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) encourages everyone to understand these risks is 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Stay Informed and Alert
  • 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.

  1. 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.
  1. Have a Preparedness Plan
  • 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
  1. Know What to Do During a Flash Flood Warning
  • 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.

Idaho Winter Weather Preparedness

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s time to make sure we’re ready for winter storms and everything that comes with them. Idahoans know how unpredictable winter can be—snow, ice, power outages, and freezing temperatures can make daily life challenging and, sometimes, even dangerous.

A winter storm can last just a few hours or continue for days, bringing extreme cold, freezing rain, and high winds. These storms disrupt daily routines and can leave communities without power, heat, or communication. Idaho’s winters require preparation to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us: older adults, young children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and even pets.

The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) urges all Idahoans to be ready and prepared for anything during these colder months. With a few simple preparations, you can stay warm, safe, and connected, no matter what winter brings.

What Are the Winter Weather Risks in Your Area?

Preparing for Idaho winters means understanding the specific risks your community may face. Heavy snow, ice, extreme cold, and high winds are common hazards that can impact not only roads and power lines but also personal safety. By recognizing these conditions and knowing how and when they might impact your area, you’ll be better prepared to make safe choices, whether that means staying home, seeking shelter, or evacuating.

Local emergency management offices may be able to help identify winter hazards specific to your area and provide updates on upcoming storms or power outages. It may be helpful to also find out from local emergency managers how citizens can and will be notified in case of a disaster.

Be sure to also familiarize yourself with the different winter weather terms:

  • Winter Storm Watch: Conditions are favorable for a storm; gather supplies and stay alert.
  • Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions are expected soon. Avoid travel and follow local guidance.
  • Wind Chill Advisory: Extremely cold conditions are coming. Dress in layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

Stay Connected and Updated

In winter, staying connected can be lifesaving:

  • Follow Local Services: IOEM also encourages Idahoans to make sure they’re signed up for these services and following sheriff’s offices, and local and state emergency management offices on social media for latest power outages, road closures, and weather updates.

Staying informed isn’t just about receiving alerts; it’s also about staying connected with your community. Engage with your neighbors, share information, and work together to stay prepared

Build A Winter Emergency Kit

A critical part of readiness is having an emergency kit stocked with supplies that meet your needs – especially during winter storms when power outages may occur or snowy conditions may keep you from travelling to the store. Include items such as:

  • Food and Water: Store enough for each household member for at least three days. Go for non-perishables like canned soups, dried fruit, nuts, and high-energy bars.
  • Warmth Essentials: Keep extra blankets, jacket/sweaters, hand warmers, gloves, and hats ready. A safe, portable heater can also be helpful if you lose power.
  • Flashlights and Batteries: Power outages are common during winter storms, so be sure you have flashlights and fresh batteries on hand.
  • Medical Needs: A first-aid kit and any essential medications are crucial for emergencies.
  • Chargers: Backup power banks or hand-crank phone chargers can help keep you connected.

Winterize Home for the Cold Months Ahead

Making your home winter-ready can help it withstand the harsh conditions:

  • Insulate Pipes: Wrap pipes in insulation or heat tape to prevent freezing and bursting.
  • Seal Gaps and Drafts: Check doors, windows, and attic spaces for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to keep heat inside.
  • Trim Trees Near Your Home: Snow and ice can weigh down branches, posing risks to roofs, power lines, and vehicles.
  • Plan for Alternative Heating: If you rely on electric heat, consider having a backup source or additional blankets to stay warm during outages.
  • Install Safety Devices: Remember to install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups to make sure your home remains safe during winter weather.

In addition to these preparations, consider your power supply during outages. Generators can be lifesavers during power outages, but it’s important 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.

As we navigate the challenges of winter, being prepared is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of ourselves and our communities. Stay warm, stay safe, and stay prepared!

