December 29, 2003

Lansing, MI - On December 21, 2003, the United States Government raised the national threat level from an Elevated to High risk of terrorist attack -- or as more commonly known, from a Yellow Code to an Orange Code. A High/Orange Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. It is the fourth highest of the five-tiered alert system.

The State of Michigan also elevated its advisory conditions to High/Orange Code. Emergency management and law enforcement professionals at the state and local level, as well as the private sector, are taking action to increase security in your community, and across the state.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division, the agency responsible for Homeland Security, has worked to ensure that Michigan’s infrastructure, transportation network, schools and communities have made progress towards improved safety and security.

"Citizens of Michigan should rest assured that every action is being taken to prevent a terrorist attack in our state," said Inspector Kriste Etue, deputy commander of the Emergency Management Division. "While no plan is fool proof, Michigan is far better prepared than it was before the September 11th attacks. All levels of government have come together to coordinate their collective resources to deter and respond to events should they occur. I can assure you that your government will stand at the ready, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to stop terrorism."

Currently, the state is working with local law enforcements agencies to assure critical infrastructure sites are being protected. Additionally, the following steps are underway:

• State and local departments and agencies are implementing action plans in response to the increase in the threat level.
• Coordination of necessary security efforts with Federal and local law enforcement agencies, as well as with the Province of Ontario; and
• Preparation to execute contingency procedures, such as activating the state’s emergency operations center, if needed.