Category: Press Releases
Spring Flooding Declaration
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, June 8, 2010
Contact: (primary) Robert Feeley, (208) 859-6943 or (secondary) Col. Tim Marsano (208) 407-8838
Idaho Counties under State Disaster Declaration Due to Flooding
(Boise) Due to severe weather and flooding conditions in central Idaho, State Senate President Pro Tem and Acting Governor Bob Geddes today declared a disaster emergency in support of Adams, Idaho and Valley counties.
With his signature, Senator Geddes paved the way to make state government support available for use in the affected counties. State support could include personnel, equipment and facilities to help the counties deal with the threats to public safety and property. Senator Geddes is Acting Governor while both Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Lieutenant Governor Brad Little are out of the state.
“Adams, Idaho and Valley county officials have gone above and beyond in their efforts to deal with this unexpected event, and I applaud their work,” Senator Geddes said. “They have now asked for additional help from the State of Idaho, and by signing this declaration I will ensure they get the assistance they need to get through this emergency.”
The Disaster Declaration gives the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) authority to assign missions to State of Idaho departments and agencies. The bureau will work closely with the counties to conduct damage assessments and to determine the best methods and sources for handling the emergency. “Idaho is prepared for disasters and assisting Adams, Idaho and Valley Counties in handling situations like this are well within the ability of Idaho state government,” said BHS Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver. “The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security will work to direct available resources to the task at hand.”
At this time the counties are working closely with the BHS Area Field Officers and Idaho Emergency Operations Center to assess the damage caused by the recent flooding. The Idaho Military Division is currently conducting an aerial survey to assist in these damage assessments. Once a clearer picture emerges and the level of damage is apparent, BHS will work with the affected counties to determine how to best allocate resources in the response and recovery to the flooding event.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
Public Safety Telecommunicator Week
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, April 13, 2010
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033
April 11-17 is Public Safety Telecommunicator Week
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed the week of April 11-17 as Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in honor of the dedicated Idahoans who work in 9-1-1 dispatch centers across the state. The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) and the Idaho Emergency Communications Commission (ECC) would like to recognize those public servants who answer the calls for help.
Most people do not think about the people behind the voices of 9-1-1 until they need to call for help. Some people equate 9-1-1 with police cars and fire trucks, with lights and sirens blaring, or an ambulance speeding off to a hospital emergency room. While police, fire, and ambulances are obviously linked to 9-1-1, it may be difficult to visualize the people who perform the functions behind the scenes. 9-1-1 dispatchers are the “first” first responders in emergencies. In addition to the long hours, holidays, and weekends worked that these professionals endure, the 9-1-1 dispatchers often volunteer their time in other ways to support the community, such as helping to educate children about 9-1-1, participating in school events, and lending a helping hand for various community
causes.
The ECC is made up of commissioners who work together to enhance Idaho’s public safety by assisting emergency communications and response professionals in establishing and operating emergency communications systems. BHS serves as the state support agency for the ECC shares its appreciation for Idaho’s dispatchers.
“Many people do not stop to think about 9-1-1 dispatchers until they experience an actual emergency themselves,” said Brigadier General Bill Shawver, BHS Director. “These professionals make the difference between life and death in many instances. This week is dedicated to recognizing Idaho’s emergency dispatchers and taking time to show appreciation for all that they do on a daily basis.”
This week is a good time to make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if there is an emergency. For a fact sheet on using 9-1-1, visit https://www.nena.org/sites/default/files/Making_911_Everyone.pdf. For more information about the ECC, visit www.e911.idaho.gov and for BHS visit www.bhs.idaho.gov.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
Haiti Donations
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2010
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422‐3033
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Haiti Donation Information
The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) continues to monitor and support the worldwide relief effort underway in Haiti. The first 72 hours have focused on saving lives and supporting recovery, and we understand Idahoans are looking for ways to help. BHS thanks those who have risen to the call of those in need and would like to provide information on how Idahoans can safely assist in this tragedy.
If you personally are looking for way to help, the most effective way to support the individuals and families of Haiti is through cash donations. Monetary contributions from individual Idahoans are the best way to immediately support the efforts of relief workers from around the world who are working around‐the‐clock to help save lives in Haiti.
“I have personally received many calls over the last 2 days from Idahoans wanting to help in Haiti,” said Col. Bill Shawver, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. I want to thank Idahoans for their generosity, encourage them to donate to the effort, and make sure their donations are going to legitimate organizations.”
Idahoans can contribute to the cause through several methods including the following:
- The American Red Cross at https://american.redcross.org/supporthaiti
Individuals can also donate $10 to the Red Cross by charging it to your cell phone bill by texting “HAITI” to “90999.” - Small organizations and individuals can donate via the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) at https://www.cidi.org/
- The White House is also providing donation and relief effort information at https://www.whitehouse.gov/haitiearthquake
If you are seeking information on family members in Haiti, contact:
- U.S. Department of State 888‐407‐4747
BHS would like to warn users of potential email scams and search engine campaigns that may circulate regarding the Haitian Earthquake disaster. The scam emails may contain links or attachments which may direct users to phishing or malware‐laden websites. Idahoans should protect themselves by not following unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages and by contacting trusted organizations directly.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
Alert and Warning System Becoming More Accessible to Idahoans
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
December 3, 2009
Contact: Lt. Col. Tim Marsano
208.422.5268
Idaho State Alert and Warning System becoming more accessible to Idahoans
In an effort to increase the State of Idaho’s ability to notify its citizens in a time of emergency, The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) has entered into an agreement with MyState USA of Boise to develop and test the Idaho State Alert and Warning System (ISAWS).
ISAWS is available now to Idahoans with special needs throughout the state. It also is undergoing a pilot program for residents of Bonner County. That pilot program is scheduled to last until May 2010.
When fully implemented, ISAWS will enable Idahoans to receive emergency messages via cell phones, PDAs, email, home telephones and pagers. Citizens will be able to receive voice messages, text messages or both. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) now serving as Idaho’s warning system also will be integrated into the ISAWS system. In addition, Amber Alerts can be relayed via this system to
citizens if they choose to receive those alerts.
Idahoans with special needs ‐ such as the deaf and hard of hearing, the blind and visually impaired, wheelchair bound and bedridden citizens, citizens who are dependent on oxygen, citizens who require the assistance of service animals and any other citizen with a special requirement ‐ may immediately enroll in the ISAWS notification system at https://mystateusa.com/alertSignup.aspx?region=670.
Bonner County is the pilot county for the new program. Its residents without special needs, including those who want to receive the information in Spanish, may register for the pilot program at the above Web site. “We have been extremely impressed with the new system and its capabilities so far,” said Bob Howard, Bonner County’s emergency management director.
Based on the Bonner County test, MyState USA and the Idaho BHS will open enrollment to the remainder of the state. “We have a duty to provide accurate information to Idahoans during an emergency as quickly as possible,” said Col. Bill Shawver, Idaho BHS director. “ISAWS will help us accomplish that mission.”
https://www.bhs.idaho.gov/
https://mystateusa.com/
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
Wildland Fire Mitigation Award to McCall Outdoor Science School
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security news release
For Immediate Release
October 28, 2009
Contact: Lt. Col. Tim Marsano (208) 422‐5268
Wildfire Mitigation Grant Awarded to McCall Outdoor Science School
The University of Idaho’s McCall Outdoor Science School has been awarded $455,000 to reduce the risk from wildfire on the University of Idaho McCall Field Campus and Ponderosa State Park. Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director Col. Bill Shawver will present McCall Outdoor Science School Executive Director Dr. Steven Hollenhorst with a check during a presentation this Friday. The presentation will be at the McCall Outdoor Science School (near the entrance to Ponderosa State Park) on Friday, October 30, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.
The Legislative Pre‐Disaster Mitigation (LPDM) funding is a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), passed through BHS to the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources. This award comes from the $600,000 earmark from Congressman Simpson for wildfire mitigation out of the 2008 PDM appropriation. The funding will be used to reduce fuels, manage vegetation, and protect 70 structures on 3,165 acres of the McCall Field Campus and Ponderosa State Park. This funding will also be used to educate Idaho residents how to protect their homes and properties from the risk of wildland fire.
