Drought Emergency Declared For Oklahoma

The first step necessary to move
drought-stricken Oklahoma toward possible federal assistance has
been taken. Gov. Mary Fallin issued an executive order Monday
declaring a state of emergency in all 77 Oklahoma counties due to
extreme or exceptional drought conditions.
Her order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases
related to disaster relief and preparedness.
Fallin says extreme heat and dry conditions are affecting the
entire state. So far, 47 Oklahoma counties have declared countywide
burn bans because of the drought.
Fallin’s executive order says the State Emergency Operations
Plan has been activated and that her administration will help
provide whatever assistance it can as Oklahoma communities cope
with the drought.
The state of emergency will last for 30 days but can be amended
based on conditions on the ground.