News Releases for March 2003
March 17, 2003
Contact Rob Keller 220-7277 or
Don Canton 328-2200 or 391-5572
Hoeven Elevates State Threat Level To Orange After Briefing From Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven tonight has directed North Dakota Homeland Security Director Doug Friez to activate the state’s emergency operation plan and raise the state’s terrorist threat level to Orange, High Condition, effective immediately. The action places the state’s law enforcement and other emergency personnel at a heightened state of alert.
Hoeven and other governors were briefed this evening by Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, who earlier raised the nation’s terrorist threat level to orange, the second highest level of alert. The five levels of alert range from green, the lowest, through blue, yellow, orange and red, the highest. Ridge also asked the governors to take additional domestic security measures to protect people and property in response to indications of increased activity by Al-Qaida.
“This is a difficult time in our country, but we’ve worked hard to prepare ourselves and our state,” Hoeven said. “Americans are a strong and resolute people, and that is certainly true of North Dakotans.”
Ridge also announced a new national domestic security program called Operation Liberty Shield, a comprehensive national plan designed to increase protection for America’s citizens and infrastructure while maintaining the free flow of goods and people across our borders with minimal disruption to the nation’s economy and way of life.
Operation Liberty Shield is a multi-department, multi-agency, national team effort that includes:
- Increased security at borders
- Stronger transportation protections
- Ongoing measures to disrupt threats against the nation
- Greater protections for critical infrastructure and key assets
- Increased public health preparedness
- Federal response resources positioned and ready.
Friez is asking the public to be particularly vigilant in light of Secretary Ridge’s news and the Governor’s request. He will be coordinating the state’s participation in Operation Liberty Shield effective immediately.
Citizens seeking preparedness suggestions and advice for families can find it at www.ready.gov and 1-800-Be-Ready.
E-mail comments to the Governor
