For Release: Immediate  Date: September 11, 2001

Release: #1 Joint Information Center 919-733-2448

RALEIGH - At the direction of Governor Mike Easley, Secretary Bryan Beatty partially activated the N.C. State Emergency Response Team (SERT) at 10:42 this morning as a result of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. SERT, which is housed in the Department of Crime Control & Public Safety, is made up of state agencies necessary to respond to any type of emergency or disaster.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, the emergency responders and their families who are affected by this tragedy," said Gov. Easley at a 2:00 p.m. press briefing. "According to SBI and FBI intelligence, there are no known threats to North Carolina. However, we have taken necessary and appropriate security measures as a precaution."

Sec. Beatty said North Carolina stands ready to assist as needed through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), an agreement between 42 states and two territories to share personnel and resources in times of emergency.

"Iowa was in the process of handing off the coordinating responsibility for EMAC to North Carolina when this incident occurred. North Carolina is working closely with Iowa, as it will maintain the lead role in EMAC for the time being," said Beatty. "We have put all state law enforcement and our Air and Army National Guard on alert, however, we have had no incidents in North Carolina at this time. Fourteen counties have activated their emergency operations centers as a precaution."

Air Guard C-130 aircraft are on stand by if needed at the Air Guard headquarters in Charlotte. SERT has been notified that all federal military bases in North Carolina have been placed on alert.

As is the case nationwide, all air traffic is cancelled for the next 48 hours. SERT's Human Services Group will be available to assist airports to ensure that stranded passengers are properly housed and fed. At this time, hotel and motel rooms are available in and around the major airports in the state.

All highways in North Carolina are open and no major traffic problems are reported anywhere in the state. The Commonwealth of Virginia has closed its borders to any vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Those vehicles are either finding alternate routes to their final destinations or are returning to their original location. The Division of Motor Vehicles says this is not causing any traffic problems in North Carolina.

Security has been increased in and around state government buildings as a precaution. Many federal buildings are being or have been closed as a precaution. The four nuclear power plants that serve North Carolina have increased security and closed public access to their facilities.

The American Red Cross Carolinas Region is sending blood to a holding facility in Baltimore, Maryland, for use as needed. Gov. Easley called on North Carolinians who are able to go to their local Red Cross to donate blood. Citizens with questions on where to go may call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Sec. Beatty urged citizens to remain calm. "There is no reason at this time to think that North Carolina is under a threat of any kind. We ask citizens to use common sense as they go about their normal routines."

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