Category: Blog Posts
Debris Flows and Flash Floods: What You Need to Know After Wildfires
Wildfires can dramatically change the landscape around us, leaving behind burn scars that oftentimes go unnoticed until it’s too late. These burn scars are at high risk of debris flows and flash floods – both dangerous events that can happen with little warning, particularly after intense rainfall. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) believes understanding these risks are crucial for staying safe if you live, work, or travel near areas impacted by recent fires.
What is a Debris Flow?
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Boise, debris flows are a type of fast-moving, deadly landslide. They’re powerful mixtures of mud, rocks, boulders, trees, and even homes or vehicles. They sometimes are referred to as “mudslides” or “mudflows,” but debris flows are technically the most powerful and dangerous of the three. Debris flows are often triggered by intense rain following wildfires, as the rain quickly dislodges loose, unanchored soil and other debris from burned slopes.
Why Debris Flows and Flash Floods Occur in Burned Areas
Wildfires burn away vegetation and cause a chemical reaction in the soil, leading to a hardened, water-resistant layer. Known as “hydrophobic soil,” this layer prevents rain from soaking into the ground, causing it to run off quickly instead. Without vegetation to hold the soil in place, the runoff flows faster and gains power as it heads downhill, increasing the risk of flash flooding and debris flows.
- Intense Rainfall: Debris flows often occur with intense bursts of rain—just half an inch in an hour can trigger one. These events don’t require prolonged rainfall, just a sudden, heavy downpour.
- Rapid Erosion: After a fire, loose rocks, soil, and other debris are left without vegetation to stabilize them, which increases erosion and contributes to fast-moving flows.
- Flash Flood Hazards: In burn areas, flash flooding can happen even in places that haven’t previously experienced flooding. Roads, trails, and streams may flood suddenly, creating hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and structures.
Why Are Debris Flows So Dangerous?
Debris flows and flash floods are fast and unpredictable. They can move faster than a person can run and even catch up to vehicles. They also don’t always follow existing channels; a debris flow might start in a stream and then veer into neighborhoods or roads with no prior history of flooding. It is important to monitor weather and take action at the first sign of potential danger.
Tips for Preparedness
- Sign up for Alerts: Enroll in local emergency alert systems such as the Idaho State Alert and Warning System receive warnings about severe weather.
- Track the Weather: Use reliable sources, including NOAA Weather Radio, the NWS Boise website, and local sheriff’s offices and news outlets for updates.
Remember, storms can form rapidly, especially in mountainous areas, and intense rain over a burn scar can lead to flash flooding within minutes.
- Recognize the Warning Signs
- Weather Patterns: Thunderstorms often build over mountains, and dark clouds indicate heavy rainfall, which may cause flooding downstream, even if the rain isn’t falling where you are.
- Changes in Landscape: Cracks in the ground, unusual sounds, or sudden rises in stream water levels can signal that a debris flow is starting.
- Know Your Evacuation Routes: Identify safe paths to higher ground, and create multiple evacuation routes in case roads become impassable. Always have a plan for where to go if evacuation is necessary.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: When disaster strikes, being prepared can truly make all the difference. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can be crucial in how you and your household handle unexpected situations. Be sure to include items like:
- Water
- Food
- Flashlights
- First Aid Kits
- Extra Clothes and Shoes
- Battery Power or Hand Crack Radio
- Extra Batteries
- Don’t Wait: If you receive a flash flood or debris flow warning, take immediate action to evacuate. These events can develop rapidly, so early action is essential.
- Avoid Flooded Areas: Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. Just six inches of water can knock you over, and as little as a foot can carry a car. Always remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Flash flooding and debris flows are serious hazards in areas affected by wildfires. By staying informed, having an evacuation plan, and recognizing warning signs, you can protect yourself and your family from these unpredictable natural events. Stay resilient, stay safe, and remember that early preparation can make all the difference.
Building Cyber Resilience
Resilience, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.”
In cybersecurity, resilience is a foundational principle. The National Institute of Standards and Technology defines cyber resilience as “the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises on systems that use or are enabled by cyber resources.”
Anticipating misfortune.
