News Releases for February 2003
February 7, 2003
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Hoeven Directs State Homeland Security Coordinator To Activate State Emergency Plan
Governor Responds to President’s Directive
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today directed Homeland Security Coordinator Doug Friez to activate the state’s Emergency Operations Plan, in accordance with President Bush’s decision to raise the national terrorism threat level from Yellow to Orange, High Condition.
The President’s move comes in response to no specific threat, but rather to several factors, including a general increase in intelligence information from around the world; the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia; and events pertaining to Iraq.
“We are coordinating all necessary security efforts with the appropriate law enforcement and military authorities, as well as private partners, to help ensure that the people and property of North Dakota are well-protected,” Hoeven said.
State officials will confer with state, local, private and tribal partners to discuss appropriate actions and implementations of the state plan at various levels.
“The President is taking prudent precautions in light of world events,” Friez said. “The Governor has asked us to comply at every level with the need for increased vigilance.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, an “Orange: High Condition” signifies a high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to increasing surveillance, coordinating emergency plans and assessing further actions, the following steps may be taken:
- Coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies
- Taking additional precautions at public events
- Preparing to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed workforce, restricting access to essential personnel only
Citizens seeking additional information can log on to the Red Cross web site at www.redcross.org or the Department of Homeland Security web site at www.dhs.gov.
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