For additional information about staying informed, check out some of these resources:

IOEM and Boys and Girls Club Host Hands-On Earthquake Preparedness Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 14, 2024

Contact: Tristan Lewis

(208) 803-5216

tlewis@imd.idaho.gov

Idaho Office of Emergency Management and Boys and Girls Club of Kuna Host Hands-On Earthquake Preparedness Event

KUNA, ID –The Idaho Office of Emergency Management and the Boys and Girls Club of Kuna will join forces Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at 2:15 p.m. to host an event at the new Boys and Girls Club of Kuna facility, located at 470 W. Mendi Pl. in Kuna, to provide a series of interactive activities aimed at teaching students about earthquake safety, mitigation strategies, and the importance of emergency preparedness.

The event will kick off with an assembly followed by hands-on activities, including building earthquake-resistant structures and exploring flood simulation tables that demonstrate the effects of flooding and related mitigation efforts. Experts from the State of Idaho Office of Technology Services, Kuna Fire Department, Ada County Emergency Management and Community Resilience Office, Idaho Power, and more will also be on hand to showcase additional preparedness activities and resilience-building strategies.

To add to the excitement, IOEM is excited to launch the Idaho Earthquake Awareness Competition, a statewide contest that encourages all K-12 Idaho to research and share valuable information on how to be earthquake-ready. This competition invites students to showcase their knowledge of earthquake preparedness and mitigation through creative projects, with opportunities to win recognition and prizes.

Earthquake Awareness Competition Guidelines:

  • Students are asked to create a presentation that raises awareness about earthquake preparedness and offers creative ideas on how the public can prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from earthquakes in Idaho.
  • Participants can work individually or in teams of two, with guidance from a teacher mentor.
  • Entries should include a poster or diorama that visually demonstrates the key points of their presentation. 

Entries are open for the Earthquake Awareness Competition now through Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 5:00 p.m. For more information and to enter the competition, visit ioem.idaho.gov/earthquake-awareness.

Students in grades 4-12 are also encouraged to participate in the state’s Geographic Information Systems Online Competition which runs through April 2025. For more information and rules for the GIS competition, visit gis.idaho.gov/gis-online-competition-for-idaho-students.

The preparedness event and the Idaho Earthquake Awareness Competition are part of the broader effort surrounding the Great ShakeOut, an annual event encouraging millions worldwide to participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home. This year’s ShakeOut will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. local time. Participants are encouraged to remember the simple steps: Drop Cover and Hold On.

To register for the Great Idaho ShakeOut, visit shakeout.org/idaho.

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.

Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Contact: Tristan Lewis

(208) 803-5216

tlewis@imd.idaho.gov

Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence

 

BOISE, ID – The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) invites you to the final session of the global 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, titled “Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence,” on Thursday, October 10, at 10 a.m. MT. This event is open to participants from around the world.

This session will explore the challenges, hidden dangers, and managerial risks associated with integrating AI, emphasizing the importance of ethical, secure, and effective implementation. This 90-minute session will feature insights from experts in government and the private sector to help seminar attendees explore strategies and considerations for harnessing AI’s power responsibly within organizational settings.

Featured Speakers:

  • Andrew A. Bochman — As a Senior Grid Strategist and Infrastructure Defender at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Bochman provides strategic guidance on grid security and climate resilience to U.S. and international leaders. A frequent speaker and author, he published Countering Cyber Sabotage in 2021 and will release his second book, Defending Civilization, in 2025, addressing risks to electric grids and critical infrastructures. An Atlantic Council non-resident senior fellow, he has previously worked with the U.S. Air Force, IBM, and the Chertoff Group.
  • Michael K. Hamilton — Founder of Critical Insight, Hamilton provides security services to local governments, healthcare, and critical manufacturing sectors. He previously served as CISO for the City of Seattle and held roles in Washington State government, as well as the Vice-Chair of the DHS Government Coordinating Council. A recognized cybersecurity expert, he was named CISO of the Year at the 2021 RSA Conference and is the Chair of the PISCES project, which offers no-cost cyber monitoring for small local governments while training future cyber analysts.
  • Sean McSpaden — A Principal Legislative IT Analyst at the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office, McSpaden has over 30 years of experience in IT across private, non-profit, and public sectors. He previously served as the Deputy State Chief Information Officer for Oregon and currently oversees IT, GIS, cybersecurity, and AI projects for state agencies. Active in legislative committees, he is also a member of Oregon’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and represents Oregon at the NCSL Taskforce on AI, Cybersecurity, and Privacy. McSpaden holds an MBA and various certifications, including ISACA Information Security Manager and PMI Project Management Professional.

