News Alert:

• Agencies Working Together to Protect Health and Safety of New Mexicans

SANTA FE — Today, Gov. Susana Martinez activated the New Mexico Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor, prepare for, and respond to Winter Storm Helena. According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to affect much of Northern and Central New Mexico late today through Friday.

“In a state as large and diverse as ours, intense weather can have a tremendous impact on communities large and small throughout New Mexico,” Martinez said. “I’ve activated our Emergency Operations Center to coordinate with state agencies, local communities, and other partners to work together to prepare for and respond to the storm throughout the state to protect the health and safety of New Mexicans.”

Led by the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management through the EOC, this coordinated effort includes the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety, the New Mexico State Police, and other state, local, and community partners. This partnership will continue to monitor the weather closely, and communicate with local emergency managers, first responders, the National Weather Service, and others to keep New Mexicans safe and informed.

“Governor Martinez’s directive to activate the EOC will help ensure coordinated readiness of people, information, and resources needed to best protect New Mexicans through this upcoming storm,” DHSEM Cabinet Secretary Jay Mitchell said. “While we continue to watch the storm closely, we’re also encouraging New Mexicans to use caution, and avoid unnecessary or risky travel.”

To be best prepared for winter storm conditions New Mexicans should have essential supplies ready to stay safe at home, work, or on the road. These can include items such as food, water, first aid kits, blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, spare tires, and others. Motorists should also make sure vehicles are in good repair before driving in winter conditions. Dangerous driving conditions are possible throughout the state due to the upcoming storm.

“NMDOT is prepared for winter weather coming our way,” NMDOT Cabinet Secretary Tom Church said. “We have crews and equipment ready to go as soon as they are called into action. We want everyone to get to and from their destination safely.”

NMDOT is prepared for winter weather throughout the state with:

116 graders;

258 front end loaders;

11 snow blower trucks; and

556 dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders.

NMDOT has crews working around the clock to clear roads and keep New Mexicans updated on highway conditions.

For more information on emergency preparedness for individuals and families, New Mexicans can review DHSEM’s Family Preparedness Guide online at www.nmdhsem.org/Preparedness_Guide.aspx. Motorists should check www.nmroads.com or download the NMRoads app for updates on road conditions and closures. NMRoads is updated constantly and linked to the 511 road condition hotline.