Michigan can now receive assistance from other states during an in-state emergency or disaster under legislation signed by Gov. John Engler last week.
Public Act 247, introduced by Rep. Andrew Raczkowski, R-Farmington Hills, incorporates Michigan into the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
The compact is an agreement between 40 states that provides mutual assistance when there is a natural or man-made disaster, local crisis or large-scale enemy attack.
Raczkowski said the new agreement is especially important because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Michigan is the first state to have an anti-terrorism and disaster committee and this is just one more step, he said
“This will better prepare us for disaster and allows us to receive and render aid,” Raczkowski said. “It will also allow for faster assistance than ever before.”
Not only could it make Michigan a safer state, it would allow the state to better represent itself in emergencies such as the World Trade Center attacks, Raczkowski said. For example, instead of having individuals go to New York, the assistance could be more organized as a group effort.
“The compact is a good insurance policy, and facilitates our support,” said Maj. Jim McCrone, of the Michigan Army National Guard public affairs office. “It means that there is always interstate cooperation.”
It also means there will be fewer tangles in interstate dealings during crisis situations.
“Now, there’s a much cleaner program in place to help, McCrone said. “It gives (other states) peace of mind to know that if they need us, they can get us without administrative hang-ups.
“There is nothing more frustrating in an emergency situation than not being able to have the right authorization or tools to help. In the event of a crisis, we have the tools and provisions we need.”
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks also increased the public’s awareness of emergency services and proved the need for an interstate program to be in place in case of a crisis, McCrone said.
The program makes obtaining required materials for emergency management easier, and allows services to extend to a larger area.
“We are pleased to help other states on a regional level, and here in Michigan as well. When someone is in a pinch, we want to have all the provisions to help,” he said.
“With EMAC, all states recognize that in a crisis, we all need help. Legally, all the doors are open.”
