Madison – Governor Scott Walker joined Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor and Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard, Major General Donald Dunbar and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) Administrator Brian Satula today at the 50th Annual Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, the conference attracts more than 400 representatives from fire, law enforcement, emergency management, and other first responder agencies.
“Being prepared and having a plan in place is the key to protecting the people of Wisconsin,” Governor Walker said. “I’m proud Wisconsin is one of the first states in the nation to develop an opportunity like the Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Protecting our citizens from harm is our top priority, and we’ll continue to work together to ensure safety.”
“First responders, emergency managers, representatives from the private sector and National Guard soldiers and airmen from across the state attend this important conference,” Major General Donald Dunbar said. “It is a chance to learn about past emergencies and events and to share best practices on how to prepare and plan for the unexpected.”
The Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security is one of the oldest emergency management conferences in the nation, and the focus this year is on coordination between local government, state government, federal government, and the private sector. The conference provides safety professionals from around Wisconsin the opportunity to come together and learn about new ways to protect the people of the state.
Recent Emergency Planning and Response Efforts:
- Cyber Security – Wisconsin blocks around two million cyberattacks that target state agencies every day. This past fall, the state held its third annual Cyber Security Summit, an important event allowing government and industry officials to share resources, best practices, and lessons learned across public and private sectors. Governor Walker also recently announced the formation of a new cyber protection team comprised of Wisconsin National Guard soldiers. Together, the team has developed relationships with local governments and private industries and is a crucial asset in sharing resources and defending Wisconsin’s cyber infrastructure.
- See Something, Say Something – Launched three years ago, the “See Something, Say Something” campaign works to enlighten Wisconsin citizens about the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement officers.
Every year, the state must respond to traditional emergencies, such as floods and tornadoes, as well as non-traditional emergencies, including propane shortage, drought, and Avian Influenza. The Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security is an excellent resource, allowing for collaboration on the ongoing planning and preparedness efforts at the local and state level.
