Governor Granholm and State's Homeland Security Team Review Michigan's Readiness as Nation Prepares for War

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and members of her Homeland Security team today reviewed Michigan’s emergency preparedness as the nation edged closer to war with Iraq.

“Michigan stands ready to respond to any emergency that may occur within our borders as a consequence of war,” Granholm said. “I ask that all our citizens remain calm, prepared, and considerate of one another.”

Granholm, Michigan State Police Colonel Tadarial Sturdivant, Michigan National Guard Adjutant General Major General Thomas Cutler, Homeland Security Policy Advisor Colonel Mike McDaniel, Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski, and Department of Community Health Deputy Director Dr. David Johnson all briefed the media this afternoon at the Capitol on Michigan’s emergency preparedness.

Granholm emphasized that there is no indication that Michigan is a potential terrorism target at this time.

“Last night, I participated in a telephone briefing with Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and other governors from around the country,” Granholm said. “While Michigan does not appear to be a target at this time, I have instructed my cabinet members responsible for the security of our state to prepare for an attack on our soil, no matter how unlikely.”

Granholm said the Michigan Homeland Security team has:

• Identified critical infrastructures and has been in constant communication with the federal government about increased security at those sites.
• Initiated regular contact with the federal government, the state’s 110 designated emergency managers from local units of government, and with each of the eight larger Emergency Response Regions within the state.
• Contacted all of the state's 45 local health departments, as well as each region's bio-terrorism coordinator who is responsible for facilitating the responses at each of Michigan's 181 hospitals. Multiple sites around the state have been identified to receive essential medicines and supplies in the unlikely event they should be needed.

As tensions and anxiety in anticipation of a possible war increase, Granholm also stressed that any incidents of harassment, intimidation, or aggression toward Michigan residents based on ethnicity or religion would not be tolerated.

“I ask all Michigan residents to remain respectful and tolerant of each other during this stressful time,” Granholm said. “Any incidents of harassment or intimidation will be taken seriously and will be prosecuted to the full letter of the law. No matter what our differences, we must pull together and stand behind our troops and our ideals as a democratic, free, and tolerant society.”

“As Governor, my paramount duty is to protect Michigan residents,” Granholm said. “As the hope for a peaceful solution to this crisis fades and anxieties rise, I want to assure Michigan residents that emergency plans are in place, and we are prepared to act at a moment’s notice in the unlikely event of an attack or emergency here.”