Statement from Governor Vilsack

Statement from Governor Vilsack

Governor Tom Vilsack released the following statement today regarding the emergency plans and evacuation of the capitol:

"I have directed the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HLSEM) to coordinate the evacuation plans of all of the agencies in the capitol. Tasked with this responsibility, Director Miller has returned to me a plan to improve and solidify plans to evacuate the capitol in the case of an emergency. Those documents are attached.

HLSEM has held multiple meetings with stakeholders to discuss implementation of emergency procedures and to address the culture of safety on the Capitol Complex. Homeland Security has developed procedures for several types of emergency events; they will be distributed to all state entities working in the capitol.

In addition to the procedures, HLSEM will provide regular training to agency personnel in techniques and procedures to safely evacuate visitors and office staff from the capitol in the case of an emergency. The agency will also request, on an annual basis, copies of every agency and office's emergency procedures; copies will be kept on file at HLSEM, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Administrative Services. Lastly, regular reports will be provided to the Governor's Office on the status of emergency procedure preparedness by agencies and offices.

The Lieutenant Governor and I are greatly concerned about the well-being and safety of those who visit and work in the capitol. We will insure that in the case of an emergency, all those within the capitol can be evacuated safely and securely in a timely, efficient manner."

http://www.governor.state.ia.us/news/2006/january/january2506_1.html