DENVER -- Gov. Bill Owens declared a statewide disaster emergency Wednesday due to the ongoing blizzard across the state. The governor’s declaration will free up additional resources to help fight the worsening weather.

Owens has also activated the Colorado National Guard to assist in road safety efforts. Before the blizzard hit, emergency management teams –- including emergency vehicles, humvees, snow cats, and response personnel – were propositioned at strategic locations throughout the state. The activation of the National Guard will allow these teams to work with the Colorado Dept. of Transportation, as well as the Colorado State Patrol, to assist stranded drivers.

The Colorado National Guard Joint Operations Center (JOC) has also prepared plans for responding to the snow emergency. The JOC will be open and manned 24-hours a day, for as long as is needed.

Emergency Management workers staffed the State’s Emergency Operations Center, and planned to continue to monitor weather and road conditions throughout the state in order to respond accordingly.

Owens also ordered state offices closed on Thursday, for the safety of employees and citizens.

"Gov. Owens has directed that essential state employees continue to report to duty. However, non-essential employees should not report until scheduled Friday," said spokesman Dan Hopkins