Governor Nixon Declares State of Emergency

Governor Nixon has declared a statewide state of emergency because of the impact that the prolonged severe heat and drought are having on both agriculture and public health. Executive Order 12-07, signed by the Governor this afternoon, activates the State Emergency Operations Plan, which authorizes state agencies to assist local jurisdictions with their emergency response. The governor says the high temperatures and dry conditionsare taking their toll on Missourians. Farmers are suffering tremendous losses in crops and livestock, and more heat-related deaths and emergency room visits are being eported, particularly among seniors.A high risk of fire from tinderbox conditions continues, and Nixon says state officials are monitoring how the drought is affecting public water supplies and distribution.