Governor LePage Issues Limited Emergency Proclamation to Help Restore Power

Augusta, Maine - After a winter storm knocked out power to tens of thousands of Mainers and made travel conditions difficult, Governor Paul R. LePage tonight issued an emergency proclamation that will allow utility crews to drive additional hours to repair lines and restore power.

“The wet, heavy snow and high winds have knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses,” said Governor LePage. “Our first concern is to get power back on for Mainers. Please stay safe and keep off the roads to allow utility crews to do their work. Make sure you have what you need to weather the storm, then check on neighbors who may need some extra help.”

The "Governor’s Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver” is in effect from November 26 to December 4. (Text of the proclamation is at the end of this release.)

Storm Safety Tips

Power outages:

Never run a generator indoors. The Maine CDC recommends that people should always use
generators outside and make sure that it is placed at least 15 feet from windows or doors. It’s a good idea to check on your connections now, before the power goes out.
If you see a downed power line, leave it alone – always treat power lines as if they are live. A live wire can kill you.
If clearing trees or limbs make CERTAIN they are not in contact with a power line. Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.
Report outages to your power company.
Travel

Check a weather report before heading out.
Visit http://511maine.gov if you have Internet access, or dial 5-1-1 toll free to check on road conditions
Drive at appropriate speeds for conditions.
Make sure your car is in good working condition with weather appropriate tires and plenty of gas.
Throw a blanket, flashlight, cell phone, sand (or anything that can help you get traction if you get stuck), jumper cables and other items in the car you may need in an emergency.
Safe Heating

Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Never use an “improvised” heat source, like grill or oven, as they can be fire or carbon monoxide hazards.
Make sure all heating vents are clear and properly discharging out of the house.
Make sure snow and ice is not impeding the venting of carbon monoxide and clear it away if it is.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source.
Information sources:

Life or safety-threatening emergency: Call 9-1-1
Power outage or downed power line: Call your electric utility
Maine Prepares: http://www.maineprepares.com
Maine Emergency Management Agency: http://www.maine.gov/mema
National Weather Service Gray: http://www.weather.gov/gray
National Weather Service Caribou: http://www.weather.gov/caribou
Maine DOT Travel Information: http://511maine.gov or dial 5-1-1
MEMA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MaineEMA
MEMA on Twitter: @MaineEMA (http://twitter.com/MaineEMA)

Governor’s Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver

WHEREAS, the State of Maine is experiencing the effects of heavy wet snow and high winds have impacted transportation routes and put thousands of Maine homes and businesses out of power; and

WHEREAS, work crews will have to work many hours to clear roads and restore power; and

WHEREAS, power restoration crews may be requested from other service areas and states and potentially Canadian provinces to assist in power restoration; and

WHEREAS, federal rules determine the number of hours the driver of an electrical line repair vehicle may operate; and

WHEREAS, drivers of such vehicles must cease operations when they reach the federal limit on hours of operation, and therefore would have to cease power restoration; and

WHEREAS, these conditions threaten public health and safety and endanger the property of Maine homes and businesses; and

WHEREAS, these conditions are expected to extend until December 4, 2014; and

WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Emergency will facilitate the granting of a waiver from the US the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 to allow relief from 49 CFR parts 390 through 399, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, and subject to the limitations described below, and therefore allow drivers of electrical line repair vehicles to operate additional hours, and

WHEREAS, motor carriers that have an Out-Of-Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulation that such a declaration provides under 49 CFR 390.23;


NOW THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Maine, find that these conditions constitute a civil emergency under 37-B M.R.S.A. section 742, and for the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency within Maine as of November 26, 2014 through December 4, 2014.


Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following:

1. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this emergency declaration shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given a least ten (10) consecutive hours off-duty before the driver is required to return to service.

2. Drivers operating under this proclamation shall carry a copy of the proclamation with them as evidence of their direct support to the State of Maine during this emergency period.