Urges Calm, Mobilizes National Guard, Postpones Primaries Statewide

In the wake of events at the World Trade Center, Governor George E. Pataki has urged all New Yorkers to remain calm and has announced a number of actions pertaining to the State's emergency response.

" I urge all New Yorkers to remain calm during these trying circumstances," Governor Pataki said. "We are in constant communication with the White House, the Mayor's Office, and the appropriate State, local and federal emergency authorities to ensure the most coordinated and effective emergency response possible.

"We have activated the National Guard and I have asked the President to declare a federal disaster to expedite all resources and assistance, including urban search and rescue teams and federal disaster response units. As additional information becomes available throughout the day we will make it available to the public and the press."

Among the actions taken by the Governor are the following:

The Governor has declared a State Disaster Emergency in New York State and has asked President Bush to declare a federal disaster to expedite the emergency response and assistance effort in New York City.

The Governor has mobilized the New York State National Guard to assist with the emergency response and rescue effort.

The Governor has postponed all primary elections scheduled to be held throughout the State today. This applies to all counties statewide.

The Governor this morning ordered the full activation of the State Emergency Operations Center in Albany to coordinate the response of all State agencies and resources. Representatives from more than 22 State agencies and the American Red Cross have begun working 12-hour shifts around the clock to coordinate that effort.

The Governor has directed the implementation of the State Disaster Preparedness Plan and has authorized State agencies to take necessary and appropriate actions to assist New York City and contiguous areas in restoring vital transportation systems and to provide such other assistance essential for protecting public health and safety.

The Governor has designated Edward F. Jacoby Jr., Director of the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), as the State Coordinating Officer for the disaster response effort. In that role, Jacoby will coordinate all State assets for the recovery and will work with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

As a precautionary measure, all State government offices in New York City and the Capital Region have been closed for the day, and all workers who are not involved in the emergency response effort have been sent home.