AMES, Iowa – Dec. 20, 2012 – As Iowa continues to deal with the blizzard conditions, several state agencies are working together to ensure the safety of travelers and respond to emergency situations. Advance planning and ongoing coordination are key to the efforts of the Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Iowa National Guard and Governor’s Office. The National Weather Service has also been a valuable partner in the coordination effort.
Prepositioning of resources and personnel has facilitated quick response for search and rescue efforts, emergency response, and transport of persons involved in traffic crashes along the interstate highways.
Regular multi-agency briefings are being held throughout this event to coordinate activities and ensure that adequate resources are deployed where needed.
Joint communication efforts are helping keep Iowans informed.
Iowans and others traveling through the state also have a key role to play in reducing injuries and fatalities by heeding the state’s travel advisories and postponing nonessential travel until travel conditions improve.
