September 01, 2005
September 1, 2005
NOTE: An audio clip will be made available for download this evening in the Spotlight section of Governor Granholm's website: www.michigan.gov/gov
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that she is activating the State's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate the state's efforts to support Hurricane Katrina relief. The operations center will coordinate incoming offers of assistance, information on private relief efforts, and efforts by the state of Michigan. The EOC will begin its operations tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m.
The Governor offered the following statement this afternoon:
"Since Hurricane Katrina slammed into America's southern coastline on Monday, the citizens of Michigan have responded with unprecedented generosity and concern. From temporarily suspending car payments owed by victims, to countless prayers from our citizens, I am once again humbled by how brightly our Michigan spirit shines.
The state of Michigan is actively preparing to serve in support of efforts, both in this state and in the south, to bring relief from Hurricane Katrina. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has urged citizens nationwide to work through their state governments so that relief efforts can be coordinated to ensure that help is delivered in the safest and most effective way possible.
At this point - neither the affected states nor the relief agencies have requested personnel or other resources beyond the National Guard units we have sent, but we are taking the steps necessary to be ready to send whatever assistance is requested of us, and we are preparing to receive citizens who seek refuge in our state.
We are aware of a number of independent relief missions, and we are doing everything possible to be prepared to open Michigan's arms to displaced families who may be coming to Michigan to seek shelter."
In addition to executive orders issued yesterday to ensure an adequate supply of gas in Michigan, the state took the following actions today to ensure Michigan is ready to answer a call for assistance from FEMA or the affected Gulf states:
- Emergency management staff is cataloging offers of donated goods and services in the event we are asked by the affected states to send those services south. In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and the Public Service Commission, the EOC continues to monitor the gas supply in Michigan.
- As Commander in Chief of the Michigan National Guard, the Governor deployed nearly 500 soldiers, some of whom have traveled to the region and others who will be deployed this weekend. The deployment includes military police personnel and transport planes that will be assisting in the evacuation of patients from hospitals. In addition, today the Emergency Management Assistance Compact requested a water purification system and operation staff capable of sustaining itself for five days. The state has responded to that request and is preparing to send a team from the National Guard to Mississippi.
- The Department of Community Health (DCH) has been asked to identify volunteer health professionals willing to travel to the affected areas. DCH is soliciting professionals from within their department, as well as from local health departments, and is putting those people on standby to head south when and if they are called by the affected states.
- Together, the Departments of Community Health and Education are working to ensure that children who may be traveling to Michigan for long-term shelter are granted entry to Michigan schools and are given temporary waivers for their immunization status.
- The Governor's Office for Community and Faith-Based Initiatives is working to coordinate a task force of faith-based and religious leaders to put together a collaborative effort of developing an after-care program for any family who may relocate to Michigan. That office will also work with Adopt-A-Family network that is being spearheaded through the Tom Joyner Morning Show to help coordinate the development of care packages for dislocated families.
Governor Granholm encouraged citizens to donate to national relief efforts.
http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov provides a comprehensive list of relief agencies.