Cyber resilience means anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they escalate. One of the most effective ways to do this is by keeping systems current and patched. Patching involves updating software and systems to fix vulnerabilities or bugs, which helps reduce security risks and keeps everything running smoothly.
Patching a Windows computer is a relatively quick task, usually taking between five to 15 minutes, though some updates can take up to an hour. Larger systems, like application servers, typically require a bit more time—often one to two hours, and sometimes as much as eight to ten hours for more complex updates.
Taking this time for routine patching is well worth it when you consider the alternative. Recovering from a cyberattack can take far longer—on average, about 22 days, and sometimes several months.
Withstanding misfortune.
Even with regular patching, not all cybersecurity incidents can be prevented. In 2023 alone, cybercrime led to an estimated $12.5 billion in losses. Additionally, an automated patch recently released by CrowdStrike, which had not been properly tested in live environments, resulted in a worldwide outage. This outage led to an estimated $5.4 billion in losses, as reported by Parametrix. However, companies that had prepared multiple defenses fared better in handling the risks. In cybersecurity, this layered approach is known as “defense in depth.”
To improve your cyber resilience, make sure to regularly patch your devices and implement multiple layers of security. Resilience isn’t just about enduring tough situations – it’s about being prepared for them in the first place.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative that emphasizes the importance of protecting your personal information and staying safe online. With data breaches and cyberattacks becoming more frequent, this month is a reminder of the need to take precautions and adopt simple measures to secure our digital lives.
Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is joining Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in promoting the Secure Our World campaign. The initiative encourages all of us—whether at home, work, or school—to incorporate cybersecurity practices into our daily routines. Taking these small steps can significantly reduce the risk of online threats and protect your digital information.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By making online safety part of your everyday habits, you can stay protected and help create a more secure digital world for everyone.
Four Ways to Stay Safe Online
Building a safer digital future starts with us. By following these four simple actions, we can all become more secure online. Take a moment to share these tips with your family, friends, and community.
Passwords are your first line of defense. A strong password is long, random, and unique, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. To simplify the process, consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every account.
Passwords alone aren’t enough. Adding another layer of security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) greatly reduces the risk of being hacked. Enable MFA wherever possible, especially on important accounts like email, social media, and financial platforms.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or messages asking for personal information. Phishing attacks often aim to steal sensitive data or login credentials. If something seems suspicious, don’t respond or click on any links—report the phishing attempt and delete the message.
Software updates are crucial for maintaining security. Regular updates often contain critical patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Make sure your devices and apps are always up to date, and enable automatic updates whenever possible.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps can make a big difference. By taking action and sharing these tips with your family, friends, and coworkers, you can help create a safer online environment for everyone.
Prepare for the Great ShakeOut with Earthquake Safety Drills
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. local time, Idahoans will join millions worldwide in the Great ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever. This annual event is an important opportunity to practice life-saving actions like Drop, Cover, and Hold On—preparing all of us for the next big earthquake.
Whether you’re at home, work, school, or in a public space, everyone can participate. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages all Idahoans to take part, ensuring you’re ready when the shaking starts. The actions we take can prevent an earthquake from turning into a catastrophe.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
In most situations, if you feel shaking or receive an earthquake alert, take these life-saving actions:
- DROP: Get down on your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked over and helps keep you stable.
- COVER: Use one arm to cover your head and neck. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk for shelter. If there’s no nearby shelter, move to an interior wall and stay low.
- HOLD ON: Stay in position until the shaking stops. If under a table, hold on to it with one hand in case it shifts. If no shelter is available, protect your head and neck with both hands.
Adapt to Your Situation
If you have mobility challenges, there are ways to adapt the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill to suit your needs:
- Using a cane: Sit on a chair or bed, cover your head and neck with your hands, and keep your cane nearby.
- Using a walker or wheelchair: Lock the wheels if possible, get as low as you can, and cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow. Hold on until the shaking stops.
For more detailed accessibility tips, visit EarthquakeCountry.org/accessibility.
Why Drop, Cover, and Hold On?
Experts and rescue teams agree that Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the safest action you can take during an earthquake. Alternatives like running outside, standing in doorways, or the so-called “triangle of life” are outdated and dangerous.
