Kootenai County officials in north Idaho have declared a state of emergency saying resources to handle the recent string of snowstorms are being taxed to the limit. The county now hopes to expedite a request for federal assistance through the Idaho Department of Homeland Security.

Officials indicated their main concerns are possible collapses because of snow accumulation on buildings and roads, snow build up on streets and parking lots, possible mass power outages, depletion of manpower resources, and elderly and disabled residents needing help with transportation and snow removal.

County officials are asking residents to cooperate with city and county crews, and assist by uncovering fire hydrants, not shoveling snow into public streets, keeping personal vehicles off public roads, and not putting out garbage if not absolutely necessary. Some officials also voiced concerns regarding price gouging activities in light of all the demands for snow removal assistance.

Many other north Idaho communities have also reportedly declared states of emergency.