Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Touts Missouri's Emergency Preparedness Strategies; Highlights NGA Homeland Security Guide
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt applauded the leadership of the National Governors Association (NGA) in providing national guidelines for governors to evaluate their Homeland Security program. After a review of the guidelines, Blunt noted that Missouri has already embraced and implemented almost all of the recommendations set out in the report.
"Missouri is on the cutting edge with our emergency preparedness plans," Blunt said. "I have tasked Director of Public Safety Mark James and our homeland security team to continue watching national trends so they will continue to stay ahead of the curve to protect Missourians. Mark understands my vision for defending and protecting our state and this report affirms that Missouri is helping lead the nation with disaster preparedness."
The recent NGA report outlined ways in which the United States top state officials should prepare for homeland security issues and emergency management. Many of these suggested methods and programs have been employed since Blunt has been in office. Some key aspects include: infrastructure protection, intelligence and information sharing, as well as mutual aid programs through various agencies to better assist in recovery efforts.
The NGA report emphasizes arranging a well-structured homeland security organization that encompasses various stakeholders. Blunt established the Homeland Security Advisory Council shortly after taking office and the group has been successful in allocating federal dollars fairly throughout the state by establishing Regional Homeland Security Committee's which mirror the existing nine Highway Patrol Troop Regions to gain a grassroots view of homeland security and encourages the sharing of equipment and resources without unnecessary duplication.
The advisory council has also lead the effort in developing working groups to address the following public safety initiatives also outlined in the report as top priorities: safe school planning, interoperable communications, pandemic influenza planning, and earthquake preparedness.
The NGA report points out that communication, both between governmental agencies of all levels and the public, is a top priority of National Security and disaster relief. The Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) implemented under Gov. Blunt's administration, provides a public safety partnership which fuses information between all levels of government and members of the private sector to exchange intelligence in a timely, effective and secure manner.
New Missouri programs and agencies share ideas and information at a speed that is ahead of the national curve. These programs and agencies are outlined in the Homeland Security 2006 Annual Report which can be found online: http://www.dps.mo.gov/HomelandSecurity/AnnualReport2006.pdf.
To view the NGA: Governor's Guide to Homeland Security, visit www.dps.mo.gov.