CONCORD – Gov. John Lynch met with state Agency heads this morning to continue the state’s efforts to help families and communities impacted by the ice storm. Gov. Lynch and state officials are also continuing to urge better communication between New Hampshire utilities and local communities.

“The utilities have made significant progress in restoring power in what is an unprecedented outage. However, I continue to hear frustration from the local communities regarding communication with the utilities and I share their frustration,” Gov. Lynch said. “Many customers are still without power in several areas of the state and I have again urged that utilities work closely with these communities. I understand that many New Hampshire families are tired and frustrated, especially with Christmas coming.”

PSNH has informed state officials that they intend to dispatch representatives to several communities to help coordinate restoration efforts.

As of this morning, the utilities are reporting 24,000 customers remain without power.

The state Emergency Operations Center continues to hold daily conference calls with local emergency management directors.

Working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state has brought additional bottled water supplies into the state. The water is being distributed to local emergency management directors.

FEMA preliminary damage assessment crews were in the state this week to determine whether federal damage guidelines have been met. The state as a whole must meet federal thresholds in order to qualify for assistance. Individual counties, as well, must meet certain damage thresholds in order to qualify for assistance.

Gov. Lynch will soon ask President Bush to issue a major disaster declaration for New Hampshire so federal public assistance can be made available to the state and local communities. Public assistance offered through FEMA helps the state and communities cover emergency operations, debris removal and repair costs. Assistance will cover some, but not usually all costs of the damage.

Power Outages
As of this morning, the state’s utilities were reporting nearly 24,000 customers without power. More than 500 utility crews continue to work to restore power.

Alternate Heating Sources
State emergency management officials continue to stress that residents exercise extreme caution when using an alternative heating source. The number of cases of exposure to carbon monoxide is increasing.

State emergency management officials urge the public to ensure any alternative heating sources, such as kerosene heaters or generators, are being used in properly ventilated areas.

Shelters
State, local and Red Cross officials report four regional shelters will stay open as long as they are needed. They are located at Londonderry High School, Mascenic Regional High School in New Ipswich, Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston and Peterborough South Meadow School.

Last night, 26 shelters were open, housing 130 people. This was down from 169 people the night before.

These shelters continue to provide a warm bed, hot meals and medical care if needed.

Anyone needing assistance in finding a shelter or other non-emergency help can call their local emergency officials or the state’s inquiry line at 1-888-330-6764. Anyone needing emergency assistance should all 9-1-1.

Roads
All state roads are passable at this time, however a number of local secondary roads remained closed or partially closed.

Weather
According to the National Weather Service, another winter storm is expected to hit the state tomorrow dropping between 4 to 8 inches of snow beginning about noon. The storm will last into Sunday night, with high wind gusts expected for Monday.

National Guard
About 200 National Guardsmen remain on duty, assisting communities with directing traffic and debris removal, and delivering supplies such as bottled water, generators and cots and blankets to communities.

Businesses
The state’s Division of Economic Development continues to reach out to businesses to try and address any storm related needs companies may have. Any business with questions or concerns can call the Division of Economic Development at 271-2591.