Heber-Overgaard, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs has declared a State of Emergency for Navajo and Coconino Counties after extreme weather, including heavy rains, high winds, hail, and tornadoes struck the regions from October 20 through October 22. Navajo County officially submitted an application for financial assistance from the state on Wednesday, October 28, after the extreme weather and tornado caused power outages, damaged public and private property, blocked roadways, and created potential threats to public health and safety.
In her declaration, Governor Hobbs directed $200,000 from the state's general fund be made available to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), Division of Emergency Management to support ongoing response and recovery efforts in affected communities.
"My thoughts are with all of the Arizona communities impacted by last week's tornadoes and storms," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "I am committed to making sure each community has the resources it needs to continue recovering, and am thankful to everyone who is supporting ongoing recovery efforts."
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Yesterday, the governor also traveled to Heber-Overgaard for a roundtable discussion with state, local and county officials. During the visit, she was briefed on the storm's impact on the community, incident response, timeliness, recovery efforts, and actions taken by the state. The governor was briefed by Navajo County Emergency Management, the Heber-Overgaard Fire District and the Division of Emergency Management.
Roundtable attendees included:- Britton Holdaway, Interim Director of the Division of Emergency Management, DEMA
- Catrina Jenkins, Navajo County Emergency Manager
- Chairman Daryl Seymore, Navajo County Board of Supervisors
- Vice Chair Dawnafe Whitesinger, Navajo County Board of Supervisors
- Supervisor Jason E. Whiting, Navajo County Board of Supervisors
- County Manager Bryan Layton, Navajo County
- Assistant County Manager Rochelle Lacapa, Navajo County
- Chief Deputy Jeff Sharp, Navajo County Sheriff's Office
- Deputy Chief Wylie Williams, Navajo County Sheriff's Office
- Fire Chief Jason Payne, Heber-Overgaard Fire District
- Arizona Department of Public Safety representatives
- Navajo County Sheriff's Office representatives
- Navajo County Emergency Management representatives
Governor Hobbs also met with volunteers from Navajo County Search and Rescue, Navajo County Sheriff's Posse, Heber-Overgaard Community Resource Network (HOCRN), Arizona Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and the American Red Cross to thank them for their efforts in supporting the community.
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"I am proud of the partnership and collaboration demonstrated across state, local and county agencies," said Governor Hobbs. "Open communication and coordination led to swift response times, prompt welfare checks, and the ability to quickly develop effective recovery strategies, all while prioritizing the community's safety."
Read the Emergency Declaration here.
Members of the press can download photographs of the governor's visit to Heber-Overgaard here.
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