Director James Touts Missouri’s
Readiness, Public Safety Improvements to Legislature
JEFFERSON CITY, Dec. 8, 2005-Mark James, Director of
the Missouri Department of Public Safety and Missouri’s top
Homeland Security Advisor, testified Tuesday to the Joint Committee
on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security about the significant
improvements the state has made over the last eleven months to protect
the public.
Director James stressed that we are well prepared to
handle emergencies that this state has faced in the past-the floods,
tornados, ice storms, fires, major acts of crime, and terrorists.
When faced with a catastrophic earthquake, one that goes beyond anything
even Hollywood could create, planning is more challenging - but it
is a challenge we are meeting.
“Everyday I work with the men and women who actually
do the labor that makes Missouri better prepared, not just talk about
being better prepared,” James said. “Missourians can be
assured we are driven by a sense of urgency, as we continue to implement
initiatives that should have been enacted years ago, to maximize our
preparedness for this unthinkable event.”
After taking office, Gov. Blunt made good on key campaign
pledges to strengthen Missouri’s homeland security efforts.
His first action moved the Office of Homeland Security into the Department
of Public Safety, elevating the homeland security responsibilities
to a cabinet level official supported by the resources and infrastructure
of the department. That move began the following chain of events that
has made homeland security more effective and responsive:
· The Homeland Security Advisory Council was
established placing the top public safety, homeland security, health,
economic development, transportation, agriculture, natural resources,
and private industry officials at one table
· The Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC),
a 24-7 all hazards information center which collects, analyzes, and
disseminates critical public safety information, was conceptualized
and is nearing completion
· Ten million dollars was designated for statewide
interoperable communications including specific equipment that will
go toward building a common infrastructure
· In addition to updating the state’s All-Hazard
Emergency Operations Plan, a specific earthquake preparedness annex
to the plan is being developed in concert with local, county, federal
and neighboring state officials
· Missouri Homeland Security regional oversight
committees are being organized, ensuring that local government and
response teams have a clear channel of communication and resource
sharing with state homeland security officials
Missouri’s response to natural disasters was tested
during the aftermath of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Under Blunt’s
leadership, Missouri National Guard units were among the first on
the scene and came equipped to assist in relief and recovery efforts.
In addition, strong communication and collaboration between various
state agencies, local government and non-profit groups like the Red
Cross helped provide assistance to displaced Americans from the storm
ravaged Gulf Coast region.
For more information on public safety programs please
contact Terri Durdaller at (573) 751-4819.