Research shows that you’re far more likely to be injured by falling or flying objects, such as TVs, lamps, or glass, than by building collapses. Practicing the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill prepares you to act quickly and safely when the ground starts shaking.
What NOT to Do During an Earthquake:
- DO NOT stand in a doorway: Modern buildings don’t offer extra protection in doorways, and you’re still exposed to flying objects. Get under a table instead.
- DO NOT run outside: You’re safer inside. Running can cause falls or injuries from debris, and the outside of buildings is one of the most dangerous places during an earthquake.
- DO NOT believe in the “triangle of life”: This discredited method is not recommended by experts and could put you in danger.
Prepare and Practice
Earthquakes happen without warning, and you might only have seconds to react. Make it a habit to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On regularly, just like children do in school. The more you practice, the more instinctive your response will be during a real earthquake.
Help protect yourself and others by spreading the word about the importance of practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On. It’s a simple action that could make all the difference when an earthquake hits.
For more additional information on Drop, Cover, and Hold On drills, check out these resources:
Great ShakeOut: Join the World’s Largest Earthquake Drill
Every year, on the third Thursday of October, people come together to practice earthquake safety and to prepare for the next big earthquake. This year the international Great ShakeOut is happening on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. local time and gives Idahoans a chance to join millions around the world in the largest earthquake drill ever.
Whether you’re at home, work, school, or in a public space, everyone can take part in this life-saving drill. For those unable to join on October 17, holding a drill on a more convenient day is always an option.
Taking steps now to prepare for earthquakes can prevent a disaster from becoming a catastrophe. Earthquakes strike without warning, leaving little time to react. Practicing earthquake-safe actions, like the Drop, Cover, Hold On drill, can make all the difference when real shaking occurs.
How to prepare:
Registration is available at ShakeOut.org/register for families, workplaces, and organizations. Last year, more than 66,000 Idahoans participated—let’s see if we can get even more this year! After registering, participants will receive guidance on preparation, actions to take during and after an earthquake, and updates about the ShakeOut.
Check out others in the community who are participating at ShakeOut.org/whoisparticipating and help spread awareness by encouraging neighbors, friends, and coworkers to join the effort.
Don’t wait until the shaking starts, register today and practice earthquake safety with your community.
Cybersecurity Statistic of the Month: Password Complexity and MFA
Long before word processing, spreadsheets, and most recently artificial intelligence (AI), modern computers were designed to do math quickly. In 1965, Intel CEO Gordon Moore observed that every year the number of components per integrated circuit doubled. In 1975, this number was revised, doubling every two years. This has held true for every year from 1975 on. This is known as “Moore’s Law.”
Cracking a password comes down to a math problem. The table below shows recent statistics for password cracking using hardware commonly found in desktop computers based on complexity:
This highlights that using more characters and requiring numbers, upper- and lower-case letters and symbols makes it significantly harder to crack a password. It is why accounts are set to lock out after a number of password attempts.
Part of password complexity includes lock out triggers and lock out times. It is unlikely a user will type a password incorrectly five times and even less likely to do so in one second. Requiring a 15-minute time out after five consecutive incorrect password attempts increases the amount of time required to crack a password.
According to a Forbes study, 35% of people with stolen passwords say that a simple password was the cause of their problems.
The problem with reusing passwords
People come up with a single password they are comfortable with.
Seventy-eight percent reuse passwords and 68% who had their password stolen have to change it in multiple places.
The problem with using a single factor
What is a factor when it comes to multifactor authentication (MFA). A factor is a piece of evidence to get a computer, a network or an application to trust a user with information or privileges. Factors are broken out into three categories:
- Something you have. Examples include physical keys, a car fob, a badge, a bank card, a phone, and a USB token.
- Something you know. Examples include a password, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name.
- Something you are. Examples include facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprints, eye iris recognition.
From the Forbes study, 27% of credentials were exposed due to a company data breach and 21% were stolen through phishing attacks. Looking at the combination of cracked passwords, passwords that are guessed because of reuse, or passwords that are stolen, the value of additional factors becomes easy to see. This is why you need a PIN to access your bank account with your card.
