Mary Fallin: “this past week the State of Oklahoma experienced a severe ice storm that left over 600,000 homes and businesses without…”

“this past week the State of Oklahoma experienced a severe ice storm that left over 600,000 homes and businesses without power or heat. As you can imagine, Oklahomans have had a very challenging time. Today, I want to thank the people of Oklahoma for helping each other and commend the various generous volunteers and organizations that came to their aid. Since the disaster of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995, the people of my great State are said to have created what is known as ``the Oklahoma standard,'' rallying to help each other in times of need, and certainly this past week, to week and a half, has been no exception. I want to personally thank Governor Henry and President Bush for working together to ensure that the proper Federal aid disaster relief has come to Oklahoma. And I would also like to commend the State Office of Emergency Management, FEMA representatives and the State Corporation Commission who kept us informed and on track as power loss was reported and power was restored. I especially want to commend the utility crews who worked tirelessly in their efforts to restore power. I want to thank the hundreds of utility workers from other States who came to help. Thank you for leaving your homes and families during this holiday season.”