About the Series:

Sponsored by IOEM, this series is a collaborative effort with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Albertsons Companies. It involves volunteer speakers with firsthand experience in key business and industry security and resilience topics.

This course can be taken individually and counts towards continuing education with CEU credits.

To register for the series, please click here. For questions or more information, contact training@ghinternational.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your organization’s preparedness and resilience.

For a recording of Session 1, 2, and 3 of the 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, please click here. For recordings of the 2023 PSPRS Seminar Series sessions, please click here.

How to Help After Hurricane Helene

ATLANTA – There are many ways to help those affected by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast. Here are some of the organizations providing support to people who experienced loss from the storm:

Additionally, National VOAD members and partners are assisting communities in need. National VOAD members and partners will serve these communities as long as necessary. There is no request for donations outside of cash. Do not send unsolicited donated goods, and please do not self-deploy.

Idaho Small Business Cybersecurity Summit 2024

Did you know that hackers strike every 39 seconds, with 43% of these attacks targeting small businesses? Small businesses are at a higher risk, and three times more likely to be attacked by cybercriminals than larger companies. Many cyber-attacks can be prevented with the right resources, information, and preparation, enabling businesses to respond and recover effectively in the event of an incident.

That’s why Idaho Department of FinanceIdaho Office of Emergency ManagementIdaho Department of CommerceU.S. Small Business AdministrationU.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are partnering together to share tips and lessons to help businesses protect themselves from cyber threats.

The Idaho Small Business Cyber Security Summit is a one-of-a-kind event designed for small businesses seeking innovative solutions to protect their company’s critical infrastructure. This summit offers both in-person and virtual opportunities for business leaders to learn about the latest cyber threat landscape. It also facilitates direct connections with solutions, subject matter experts, and local resources to evaluate industry solutions.

The Idaho Small Business Cybersecurity Summit is set for Thursday, September 26 at the Idaho Response Center (IRC), Chinden Campus Building #8, located at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714. This free event will equip attendees with resources to prevent and manage cyber-attacks!

The summit offers both morning and afternoon sessions, with in-person and virtual attendance options.

  • Morning session: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MT

  • Afternoon session: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. MT.

Note: both sessions will cover the same information, so attending one is sufficient.

To register for the in-person event, click here. For virtual attendance registration, use this link for both morning and afternoon sessions.

More details and the event agenda will be posted soon! For questions, please contact: info@commerce.idaho.gov

Safely Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) invites you to the first of two fall sessions of the global 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, titled “Safely Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace,” on Thursday, September 12, at 10 a.m. MT. This event is open to participants from around the world.

This session will be split into two-parts. The first will focus on the positive way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces globally, offering opportunities for efficiencies in such areas as, regulatory compliance, supply chain management and market awareness that leads to informed decision-making. The second installment, scheduled for Thursday, October 10, will explore the challenges, hidden dangers, and managerial risks associated with integrating AI, emphasizing the importance of ethical, secure, and effective implementation.

These 90-minute sessions will feature insights from experts in government and the private sector to help seminar attendees explore strategies and considerations for harnessing AI’s power responsibly within organizational settings.

Featured Speakers:

  • Joe Larkin — With over 22 years at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Larkin currently serves as the Section Chief of the Emergency Services Section within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). He leads national efforts to reduce risk and enhance resiliency in the Emergency Services Sector (ESS), which includes Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, and Public Works. Larkin also chairs the ESS Government Coordination Council and contributes to the Government Services and Facilities Sector and Healthcare and Public Health Sector councils. Previously, he was the Branch Manager of Training and Exercises for the Transportation Security Administration, overseeing national training and exercise programs for surface operations.
  • Ashley Shields — A Lead Professional at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Shields specializes in digital twin development for nuclear energy and artificial intelligence applications. She leads the Digital Twin Analytics group within the Energy and Environmental Science and Technology Division, where her team focuses on data analysis and visual communication using AI, machine learning, and extended reality technologies. A graduate of Idaho State University’s MS in Geographic Information Science program, Shields continued her studies in Geosciences through 2021.
  • Josh Webster — The SWAT Assistant Team Leader at the Story County Sheriff’s Office, Webster has served the community for over 18 years. He has held key roles, including Detention Supervisor and Administrator, where he managed staff scheduling, budgeting, and training. Currently, he leads high-stakes missions in collaboration with federal agencies and neighboring communities, ensuring preparedness and high performance. A veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Webster also brings military expertise in rapid response and tactical operations.

