(Jefferson City) – Missouri Governor Gov. Nixon has declared a state of emergency because of the impact that the prolonged severe heat and drought are having on both agriculture and public health. Executive Order 12-07, signed by the Governor Monday afternoon, activates the State Emergency Operations Plan, which authorizes state agencies to assist local jurisdictions with their emergency response.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has confirmed 25 heat-related deaths in the state, including 20 in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The department also has received hospital reports of 829 heat-related emergency department visits from May 1 through July 22.
On June 29, Gov. Nixon issued an executive order activating the Missouri State Operations Center in response to the severe heat, dry conditions and fire risks. On July 20, he called on the State Soil and Water Districts Commission to take emergency action allowing livestock producers to conduct flash grazing, haying and watering on livestock exclusion areas currently under contract.