SEVERE WINTER STORM PELTS AREA - Eastern Band of Cherokee

NEWS ka-no-he-da6 cherokee one feather THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2010CHRISTIAN N. SIEWERS, JR., ATTORNEY AT LAWPO BOX 401, Cherokee, NC. 28719788-5059LICENSED IN NORTH CAROLINA STATE AND TRIBAL COURTAggressive Criminal Defense of all Felonies and MisdemeanorsDWI and Traffic Offenses 72 Hour Release HearingsDivorce and Custody Cases Tribal Bond ModificationsJuvenile and DSS Defense Tribal Employment HearingsAPPOINTMENTS AT YOUR CONVENIENCEFREE CONSULTATIONS2/11DAWN ARNEACH/One FeatherSnow and ice collect like coon on these trees in the Yellowhill Community.STORM, from page 3Do not forget yourValentines Day AdsDeadline - Tuesday, Feb. 9at 12noon$6.50forcement and volunteers from the community conducted welfare checks to Boundaryresidences throughout Monday, Feb. 1; distributing water and hearing the needs of thecommunity, specifically elders and those still without power.North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue declared a State of Emergency for the entirestate on Saturday, Jan. 30. On Monday, Feb. 1, she said the situation was still not over.“Even though the sun is shining across much of North Carolina today, the worst of thedamage is not over. Tonight’s freezing temperatures will leave tomorrow’s roadwayscovered in ice. I continue to urge all residents to stay off the roads and to exercise extremecaution.”As of Monday, only one traffic-related fatality had been reported by the N.C.State Highway Patrol – a fatal collision in Wayne County.The statement from Thompson further related, “Despite the numerous warningsthroughout the week of January 25, many residents were not prepared for the inclementweather. We are asking the citizens to keep enough supplies in your home to meet yourneeds for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may needto be self-sufficient for at least three days (72 hours). This may mean providing yourown shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.”Gov. Perdue related Tuesday, Feb. 2 that federal disaster monies will be availableto some affected counties inlcuding Jackson.“The federal declaration has come at an opportune time and will help our communitiesrecover from their losses,” said Perdue, who requested the FEMA assistance.“Many of these same counties incurred additional costs last weekend responding to ourmost recent snow and ice storm.”According to information from the N.C. Department of Emergency Management,“The disaster declaration covers Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell,Haywood, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties.Watauga and Madison counties incurred the most damage. Preliminary damage assessmentsindicate costs to recover from the back-to-back December winter storms will exceed$12.5 million. Utility restoration accounts for more than half of the total bill, whiledebris removal accounts for about one third of the total cost. The N.C. Division of EmergencyManagement estimates the state will pay $3.1 million to recover from the winterstorms; federal funds will cover the remaining costs.If you need more information about the Disaster Supply Kits or EmergencyPlanning, you are encouraged to contact EBCI Emergency Management (828) 554-6156or (828) 554-6157.