About the Series:

Sponsored by IOEM, this series is a collaborative effort with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Albertsons Companies. It involves volunteer speakers with firsthand experience in key business and industry security and resilience topics.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Session 3: September 12 – Safely Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
  • Session 4: October 10 – Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence

Each course can be taken individually and counts towards continuing education with CEU credits.

To register for the series, please click here. For questions or more information, contact training@ghinternational.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your organization’s preparedness and resilience.

For a recording of Session 1 and 2 of the 2024Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, please click here. For recordings of the 2023 PSPRS Seminar Series sessions, please click here.

Public Affairs Office Contact 
Public Affairs Officer

Tristan Lewis
Cell: (208) 803-5216 | Office: (208) 258-6585
tlewis@imd.idaho.gov

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month

Prepare, plan, protect: IOEM encourages Idahoans to develop a plan, build a kit, stay informed, and get involved this National Preparedness Month.

BOISE, ID – Disasters in recent years, both in Idaho and across the country, are a reminder of the importance of being prepared. Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is recognizing September as National Preparedness Month, which provides an opportunity for individuals and families to ensure they are aware of the threats and hazards in their communities. Whether you’re at home, at work, in school, on vacation, or on the road, having a plan in place is crucial.

“Something as simple as an emergency preparedness kit for your vehicle and home is crucial,” said IOEM Director Brad Richy. “Emergency managers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and other emergency responders do an outstanding job of keeping us safe, but they cannot do it alone. We encourage all Idahoans to discuss their family’s emergency plan should a disaster occur.”

Throughout September, IOEM will share important preparedness information and tips on FacebookX, and LinkedIn to help Idahoans prepare for the unexpected. Each week, IOEM will focus on different themes to guide Idahoans in taking essential steps towards readiness.

  • Week 1 (Sept. 1 – 7): Creating Emergency Plans
    Idahoans are encouraged to discuss and document how they will communicate during an emergency, where they will go, and what steps they will take in different scenarios. Whether you’re at home, work, or school, having a well-thought-out plan makes sure that every member of your household knows what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Week 2 (Sept. 8 – 14): Building Emergency Kits
    Idahoans should gather essential items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Kits should be prepared for both the home and vehicle for readiness in various situations.
  • Week 3 (Sept. 15 – 21): Staying Informed
    Idahoans are encouraged to learn or review how they receive alerts and warnings, understand the types of emergencies that could affect your area, and having a reliable communication strategy.
  • Week 4 (Sept. 22 – 28): Community Involvement and Volunteering
    The final week of September encourages Idahoans to get involved and volunteer in their communities.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, please visit IOEM’s National Preparedness Month webpage.

Public Affairs Office Contact 
Public Affairs Officer

Tristan Lewis
Cell: (208) 803-5216 | Office: (208) 258-6585
tlewis@imd.idaho.gov

Community Involvement and Volunteering

In times of disaster, the strength of a community can make all the difference. When emergencies strike, communities that are united and prepared can respond more effectively and recover more quickly.

Local and national volunteer organizations play a critical role by providing trained volunteers and much-needed donated supplies. By getting involved and volunteering in your community, you can help make sure that your community is ready to face whatever challenges may come.

Idahoans could help save countless lives by taking simple actions to prepare your community or organization for a disaster before one strikes. FEMA offers free trainings and education tools to train yourself and others on the best ways to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster or emergency.

By participating in community involvement and volunteering efforts, Idahoans can not only enhance their community’s resilience but also make sure that we are all better prepared to face and recover from any disaster that comes our way.

For additional information on community involvement, check out some of these resources: