Category: Press Releases
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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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.”
2019 Flood Awareness Week
NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release March 18, 2019
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov
Idaho Governor Brad Little Signs Flood Awareness Week Proclamation
Spring flooding is one of Idaho’s major hazards
BOISE – Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation this week designating March 18-23 as Flood Awareness Week in Idaho. The proclamation underscores the importance of Idahoans understanding the risks posed by spring flooding.
“Spring snow melt fills our reservoirs for irrigation needs and helps keep our forests and rangelands healthy, but when the snow melts too quickly it causes dangerous flooding,” Governor Brad Little said. “That’s why Idahoans need to remain prepared for the flood risk every year.”
Jay Breidenbach with the Boise office of the National Weather Service says several areas of the state have a higher than average risk this year, including the Big Lost and Wood River Basins as well as the Upper Boise, Payette, and Weiser Basins.
“Snow amounts in Idaho’s mountains are not as high as they were in 2017, when significant flooding occurred, but they are high enough that Idahoan’s will need to monitor river levels and be aware of the dangers of flooding near streams. If hot weather melts the snow too quickly, or if heavy rain occurs during peak snow melt, this will also increase our risk,” Breidenbach said.
Flooding is the leading cause of severe weather-related deaths each year in the United States. Following these basic rules can keep you safe:
- 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!
- Monitor your favorite local news source for the latest weather information
- If flooding happens get to higher ground fast
- Never cross any barriers put in place by law enforcement
- Always have an emergency kit in your home and your vehicle in case you need to evacuate to higher ground quickly.
You can read Governor Little’s 2019 Flood Awareness Week Proclamation by clicking on the link. https://ioem.idaho.gov/Pages/NewsRoom.aspx Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for photos, safety information, and other local information related to Idaho Flooding.
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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.
Great Idaho ShakeOut
NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release October 1, 2018
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov
October is Earthquake Awareness Month
The Great Idaho ShakeOut Helps Idahoans Learn Earthquake Preparedness Measures
BOISE – More than 93,000 Idahoans signed up for The Great Idaho ShakeOut last year, and this year’s numbers are expected to meet or exceed that. The Great Idaho ShakeOut Earthquake Drill takes place this year on October 18th.
“We are pleased with the growth in participation for The Great Idaho ShakeOut,” said IOEM Director Brad Richy. “Each year more schools, organizations and individuals sign up to Drop Cover and Hold On! This level of preparedness is critically important in a state with our rate of seismic activity.” Idaho is now the 8th most seismically active state in the country.
Individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, and government agencies can register and take part in the Great Idaho ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:18 AM MST. The steps are easy to remember: Drop Cover and Hold On.
“Damage and deaths from earthquakes are often very preventable, said Dr. Lee Liberty, Boise State Seismologist. “If I felt violent ground shaking, I would immediately drop, cover and hold on. What you want to do is prevent something from falling on your head, since injuries caused by falling objects are the most common earthquake-related injury.”
After the ground stops shaking, be sure you know how to turn off utilities like natural gas, electricity, and water. Throughout the year everyone should have emergency supplies of water, food, and necessary equipment so they can survive for at least three days without outside help following any major disaster. Remember to plan for your pets, children, and any special needs, including medical conditions.
To register for the Great Idaho ShakeOut please go to shakeout.org/idaho
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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.
Cyber Security Summit 2018
NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release April 25, 2018
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov
Idaho Fourth Annual Cybersecurity Interdependencies Summit
Event features experts in cybersecurity and an exercise for participants
BOISE – Government and business leaders will gather on Thursday, April 26th, for Idaho’s fourth annual Cybersecurity Interdependencies Summit, hosted by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise.
“This event provides the best new information on mitigating cybersecurity threats to organizations of all sizes, and we take it one step further,” said Brad Richy, director of the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. “We are also providing a hands-on tabletop exercise to test preparedness measures and reinforce awareness of the multitude of ways our personal and business information can be compromised.”
The summit will feature policy experts discussing trends and best practices, and a cybersecurity interactive simulation exercise. The full-day event also will feature keynote speaker David Shearer, CEO of ISC2, the world’s largest professional IT certifying organization.
“Idaho is enhancing our cybersecurity capabilities. That includes requiring that State employees complete cybersecurity awareness training,” said Jeff Weak, director of information security for the State of Idaho. “The need to keep all Idahoans’ information secure is critically important. Each day there are new threats to be aware of, so remaining diligent with the security of your information is essential.”
Additional presentations will focus on key areas of importance in cybersecurity, including information sharing and reporting, changing employee behavior, and the importance of attracting higher numbers of women to IT and cyber-related professions.
“This event presents a remarkable, comprehensive and free opportunity to learn about cybersecurity risks and responsibilities,” said Brad Frazer, a partner with the Boise-based law firm Hawley Troxell. Frazer is one of more than a dozen presenters taking part in the event, and is serving as a member of the panel called “Regional Resources and Available Assistance – Whom to Contact for Incident Reporting and Assistance.”
For information about the event go to https://www.regionalresilience.org/cyber-security.html
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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.