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, it’s clear that strong password practices and MFA are crucial defenses against unauthorized access. Simple passwords, reused credentials, and single-factor authentication can leave us vulnerable to attacks that can have serious repercussions. Idaho Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) urge everyone to adopt unique, complex passwords and integrate MFA to significantly enhance our security posture and protect sensitive information.
Take the next step today: review your current password practices, implement MFA wherever possible, and encourage your colleagues and loved ones to do the same.
Back-to-School Emergency Preparedness Tips
With a new school year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for families to review emergency preparedness. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages families to discuss potential disaster risks and the steps to stay safe if the unexpected occurs.
Have a Plan
Create or review a family emergency plan. If a disaster happens, knowing who to call and where to meet is an important part of emergency planning for you and your family.
- Know who to contact: Pick one main contact locally and one contact out of town who may be easier to reach during a disaster. Make sure your kids know who it is and practice with them.
- Have an evacuation route and shelter plan: Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, or around town so you’re prepared for any situation.
- If you have pets or service animals, consider and research animal-friendly locations
- Review phone use: Make sure everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 911 for help. If your kids have cell phones, review how to send a text message during an emergency.
- Practice makes perfect: Regularly practice your emergency plan. Document it and make sure everyone in your family has a copy. Hold regular family meetings to review and update the plan.
Build and Update Your Emergency Kit
Keep enough emergency supplies on hand to survive on your own for several days. Be sure to pack essential items, such as water, nonperishable food, first aid, flashlight, cell phone and chargers, battery-powered radio, extra batteries.
- Consider specific needs: Remember to pack supplies that are specific to your daily living needs, such as prescription medication, eyeglasses and contact solution, infant formula, pet food, important family documents, and more.
Know School Emergency Plans
Understand the emergency plans in place at your child’s school. Contact your child’s teacher or school administration to learn about their plans for emergencies such as fires, blizzards, earthquakes, and more. Be sure to ask how the school will communicate with parents and guardians during emergencies.
- Inform the school: Provide the school with up-to-date contact information, backup medication for your child, and inform them of any special needs your child may have during a crisis or drill.
Utilize FEMA Resources
FEMA offers multiple resources to help make disaster preparedness fun and informative for the whole family.
- Play interactive games to learn about disasters.
- Access the Prepare with Pedro activity book.
- Start building your family communications plan.
- Serve your community and help take care of your school and home through the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Campus CERT programs.
By taking the time to plan and review, families can prepare their student to face an emergency with confidence. IOEM is dedicated to working together to build resilient communities as we head back to school!
Idaho Braces for Above-Normal Wildfire Season: How to Stay Safe
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) predicts Idaho and neighboring states will see above normal wildland fires potential now through the end of September. While wildfire season has become a year-round event in areas, the chances of significant wildfires are greater than usual around the state and region during these next few months.
Wildfires can threaten people, homes, and natural resources. It is crucial for everyone to prepare and know what to do, especially during this heightened wildland fire potential period, in case a wildfire strikes their community. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages Idahoans to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
Prepare for Wildfires
- Stay Informed: Sign up for and stay up to date for local alerts, such as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), and monitor air quality alerts. Follow local news outlets and state and local government social media channels to stay updated on the latest news and events.
- Make a Plan: Make sure your household knows evacuation procedures. Be sure to create and review evacuation plans for offices and schools, and practice evacuation drills regularly.
- Know Your Evacuation Zone: Identify multiple evacuation routes and conduct evacuation drills with household members.
- Strengthen Your Home: Utilize fire-resistant materials, identify outdoor water sources with hoses, establish a 30-foot fire-resistant zone around homes, and designate sealed rooms for smoky conditions.
- Gather Supplies: Stock up on essentials in a go bag, including a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water, phone charger, pet supplies, medication and N95 masks for smoke protection. Keep the go bag in a place that’s easy to remember and access in case you need to evacuate your home quickly.
- Review Important Documents: Keep insurance policies and identification documents up to date and maintain digital copies in secure locations.
How to Stay Safe During a Wildfire
- Stay Informed: Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications for information and instructions.
- Be Ready to Go: Evacuate immediately and safely when authorities tell you to do so.
- Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters or check open locations on the FEMA app. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app for a list of open Red Cross shelters in your area.
- Have a plan in place to stay with family or friends where you may be safer and more comfortable.
