In reaction to looming war in Iraq, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said there is no indication Michigan faces security threats.
"As hope for a peaceful solution fades and anxieties rise, we want to send a very clear message to all of our citizens," she said. "That we as a state stand prepared to respond to any emergency that may occur on our soil as a consequence of war."
In the event of a security issue, Michigan is prepared with emergency action plans, response teams and increased security measures, she said.
"We are prepared to enact them at a moment's notice in the unlikely event that an emergency should happen here," Granholm said.
Granholm, along with other governors, was briefed Monday evening by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge about the nation's increased terror alert level to orange (high), as well as general heightened security throughout the country.
"I have instructed my cabinet members responsible for the security of our state to prepare for an attack on our soil, no matter how unlikely," Granholm said.
Michigan's Homeland Security Team is working with the federal government's Operation Liberty Shield to increase infrastructure security, border surveillance, airport security and rail security.
The team has identified such "critical infrastructures" that could potentially be targets, Michigan State Police Col. Tadarial Sturdivant said.
Michigan police forces on every level are in the process of developing security levels and implementing plans to increase security in times of heightened alert, Sturdivant said.
Michigan Department of Community Health Chief Medical Executive Dr. David Johnson said Michigan is prepared to deal with a possible bioterrorist attack.
Several health department and hospital sites throughout the state have been identified to receive the crucial pharmaceuticals should they be needed, he said.
With the tight budget Michigan faces in the near future, Granholm said increased levels of security could result in calling in the National Guard, which could cost all communities significant amounts of money.
However the federal government has been accommodating to the needs of the states in this possible, but unlikely circumstance, she said.
With no direct threat to Michigan, Granholm said there is no need to panic and asks all citizens to remain "calm, prepared and considerate of one another" during tense times.
"Any harassment, intimidation or aggression against any of our fellow citizens based on ethnicity or religion will not be tolerated," she said.
"No matter what our differences may be as Americans, now is the time for us to pull together and stand behind our troops and our ideals as a democratic, free and tolerant society."
