May 31, 2011 - Governor Snyder Declares State of Emergency in Battle Creek and Calhoun County; Declaration Makes Available All State Resources to Support Local Response Efforts
LANSING - Gov. Rick Snyder today declared a state of emergency in the city of Battle Creek and Calhoun County to help address any remaining threats to public health and safety related to the severe weather on May 29.
The declaration, outlined in a proclamation, was requested by local officials and will ensure that all possible resources, in accordance with the Michigan Emergency Management Plan, are provided to assist local response efforts in the form of personnel, supplies, equipment, materials and monetary aid.
Specifically, state resources will be deployed tomorrow to the impacted areas to remove debris from roadways that have been identified as a threat to public health and safety by local and state officials.
"This declaration makes available all state resources that are needed to support local response efforts in ensuring our citizens remain safe and all roadways are passable for emergency personnel," Snyder said. "The state is committed to working in coordination with local emergency personnel to protect our citizens and communities from safety hazards resulting from the recent severe weather."
Snyder's emergency declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate and maximize all state efforts in preserving and acquiring state resources focusing on public health and safety concerns in Battle Creek and Calhoun County.
To help monitor the situation, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is partially activated to coordinate the state's response efforts and to work in collaboration with local, state, federal and private partners.
The MSP/EMHSD is working with local officials to gather damage and cost information necessary to determine whether any additional state resources are needed and if the area may be eligible for federal funds of any kind.
A local jurisdiction may submit a request for a state of emergency or disaster under Public Act 390 of 1976 if the situation is beyond the capability and control of local government, affecting public health and safety.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.
