ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today authorized two additional Minnesota safety officers to assist in emergency management efforts on the Hawaii Islands in response to ongoing volcanic activity. Volcanic eruptions have destroyed property, damaged public infrastructure, and endangered Hawaii communities. Governor Dayton approved this request for assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), to provide additional relief for ongoing 24-hour coverage of the natural disaster at Hawaii County’s Forward Operating Base.

 

The two Minnesotans authorized to assist in Hawaii’s emergency response efforts are Type III Safety Officers from the City of Minneapolis’ Office of Emergency Management. They are trained with hazardous materials experience, and will aid in overseeing daily response operations. They will assist in emergency response efforts for a total of 21 days, beginning Friday, July 6, 2018.

 

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is a mutual aid agreement between all 50 states. Under the Compact, a state in need of emergency assistance may request resources (people, equipment, etc.) from other states based on their needs. Agencies in other states with available resources are able to respond to a request, but there is no obligation to participate. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division coordinates the state’s EMAC requests. To learn more about the EMAC process, CLICK HERE.