- If Trapped: Call 9-1-1 and give your location but be aware that the emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.
- Smoke Preparedness: Use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation or limit your exposure. Learn more about staying safe in smokey conditions.
Staying Safe After a Wildfire
- Wait for Clearance: Do not return home until authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Drive Safely: Watch out for broken traffic lights, missing street signs, and trash or debris on the road.
- Protect Yourself: Stay away from hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
- Protective Clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy thick-soled shoes, during clean-up efforts.
- Monitor Air Quality: Check your local air quality at airnow.gov or on your phone’s weather app. Use a respirator to limit your exposure, and wet debris to minimize breathing dust particles. People with asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions should take precautions in areas with poor air quality, as it can worsen symptoms.
- Take steps to reduce your exposure to smoke. Smoke can stay in the air for days after a wildfire ends.
- Document Damage: Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
- Communication: Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.
By staying informed, prepared, and resilient, people can significantly reduce the risks associated with wildfires to reduce the risks associated with wildfires and protect themselves and their loved ones.
For more information on preparing for a wildfire event, visit the following resources:
Cybersecurity Focus of the Month: Oversharing
Odds are that you have recently seen something posted to social media and commented in surprise “I can’t believe someone posted this online!” This all-too-common occurrence happens to everybody who uses social media. Unfortunately, this includes cyber criminals that troll social media sources looking for this information to use for their own devious purposes.
Merriam-Webster defines the act of posting too much information online as “Oversharing.”
For example, if you post pictures and stories of your first pet, this can be used to reset a password that uses “Name of your first pet” as a validation question. As well, if you post a video during vacation, and it is liked by a loved one, a scammer can contact them pretending to be you and get them to send money as part of a deepfake scam.
Idaho Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) recommends when posting to social media to take a second look and ask the question, “What could a very bad person do with this?” Also, next time when you see a post by someone close to you and think, “I can’t believe that somebody posted this online,” consider letting them know that they may have overshared.
Protect your social media accounts
Steps to take to protect your information include:
- Avoid oversharing online. Protect your critical information and ensure your family and friends don’t post personal details.
- Check the privacy settings and use the highest privacy setting available.
- Be selective of friend and connection requests. Avoid communicating with strangers online.
- Turn off location settings and avoid check-ins, especially in real time.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious messages, links or posts.
- Report concerns. If you see something, say something.
- Use strong, complex passwords for all your accounts and two-step authentication, when available.
For more information on oversharing and tips to protect you and your information, please visit these resources:
Stay Safe, Stay Informed: Managing Wildfire Smoke
As we settle into wildfire season, the smoke from these fires is a growing concern for Idahoans, especially as fire seasons become longer and more intense. Understanding the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and preparing accordingly are important steps in protecting yourself and your loved ones, whether you’re indoors or outdoors.
Wildfire smoke contains harmful substances, including fine particles and toxic gases, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health problems. To minimize exposure and protect health, implementing effective strategies is important.
- Monitor Air Quality: Stay informed about air quality conditions using tools like the Air Quality Index (AQI) or your phone’s weather app. If authorities advise staying indoors, follow their guidance.
- Keep Indoor Air Clean: When indoors, keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering. Use air conditioning with recirculation mode instead of evaporative coolers, which can bring smoke inside. Consider using portable air cleaners with high-efficiency filters to reduce indoor particle levels.
- Reduce Indoor Air Pollution: Avoid activities that can increase indoor air pollution during smoky periods, such as smoking, using gas stoves, burning candles, or using aerosol products.
- Create a Clean Room: Designate a room in your home with minimal indoor pollution sources to keep smoke and particle levels as low as possible during wildfire smoke events.
- Use Respirator Masks: If you must go outside during smoky conditions, especially if you have pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions, wear a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator mask to filter out smoke particles.
- Stay Informed and Proactive: Remain proactive by adjusting your activities based on air quality reports. Air out your home when air quality improves temporarily and be prepared to limit outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality.
By taking safety measures and staying informed, Idahoans can better manage the challenges presented by wildfire smoke and prioritize their health during fire season. Early preparation and proactive measures can significantly reduce the health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure.
For more information, check out these resources: