Category: Press Releases
IOEM Reminds Residents to Stay Safe During National Lightning Safety Awareness Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 21, 2024
Contact: Tristan Lewis
(208) 803-5216
tlewis@imd.idaho.gov
IOEM Reminds Residents to Stay Safe During National Lightning Safety Awareness Week
BOISE, ID – As National Lightning Safety Awareness Week approaches, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) urges all Idahoans to take precautions to stay safe and informed about the dangers of lightning. This year, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week runs from June 23 to June 29.
Lightning is a powerful and often underestimated natural event. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in the United States, an average of 33 people are killed and 182 people are injured each year by lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.
Lightning also poses significant risks to property and the environment. In Eastern Idaho, 47% of wildfires between 2000 and 2020 were caused by lightning. These fires often occur during dry seasons, increasing risk and danger.
Idaho experiences its share of lightning hazards, with the Vaisala Corporation reporting 845,469 lightning events in the state in 2023. High elevation areas are particularly prone to lightning strikes.
Safety Tips Before, During, and After Thunderstorms:
Before Thunderstorms and Lightning:
- Know Your Risk: Thunderstorms can happen year-round and at any hour. Be aware of your area’s risks.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for community warning systems and listen to Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio alerts.
- Prepare Your Property: Trim trees that might fall on your home and consider installing surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system.
During Thunderstorms and Lightning:
- When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: Seek shelter in a building immediately.
- Indoor Safety: Avoid using plumbing or landline phones, as electricity can travel through these systems. Unplug appliances and other electric devices.
- Water Safety: If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find grounded shelter immediately. If necessary, seek shelter in a hard topped car, but avoid touching anything metal inside the vehicle.
- Flood Safety: Avoid flooded roadways. Remember, “Turn Around Don’t Drown” – just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot can sweep away your vehicle.
After Thunderstorms and Lightning:
- Stay Updated: Listen to authorities and weather forecasts to determine when it is safe to go outside. Suspend outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
- Report Hazards: Watch for and report fallen power lines and trees immediately.
IOEM encourages everyone to create and review safety plans and educate family members about the precautions to take before, during, and after a thunderstorm. By staying informed and prepared, we can build a safer, more resilient Idaho.
President Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for Idaho
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 12, 2024
Contact: Tristan Lewis
(208) 803-5216
tlewis@imd.idaho.gov
BOISE, ID – President Joe Biden has approved the State of Idaho’s Major Disaster Declaration to help three Idaho counties and areas affected by a severe storm in April that brought substantial damage.
The counties covered in the Presidential Disaster Declaration include Idaho, Lewis, and Shoshone Counties. Conditions from the April 14-15 severe storm included flooding, landslides and mudslides. A Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), and local representatives in April confirmed the total damage across the three counties surpassed $6.6 million.
“The approval of the Presidential Disaster Declaration request is a crucial step toward helping the affected areas rebuild and recover from April’s severe storm,” said Governor Brad Little.
The President’s approval authorizes public assistance federal funding, such as the Public Assistance (PA) Program, to the state, local, and tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides in the three counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide, such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Grant Program provides funding to state, local, and tribal governments to develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild to reduce or mitigate future disaster losses in their communities.
“The spring flooding wreaked havoc, causing devastating damage in these areas,” said IOEM Director Brad Richy. “This funding will be critical for infrastructure repairs. IOEM is committed to working alongside FEMA to support local jurisdictions’ recovery efforts and help them rebuild stronger.”
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
The Public Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series Returns for Another Year
BOISE, ID – The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is excited to announce the 2024 Public Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, an educational initiative aimed at enhancing community preparedness and resilience. Sponsored by IOEM, this series is a collaborative effort with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Albertsons Companies, involving volunteer speakers with lived experience on key business and industry security and resilience topics.
Building on the success of the 2023 PSPR2 Seminar Series, which attracted widespread international participation, the 2024 series promises to deliver an even more dynamic and informative program. Featuring subject matter experts from industry, academia, and government sectors, the series will cover critical infrastructure best practices, lessons learned, and introduce valuable preparedness resources and tools to mitigate risk and enhance resilience.
The four-part series will dive into a diverse range of topics, including an introduction to violence prevention strategies and resources, the safety and security impacts of houselessness on businesses and organizations, and two seminars focusing on the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. Participants can expect to gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge from each session, with the flexibility to attend individual courses or the entire series.
The schedule for the 2024 seminar series is as follows:
- Session 1: May 9 – Introduction to Violence Prevention Strategies and Resources
- Session 2: June 13 – The Safety and Security Impacts of Houselessness on Businesses and Organizations
- 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
Courses are not cumulative and may be taken individually. Each course counts toward continuing education with CEU credits.
To register for the series, please click here. For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact training@ghinternational.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your organization’s preparedness and resilience.
For recordings of the 2023 PSPRS Seminar Series sessions, please click here.
Governor Little Declares March 17 – 23 as Idaho Flood Awareness Week
BOISE, ID – In recognition of the potential risks associated with spring flooding, Governor Brad Little has officially designated March 17 – 23, 2024 as Flood Awareness Week in Idaho. The proclamation underscores the importance of understanding and preparing for the dangers posed by flooding. In conjunction with the week, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) urges all Idahoans to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves, their families, and their properties.
“As temperatures rise, we’re reminded of Idaho’s flood history,” said IOEM Director Brad Richy. “While spring snow melts are crucial for irrigation and ecosystem health, rapid thawing can lead to dangerous flooding. It’s crucial for Idahoans to stay prepared for flood risks annually.”
IOEM has teamed up with the Idaho Silver Jackets, an interagency flood risk management team, to help educate the public about measures to reduce the effects of flooding and flood-related hazards. One of the Silver Jacket’s primary goals is to develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions to flood hazard issues and communicate flood risk.
“With the rapid growth of our state, there are many Idahoans unaware of their current flood risk,” said Idaho Silver Jackets Coordinator, Russel Lodge. “I encourage everyone to educate themselves by researching floodplain maps, creating a plan for any kind of emergency, and always plan for flood risk particularly during travel or in areas they are not familiar with. Flooding throughout the state is a recurring, serious event that has significant implications with the loss of life and severe economic consequences.”
According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the leading cause of severe weather-related deaths each year in the United States. To ensure safety during flood events, it is important to follow these basic guidelines:
- Never drive through flooded roadways, even if it looks shallow. Just a few inches of fast-moving water can wash away a heavy truck. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Stay informed by monitoring local news sources for up-to-date weather information.
- If flooding happens, get to higher ground fast.
- Respect and adhere to any barriers or warnings issued by law enforcement.
- Always have an emergency kit in your home and your vehicle in case you need to evacuate to higher ground quickly.
IOEM has created a comprehensive list of tips and resources about flood preparedness and safety.
This week also aims to raise awareness among Idaho residents regarding the importance of securing flood insurance for their properties. FEMA ranks flooding among the most common and costly natural disasters, with just one inch of water capable of inflicting up to $25,000 in damage to a home.
Whether flooding is from the flowing waters of rivers, rainfall or from snowmelt, being aware of your own flood risk and what you can do about is extremely important. It is important to remember that floods occur naturally and can happen almost anywhere – flooding may not even be near a body of water. IOEM strongly encourages all homeowners, renters, and business owners to purchase flood insurance.
For more information and flood preparedness resources, please visit www.floodsmart.gov.
FEMA Seeks Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council
BOTHELL, Wash. – FEMA is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC), a program that brings teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community preparedness.
Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.
FEMA Administrator Dianne Criswell recognizes the important role that the YPC plays in shaping our future.
“The Youth Preparedness Council is a unique opportunity for teens across America to get a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager. It also lets us take a glimpse into the future of our profession —and let me say, the future is bright,” said Administrator Criswell. “These young leaders give me so much hope that we’ll be able to create a more prepared, resilient America that the next generation needs and deserves. I’m looking forward to watching this new Council come together and seeing what they’re able to accomplish.”
During their one-year term, council members collaborate with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local, regional, and national scale. Members also engage with leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and national non-profit organizations.
Youth interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than March 4. New council members will be announced by June 2024.
Youth living in FEMA Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) may be invited to join the FEMA Region 10 YPC, a similar council that focuses specifically on creating projects within these four states.
To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council visit the Youth Preparedness Council page on FEMA.gov.
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Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
IOEM PIER team during Operation Shared Response Exercise
Idaho Office of Emergency Management to Assist Kansas following Flooding and Tornadoes
NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release May 31, 2019
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov
Idaho Office of Emergency Management to
Assist Kansas following Flooding and Tornadoes
BOISE – Governor Brad Little has approved an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) agreement with Kansas to assist with recovery efforts following flooding and tornados.
