Gov. Tom Wolf Monday signed a disaster emergency proclamation to enable state and local authorities to respond to any unmet needs as quickly as possible as a snowstorm drops snow across much of the state. Higher amounts are expected along the eastern edge of the state.

“I’ve signed this declaration because we want to be able to send state resources wherever they’re needed as quickly as possible,” said Gov. Wolf. “We have multiple state agencies working at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to monitor weather conditions across the state.”

The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of the situation. The time-consuming bid and contract procedures, as well as other formalities normally prescribed by law, are waived for the duration of the proclamation.

The State Emergency Operations Center, located at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency headquarters outside Harrisburg, is staffed by personnel from multiple state agencies, including but not limited to the departments of Transportation, Health, General Services, Human Services, and Military and Veterans Affairs as well as the Pennsylvania State Police, Turnpike Commission, Public Utility Commission and the American Red Cross.

It is important to note that the proclamation does not restrict vehicular travel on Commonwealth roads, but motorists are encouraged to delay unnecessary travel and heed local road closures that may be in place.

The text of the Governor’s disaster emergency proclamation is available online.

2/2/2015