LANSING – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that all emergency response efforts for Hurricane Katrina will be coordinated between federal, state and local officials under established mutual aid agreements and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC, a mutual aid agreement and partnership between states and territories, offers state-to-state assistance during emergencies and provides fast and flexible assistance.

At the urging of the Department of Homeland Security, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division (EMD) is asking police, fire and emergency services departments here in Michigan to wait until dispatched by state and local authorities before deploying to the counties and states impacted by Katrina.

“In order for resources from the state of Michigan to be used most effectively, it’s important that we wait until such time as the affected states request assistance.” stated Capt. Kriste Etue, commander of EMD and state deputy director of homeland security and emergency management. “Once a request is received, EMD will work, within established protocols, to provide the needed resources.

Michigan residents who want to do their part to help the relief efforts can find organizations accepting hurricane relief donations at www.fema.gov under the “Make Donations” section or by calling their local American Red Cross chapter.