Police use a water cannon against Dakota Access pipeline protesters in the freezing cold, near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota, November 20, 2016 (Credit: Reuters/Stephanie Keith) FARGO, N.D. — The head of North Dakota’s emergency management services says the state is prepared to respond to Dakota Access pipeline protesters who may need help during a winter storm or some other crisis. State Homeland Security Director Greg Wilz said it would be a “huge challenge,” especially during a mass evacuation, but his office has winter shelter plans in place and various agencies are ready to respond. “The bottom line here is, if we are in a situation of life and limb, we are going to be humane in anything and everything we do,” Wilz said.