(a) The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs is responsible for carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) In performing its duties under this chapter, the department may

(1) issue, adopt, amend, and rescind the necessary orders and regulations to carry out this chapter, with consideration of the plans and programs of the federal government;

(2) prepare and implement comprehensive plans and programs for the homeland security and civil defense of this state, and coordinate with state agencies in the preparation and implementation of those plans and programs, which shall be integrated into and coordinated with the homeland security and civil defense plans and programs of the federal government and of each state of the United States to the fullest possible extent, and coordinate the preparation and implementation of plans and programs for homeland security and civil defense by political subdivisions and private agencies of the state, which shall be integrated into and coordinated with the homeland security and civil defense plans and programs of this state to the fullest possible extent;

(3) ascertain the requirements of the state for food or clothing or other necessities of life in the event of attack and plan for and procure supplies, medicines, materials, and equipment, and use and employ any of the property, services, and resources within the state, for the purposes set out in this chapter; make surveys of the industries, resources, and facilities within the state that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; institute training programs and public information programs; and take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of homeland security, civil defense, and emergency organizations and personnel in advance of actual attack, to ensure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped personnel and adequate resources in time of need;

(4) coordinate with the officers and agencies of the United States and the states of the United States, in matters pertaining to the homeland security and civil defense of the state and nation;

(5) exercise additional authority delegated by the governor to the department to secure compliance with this chapter and with the orders and regulations issued or adopted under this chapter;

(6) employ measures and give directions to the state or local health agencies as are reasonably necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with this chapter or with the findings or recommendations of state or local health agencies due to conditions arising from attack or the threat of attack;

(7) obtain and utilize the services, facilities, and information of existing officers and agencies of the state and of the political subdivisions of the state, whose duty it is to cooperate with and extend their services, facilities, and information to the department as requested by it;

(8) delegate authority vested in the department under this chapter, and provide for the subdelegation of this authority;

(9) sponsor and develop mutual aid and cooperation plans and agreements among the agencies of the state, the political subdivisions of the state, and private agencies and organizations;

(10) sell, lend, transfer, or deliver supplies or medicines to carry out the policy and purposes set out in this chapter on terms and conditions that the department considers reasonable;

(11) participate in and conduct exercises to implement homeland security plans and to prepare for a potential attack;

(12) advise the governor and the legislature on appropriate policy of the state for matters of homeland security and civil defense; and

(13) coordinate with state agencies in providing a recommendation to the governor for state action in response to changes in threat levels.