Wisconsin Governor Doyle Accepts First Preparedness Report from General Dunbar

Praises State’s Response to Recent Floods

September 24, 2007 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Doyle today accepted the 2007 Report on Homeland Security from Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin, his first report as Wisconsin’s chief Homeland Security Advisor. The report outlines the efforts Wisconsin is taking to prevent and respond to potential emergencies and disasters in the state.

“Over the last five years, we have worked hard to build our emergency response capabilities. This hard work is paying off,” Governor Doyle said. “Last month we were put to the test by the tragic floods that hit southern Wisconsin. Fortunately, Wisconsin’s response showed that we are ready when emergency strikes. Our first responders performed exceptionally, acting courageously and swiftly to aid citizens across the state.”

While heavy rains flooded southern Wisconsin, the state emergency operations center quickly coordinated responses throughout the state. When communities like Gays Mills fell under water first responders evacuated people from flooded homes and cars and brought them to safety. Volunteer aid organizations and state agencies alike provided assistance to victims and secured critical infrastructure. Relief efforts and disaster assistance will continue to aid those affected by the floods.

“In 2007, we made significant progress in implementing programs to protect our state from those that seek to harm us, as well as preparing our state and communities to respond in the event of a communicable disease outbreak or natural or man-made disaster,” General Dunbar said. “Protecting our communities from these threats is the highest priority of the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council.”

Highlights from this year’s Homeland Security report include:

· Investment - Despite federal funding decreasing 27 percent, from $24.4 million to $17.8 million, Wisconsin has made sound investments in safety. Wisconsin’s investment plan for homeland security was considered to be one of the most effective, ranking 4th in the nation by a national peer review panel.

· Responder Training - Since 2003, more than 80,000 National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses have been completed by Wisconsin first responders and officials. Emergency response personnel can now train on a collapsed building and rubble pile at the Regional Emergency All-Climate Training (REACT) Center at Volk Field. In June, the National Guard Reaction Force (NGRF) gained national recognition for their full-scale training exercise in responding to nuclear emergencies at Point Beach Power Plant.

· Citizen Readiness - In 2007, more than 2600 first responders and 4300 citizens completed emergency response training. Nearly 1,000 young people were trained in Responding to Emergencies and Disasters with Youth (READY) programs. To date, there are over 1,600 American Red Cross and Salvation Army volunteers, 16 Citizen Corps Councils, and 2000 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers across the state.

· Interoperable Communications - The Office of Justice Assistance (OJA) improved communication networks and protection for critical infrastructure. Now nearly 70 percent of emergency radios across the state are “mutual aid” ready.

· Plans and Partnerships - Plans for mass evacuation are in place for all 72 counties. By the end of this year, Wisconsin will complete public-private emergency response partnerships in six targeted Wisconsin Emergency Management cities: Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire, Wausau and Superior. In 2008, partnerships will be developed in five additional cities. 175 agencies and businesses developed Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plans to ensure the provision of critical services in an emergency.

· Public Health - In 2006, Wisconsin experts provided the federal government with data for its national alert recalling bagged spinach due to the threat of E.Coli. A study by Scripps-Howard News Service indicates Wisconsin has the nation’s best record in diagnosing the causes of food illness. In addition, two major food safety plans were developed and response exercises were held at 64 municipal drinking water systems.

· Pandemic Flu - The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) developed the capability to test influenza viruses for antiviral resistance to assess seasonal and pandemic flu threats. A “Laboratory Checklist for Pandemic Influenza” was developed to aid Wisconsin Laboratory Response Network labs to aid in pandemic response planning.

To view the 2007 Report on Wisconsin Homeland Security visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=12071.

Source: Wisconsin Governor