[MARCH 13, 2006]
SPRINGFIELD -- Last night Springfield and other
communities throughout central Illinois and the Metro East area
suffered damage from severe storms and tornadoes. The State
Emergency Operations Center in Springfield was activated last night.
Staff was on duty overnight and continues to coordinate with
local officials today.
Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich
instructed state agencies this morning to coordinate with the
city of Springfield and provide to help restore power and services.
"Residents in central Illinois suffered a devastating storm last
night," the governor said. "While local officials and our state
emergency teams are still assessing the extent of the damage, I want
to assure the people of Springfield that we will commit whatever
state assistance is needed to help get their city up and running
again."
Because of damage and loss of power at several state office
buildings in Springfield, the state's continuation of operation and
continuation of government plans have been activated, and
nonessential state employees in Springfield were not required to
report to work today. Only personnel previously identified by their
agencies as essential in emergency circumstances were required to
report to work.
