New Hampshire officials request emergency declaration
Following the unprecedented snowstorm that pounded much of the Northeast and has led to many homeowners insurance claims, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has requested that a federal disaster declaration be issued for all 10 counties in the state.
The state says it will likely need to pay for the cost of shelter supplies - such as cots, generators and food - in addition to bringing in debris removal teams to help clean up from the storm.
"This was a historic storm that resulted in record levels of snowfall in some areas of the state, resulting widespread power outages and a tremendous amount of debris," Governor Lynch said. "An emergency disaster declaration will help ensure we have sufficient sheltering supplies and can recover from this storm as soon as possible."
On Tuesday, officials said three days after the storm, 150,000 people in the state were still without power, and that electricity wouldn't be restored for "several more days." Hundreds of residents have moved into area storm shelters.
If granted, the declaration would add to what has already been a record year for disasters in the U.S. The Insurance Information Institute says there were 86 declarations as of October 1, already breaking the previous record for a full year of 81.
Related Home Insurance Articles:
- Homes destroyed by Nevada wildfire May 23, 2012
- Researchers hope to better understand tornado damage May 22, 2012
- Total costs from Minneapolis tornado reach $80 million May 21, 2012
- Analysis shows more than $2B of insurance claims from Joplin tornado May 18, 2012
- Recovery continues for Michigan tornado victims May 17, 2012
