WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today joined state officials and local government leaders to view the damage throughout the Eighth Congressional District caused by this week’s severe ice storm that has left thousands without power in Southern Missouri.  Emerson visited Sikeston, Kennett, Portageville and Caruthersville.

“With power out for an extended period of time, this is a life-threatening event for many of our senior citizens or anyone who requires daily medical care in the home,” said Emerson.  “I’ve been very impressed by how all of our communities have pulled together during a time when they are pretty much inaccessible to emergency workers.  As that changes, I expect a lot of assistance from a lot of different sources to be focused on our region – and I am doing everything I can to coordinate that response and help get the resources to people in need.  This storm has created an incredible hardship for everyone in our communities.”

On Wednesday, Emerson sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging a speedy administration response to any request for a disaster declaration by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.