Category: Blog Posts

Navigating Winter Storms

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Wintertime in Idaho often brings snowfall, which, aside from the picturesque landscapes and winter fun, these colder months often bring winter storms that usher in a slew of dangers. Winter storms increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. These conditions also can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds, leaving a trail of hazards in their wake.

A winter storm can last for a few hours or carry on for several days which can disrupt daily life and pose significant risks to communities. These storms can cut off heat, power, and communication services, and put individuals into potentially life-threatening situations. Among those most vulnerable are older adults, children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and even pets, face greater risks during severe winter weather events. Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) urges all Idahoans to be ready and prepared for anything.

How to Protect Yourself from Winter Weather

  1. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with winter weather terms such as Winter Storm Warning, Winter Storm Watch, and Winter Weather Advisory. Pay attention to weather reports, warnings, and advisories issued by local authorities. Sign up for your community’s warning system, and stay on top of emergency alerts through platforms like the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio.
  2. Prepare Your Home: Take proactive measures to keep the cold out of your home with proper insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to prevent pipes from freezing and install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Stock up on essential supplies in case of power outages and consider the specific needs of each household member, including medications and provisions for pets.
  3. Be Ready for Emergencies: Whether at home, work, or on the road, ensure you’re prepared for winter weather emergencies. Create an emergency supply kit for your car, including essentials like jumper cables, sand, flashlights, warm clothing, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep your gas tank full to avoid being stranded in wintry conditions.

Safety Tips During Winter Weather

  1. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Only operate generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Avoid using gas stovetops or ovens for heating your home.
  2. Stay Off Roads if Possible: Minimize travel during severe winter weather, and if trapped in your car, remain inside until help arrives.
  3. Limit Time Outdoors: Wear layers of warm clothing and be vigilant for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
  4. Recognize Frostbite and Hypothermia: Familiarize yourself with the signs and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia. Take prompt action if symptoms arise.

Generator Safety

Generators can be invaluable during power outages, but it’s crucial to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards:

  • Always operate generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and keep the generator dry and protected from the elements.
  • Use heavy-duty extension cords to connect appliances and allow the generator to cool before refueling.

By staying informed, prepared, and vigilant, you can navigate winter storms and protect yourself, your loved one, and neighbors against winter storm challenges. For more information on prepared before an emergency, visit ready.gov/winter-weather.

2024 Identity Theft Awareness Week

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As part of Identity Theft Awareness Week, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is reminding Idahoans of the lurking threats present in today’s digital age and how important it is to take proactive steps in protecting our personal information.

Identity theft happens when cybercriminals acquire sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as credit card or social security details, which they either use for personal gain or sell to others.

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Sentinel Network’s latest report, more than 9,000 Idahoans filed fraud reports in 2022 — with Idaho consumers reporting a loss of nearly $30 million. FTC shared identity theft was one of the top categories of fraud reports they received from Idaho residents.

“Identity theft doesn’t discriminate by age,” said IOEM Cyber and Infrastructure Security Program Manager, Chris Volmer. “Because identity theft can wreak havoc on finances, it’s crucial all Idahoans take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families.”

To help prevent identity theft and cybercriminals from stealing your most valuable personal information, IOEM shares cybersecurity tips to keep in mind – not just this week, but year-round.

  • Keep Devices and Applications Updated: The first line of defense against cyber threats is ensuring that your devices and applications are up to date. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to patch security vulnerabilities and strengthen your digital fortress.
  • Utilize Strong Passwords: Gone are the days of simplistic passwords. Embrace the power of long, unique, and complex passwords for each of your accounts. Consider crafting passphrases using a combination of multiple short words that are easy to remember but challenging to crack. Steer clear of common phrases or easily guessable information.
  • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance your account security by enabling MFA wherever feasible. By requiring an additional factor beyond just a password, such as a code from a mobile app, MFA significantly bolsters the protection of your sensitive information from unauthorized access.
  • Be Cautious with Emails, Texts, and Voicemails: Be vigilant when interacting with electronic communications, particularly those from unknown senders. Refrain from opening suspicious attachments or clicking on dubious links. If in doubt, independently verify the sender’s legitimacy by cross-checking with the company’s official website or contacting them directly.
  • Minimize Data Exposure: Review privacy policies before consenting to share your data with third parties. Avoid disclosing sensitive details, such as birthdates or addresses, on social media platforms, as they can serve as gateways for identity theft.
  • Secure Your Internet Connection: Consider connecting to the internet using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and obscure your online presence. This added layer of security is especially crucial when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Exercise Caution in Public Spaces: Remain vigilant when accessing sensitive information in public settings. Avoid conducting financial transactions or accessing confidential data over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

By adopting proactive measures and staying informed, Idahoans can reduce online risks and safeguard our identities. As we observe Identity Theft Awareness Week, let’s pledge to prioritize cybersecurity and empower ourselves against potential online threats. Stay vigilant, stay secure.

For more information about Identity Theft Awareness Week or to report a fraud, please visit consumer.ftc.gov/idtheftweek.