“The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is pleased to be able to assist the University of Idaho in obtaining the Pre‐Disaster Mitigation grant funds,” said Col. Shawver. “Taking proactive action is the best way to reduce wildfire risk and these funds will not only reduce the risk in Valley County, but will educate Idahoans across the state how to reduce their risk”
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho‐specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
Lt. Col. Tim Marsano
Idaho National Guard / Idaho BHS
Public Affairs Officer
(208) 422-5268
DSN 422-5268
Idaho Office of Emergency Management Presents Border Protection Grant to Boundary County
For Immediate Release
October 5, 2009
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422‐3033
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Presents Border Protection Grant to Boundary County
Boundary County has been awarded a grant in the amount of $229,008 to increase border protection capabilities in the northernmost county in Idaho. Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director Col. Bill Shawver will present Boundary County Commission Chair Ron Smith with a check following the Boundary County Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting this Wednesday. The ceremony will take place at the Boundary County Courthouse Commissioners Meeting Room in Bonners Ferry on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
The 2009 Operation Stonegarden funding is a grant from the Federal Department of Homeland Security, passed through BHS to the County. The grant will be used to increase the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies within U.S. Border States, and will provide resources, equipment and supplies to the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is pleased to assist Boundary County in obtaining the Operation Stonegarden Grant,” said Col. Shawver. “Securing our state and nation is of vital importance,
and this grant will provide our law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to protect our international border.”
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
Earthquake Awareness Month
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, Oct. 1, 2009
Contact: Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, (208) 422-5268
October is Earthquake Awareness Month
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today proclaimed October as Earthquake Awareness Month. Through October, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and the Idaho Geological Survey are working
together to educate Idahoans about the fact that dozens of earthquakes occur each year in Idaho, and there are simple things that can be done to prepare for them.
October 28 marks the 26th anniversary of the magnitude 6.9 Borah Peak Earthquake of 1983, and our state is among the most active states in terms of the number of earthquakes each year. Large,
damaging earthquakes are most likely in the mountainous regions of eastern and central Idaho, but all parts of Idaho are under at least a moderate threat.
To commemorate Earthquake Awareness Month, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and Idaho Geological Survey developed the booklet “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, Your Handbook for Earthquakes in Idaho.” This booklet will be inserted into the Sunday, October 25th newspapers of Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, Twin Falls, Pocatello and Idaho Falls. Additional copies of this publication are available by emailing citizen.corps@bhs.idaho.gov.
“We know earthquakes happen in Idaho, and we also know how to reduce losses before one occurs,” said Col. Bill Shawver, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “This campaign will encourage Idahoans to take those steps to protect their homes and families from the unpredictable earthquake.”
Due to the fact that earthquakes are difficult to predict, it is important for all Idahoans to have a disaster plan, a disaster supply kit, and to consider making their homes safer from earthquakes. Detailed earthquake preparedness information is available online by visiting Idaho BHS www.bhs.idaho.gov and IGS www.idahogeology.org.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
Idaho Support to California Firefighting Efforts July 2, 2008
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
News release
For Immediate Release, July 2, 2008
Contact: Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, office (208) 422‐5268 / cell (208) 407‐8838
Idaho support to California firefighting efforts
With more than 1,000 wildfires burning in California, that state has put out requests for assistance from other states and Idaho is answering the call.
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today signed an emergency declaration, under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, that allows Idaho to respond to California’s call for assistance. The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is working with various Idaho agencies to administer the taskings.
There are two requests for assistance from Idaho:
- The Idaho Army National Guard has been tasked to send a UH‐60 BlackHawk helicopter with firefighting equipment and five Citizen Soldiers to fly and maintain it. The helicopter will fly to Mather Airport near Sacremento to be used as needed, and the request specifies that it and its crew will remain in California for 15 days.
- The Idaho Department of Lands has been tasked to provide 10 firefighting engines and a number of firefighters. The engines and crews will come from various fire departments around southern Idaho and will also remain in California for 15 days. The engines will be shipped to California on flatbed trucks; logistics are being worked out for that to take place.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho‐specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.