LANSING, Michigan – The Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division (EMD) today hosted a CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) Training Event for 70 media representatives and state officials.

EMD presented the event as part of National Preparedness Month to provide CBRNE Awareness training to media personnel, showcase emergency protective gear, provide a venue for state agencies, response agencies and relief organizations to exhibit their equipment, and inform the media about the importance of emergency preparedness and their role in covering events.

Media representatives suited up in CBRNE protective gear to experience what it would be like to cover an actual CBRNE event. EMD officials also demonstrated their Critical Incident Management System (CIMS) software, GeoSpatial Information System (GIS) equipment and conducted a tour of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to explain the teamwork, coordination, and resources needed to respond to a major incident such as last summer’s blackout.

"We sponsored this event to underscore the essentials of preparedness, as well as to help the news media understand hazardous response scenarios in terms of preparation, education and proper equipment," said Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant, Director of the Michigan State Police and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "When it comes to emergency management, we rely on the news media to get essential information to the public, which means reporters must be prepared for what they might encounter at a CBRNE incident before they set foot on site to cover it."

To encourage public awareness, EMD distributed family preparedness guides to get the word out on steps families should take before, during, and after an emergency; how to prepare an emergency supply kit; and which web sites are particularly helpful.

"This training is like homeowners’ insurance – you hope you never have to use it, but it’s reassuring to know you have it if you need it," said Inspector Kriste Etue, Assistant Commander of the Emergency Management Division. "In today’s world, it always pays to be prepared."