Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday declared McLennan County - home to West, the small community rocked by the deadly fertilizer plant explosion - a disaster area and announced that he’s asking President Barack Obama for a federal emergency declaration as well.

The declarations will help free up funding to help those in the community impacted by the explosion with the massive recovery and rebuilding effort they face.

“West is a really small community - just a few thousand people,” Perry said during a press conference at Texas Department of Public Safety headquarters in Austin. “Anyone who grew up in a small town understands that this tragedy will touch every family in West and the surrounding communities in some way.

“I urge all Texans and Americans to join me in keeping the people of West and our first responders in your prayers as this situation continues to unfold.”

Perry said countless state officials from agencies ranging from the DPS to the transportation department - as well as Texas Task Force One and Two rescue teams and the Texas National Guard - are in West helping with everything from the active search and rescue effort to monitoring pipelines and environmental quality.

Obama called Perry Thursday morning from Air Force One as he made his way to Boston, offering prayers and anything he could do to help.

More: Perry Urges All Americans to Keep West in Their Prayers