Ben Roeber, the Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief for the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) and former Boise County Sheriff, leaves for Kansas today to provide support and subject matter expertise in the Kansas State Emergency Operations Center following devastating tornadoes that hit Tuesday night. Roeber will serve as a liaison between counties and the state EOC.
“Idaho is proud to assist our fellow Americans in their time of need,” Governor Little said. “We support the Emergency Management Assistance Compact agreement because we believe in neighbors helping neighbors and states helping states. Idaho’s highly skilled and experienced state employees will be able to share their expertise with Kansas as they work through these challenges.”
The EMAC is an all-hazards mutual aid agreement between states. Through EMAC, states can share any resource available with another state following a Governor’s declaration of a disaster or emergency. More information is available at https://www.emacweb.org/
The Kansas EOC remains at Level I Full Activation in response to flooding that was part of a weather system that began Tuesday night, spawning tornadic activity that caused widespread destruction in both Douglas and Leavenworth counties.
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
Idaho STAR CARD
Information, Resources Available to Idaho County Residents Affected by Spring Flooding
NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release April 15, 2019
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan (208) 866-5969 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov
Jerry Zumalt, Idaho County Disaster Management (208) 983-3074 jzumalt@idahocounty.org
Information, Resources Available to Idaho County Residents Affected by Spring Flooding
Grangeville, Idaho – A Multi Agency Resource Center (MARC) will be open from 3:30 – 8:00 PM Tuesday April 16, 2019 at Kooskia City Hall, 26 S. Main Street, Kooskia, Idaho. The MARC serves as an important resource for residents whose homes, property, and businesses were damaged or destroyed by spring flooding that began April 8, 2019.
Representatives from multiple agencies will be on hand including:
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- North Central Public Health District
- Natural Resources Conservation Service & Farm Agency
- Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR)
- Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
The meeting allows families, farm and business owners, and individuals, to ask subject matter experts questions on a variety of issues including – testing and evaluating wells and septic systems, debris clean up, home restoration, agriculture-related damage assistance, and other immediate needs.
Those attending are encouraged to bring identification and pictures of damage.
Along with the governmental and non-profit agencies on hand, Palouse Paws Therapy Dogs, an organization based in Moscow, Idaho, will have a therapy dog available for assisting individuals who may be struggling with anxiety and stress.
In addition to facilitating Tuesday’s MARC, Idaho County coordinated the efforts of the Needs Assessment Teams. The teams traveled throughout the flood-affected areas of the county yesterday collecting data from people whose homes and property were affected by the flooding. The data collected by the Needs Assessment Teams provides a broad awareness of
what needs exist, allows officials to prioritize those needs, and informs recovery efforts.
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Needs Assessment To Be Conducted In Idaho County Following Spring Flooding
NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release March 18, 2019
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov
Needs Assessment To Be Conducted In Idaho County Following Spring Flooding
Two Idaho counties have State Disaster Declarations
BOISE – Needs Assessment Teams will be in Idaho County this weekend gathering information from residents affected by spring flooding. Community and Tribal members in the Kooskia, Stites, Clear Creek, and the upper Clearwater area, are encouraged to share flood-related damage information with team members. This will help officials ascertain the most effective response and recovery efforts.
Earlier this week Governor Brad Little signed a State Disaster Declaration for both Idaho and Adams County in response to significant damage caused by spring flooding. A state disaster declaration makes state matching funds available to assist counties with debris removal and repair efforts.
In addition to a Needs Assessment Team the county is also working with IOEM and multiple state and federal agency partners to coordinate a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). The MARC is a resource for the community that matches up the right agency, and their resources, with community or Tribal members affected by flooding. The MARC will be available to community and Tribal members Tuesday April 16th from 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM PST at the Kooskia City Hall in Kooskia, Idaho.
The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated at Level III in support of Idaho and Adams Counties. For a daily statewide synopsis of issues relating to current state declarations, please visit the IOEM website. https://ioem.idaho.gov
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The men and women of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
High water can cause significant hazards. Residents are reminded to avoid low-water crossings and not attempt to cross water-covered roads.
“Turn Around Don’t’ Drown.”