We will continue to monitor this changing situation statewide and plan for all possible emergencies.”

A link to the video of today's news conference can be found at http://www.youtube.com/user/GovLePage

For hurricane preparedness tips and precautions, visit the MEMA website http://www.maine.gov/mema/