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Governor Hoeven: Don't Overreact to Situation

By Hope Deutscher

Bismarck, ND – North Dakota Governor John Hoeven says state agencies and military installations implemented measures to increase security, it is important that we not overreact to the current situation. He says the stepped up security measures were taken to insure North Dakotan's safety. Hoeven says today all state agencies are functioning as usual.

If North Dakotans have family or friends who have been affected, they can call the Department of Justice Victims Hotline at 1-800-331-0075 for information.

"We want especially to acknowledge friends and families of North Dakotans who have been very personally affected by yesterday's tragic events. We know that there are North Dakotans who are still missing in the aftermath of yesterday's cowardly acts. I want them to know that our thoughts and prayers go out to them," Hoeven said.

In response to yesterday's events, Hoeven activated the state's Emergency Operation Center, and put all state agencies and security forces on heightened alert, including the North Dakota National Guard and the Highway Patrol.

The North Dakota National Guard is currently at the highest state of alert, as are Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base. This is a precautionary measure in North Dakota. Washington is in a state of alert, and the situation there is still much different from what we are experiencing here in North Dakota.

North Dakota's Air National Guard participated directly in Washington, D.C.'s response to yesterday's attack. The Air Guard's alert aircraft have been conducting air patrol sorties over the nation's Capitol. and North Dakota Air National Guard aircraft were used to fly New York State Emergency Management Director Ed Jacoby back to New York.

Hoeven says there were many people concerned with fuel prices yesterday. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is working with the North Dakota Petroleum Council to pass a resolution to keep prices at yesterday's level.

Hoeven says North Dakotans who want to help can victims in New York and Washington, D.C. First, you can donate blood by contacting your local blood-service organization and making an appointment. You can also call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Second, if you would like to make a cash donation, the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management has a list of agencies participating in relief drives.

Hoeven says he contacted New York Governor Pataki's office, and they have told him they have ample assistance at this time and will be in touch with us further in the next few days. He says the outpouring of support for victims in Washington and New York has been enormous.