DeKALB | Gov. Rod Blagojevich declared 49 counties in Illinois state disaster areas Tuesday after heavy snow and ice accumulation caused power outages and downed trees. DeKalb County was one of them.

“Winter came early last week when Illinois was blanketed by heavy snow and ice. I’m declaring these counties as disasters to help local governments with clean up,” Blagojevich said in a press release. “We’ve dispatched National Guard troops and state medical teams to go door-to-door in some cases to make sure people are OK. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — as long as people need help, we’ll work with local officials to get it to them.”

Despite the potential aid these declarations offer, the DeKalb County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency is not in need of outside assistance.

Dennis Miller, DeKalb County ESDA coordinator, said they are unaware of any ice damage or power outages from what is being termed as an ice storm.

“At this point, no damage from ice has been brought to our attention,” Miller said.

Miller said employees are working overtime to deal with the snow.

Alan Edrinn is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.