Category: Press Releases

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release March 14, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Preliminary Damage Assessments Underway for Winter Storms & Flooding

Idahoans encouraged to take steps now to avoid flood losses in the future during Idaho Flood Awareness Week

 

BOISE – Teams of local, state and federal partners are conducting joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) this week in Idaho to survey damage caused by severe winter storms and flooding that occurred Feb. 6 – March 3. The PDAs in Bingham, Cassia, Elmore, Franklin, Gooding, Jefferson, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls and Washington counties will help the state compile reports to determine if federal disaster assistance will be requested. A similar PDA process has already taken place in counties affected by unprecedented snowfall.

The PDA process looks at the extent of damage, threat to public safety and health, business losses, extent of insurance coverage, damage to infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, roads, public utilities, water control systems and recreational facilities. PDAs can also identify unmet needs that may require immediate attention.

As widespread flooding continues to affect the state, now is a critical time to take action and protect your property and loved ones from hazards. Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed a proclamation identifying March 13-17 as Idaho Flood Awareness Week. This is especially important as eleven of Idaho’s 44 counties are currently under a State Disaster Declaration for flooding. Bingham, Cassia, Elmore, Franklin, Gooding, Jefferson, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls, and Washington Counties have sustained devastating and ongoing flood damages to infrastructure, industry and private property.

Rising temperatures and record snowfall indicate wet spring forecasts. Steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from flood hazards include:

• Purchasing a flood insurance policy, which can take up to 30 days to go into effect.
• Having an emergency kit and keeping your important documents in a water-tight container.
• Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads in a vehicle.
• Turn Around Don’t Drown. This is just as important in winter as it is in spring.
• Assess the safety of your route. Some roadways heading toward Nevada and Oregon may continue to have challenging conditions. Road condition information can be found at www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/travel/?wfo=boi.
• If you are traveling, make sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies. A list of emergency supplies, including water, snack foods, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets and booster cables can be found at www.Ready.gov/car.

 

Visit www.Ready.gov/floods for more flood safety steps.

 

 

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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.

 

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release February 16, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Jerome County Added to State Disaster Declarations

Cassia, Jerome, Minidoka, Twin Falls and Washington Counties face widespread flooding destruction

 

BOISE – Jerome County has been added to a State Disaster signed by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter for flooding in south central and western Idaho. The State Disaster Declaration now includes Cassia, Jerome, Minidoka, Twin Falls and Washington Counties. A State Declaration ensures that all necessary state resources are made available for recovery efforts.

More than one third of Idaho counties, a total of 19, currently have local declarations related to either winter snowfall or flooding-related events. Washington County in western Idaho is part of a state declaration for both snow and flooding. Valley County has a local declaration for mud and snow slides. The winter weather continues to cause widespread destruction to homes, businesses, infrastructure and industry. The onion, dairy, sugarbeet, cattle, and multiple other commodity sectors, in addition to food processing facilities, have sustained significant damage.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated to Heightened Awareness. The EOC is poised to elevate to a Level I or higher activation based on the forecast for additional rain this weekend. For a statewide synopsis of issues relating to the extreme winter weather please visit the IOEM website. https://ioem.idaho.gov/WebFiles/SituationReports/websitrep.pdf

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.”

 

# # #

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.

 

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release February 9, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Ada & Boundary Counties Included in State Disaster Declaration

 

BOISE – Ada and Boundary Counties have been added to a State Disaster Declaration signed by Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter. Six Idaho counties are now included in the declaration: Ada, Boundary, Canyon, Custer, Payette and Washington Counties. Record snowfall has led to depletion of snow removal resources and widespread roof collapses on both commercial structures and residences. A State Disaster Declaration ensures that all necessary state resources are made available for recovery efforts.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated at Heightened Awareness due to winter storm hazards throughout the state. In addition to the snow related damage, counties in western and eastern Idaho are now managing snowmelt related flooding issues.

 

# # #

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.

 

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release February 3, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Forecasted Snow and Rain Increase Flooding Risks

Rain on Existing Snowpack Could Cause Flooding

 

BOISE – Parts of Idaho may face flooding this weekend due to warming temperatures and forecasted snow and rain. Snow-melt related flooding is one of Idaho’s major hazards. Resident are encouraged to make sure there is proper drainage on their property. When possible, clearing storm drains will reduce the risk of flooding. For individuals living in areas that have experienced above normal snow accumulation the flooding danger is even more pronounced.

Several areas of the state are especially at risk in the coming days including the Weiser Basin, the Lower Treasure Valley and the Lower Snake River Plain. Important local information on flood watches, warnings and advisories are available on the National Weather Service website www.weather.gov for area-specific forecasts.

Parents should make sure children stay clear of storm drains and fast moving water. Flooding dangers also exist due to debris in canals, drainage ditches, swales and creeks. Citizens are encouraged to clear these conveyances or call their local public works departments or municipal government to report the debris for clearing.

SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELERS:

• Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads in a vehicle. Turn Around Don’t Drown. This is just as important in winter as it is in spring.
• Assess the safety of your route. Some roadways heading toward Nevada and Oregon may continue to have challenging conditions. Road condition information can be found at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/travel/?wfo=boi
• If you are traveling, make sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies. A list of emergency supplies, including water, snack foods, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets and booster cables can be found at https://www.ready.gov/car

 

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated to Heightened Awareness. The activation comes in response to extreme cold weather and record snowfall in parts of Idaho that began in late December and have continued. The Governor has declared a State disaster emergency, in addition to local declarations, for Canyon, Custer, Payette and
Washington Counties. County declarations are in place for Ada, Adams, and Owyhee Counties.

 

# # #

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.

 

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release January 25, 2107
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Payette County Included in State Disaster Declaration

 

BOISE – Payette County has been added to a State Disaster Declaration signed by Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter. Record snowfall has led to widespread roof collapses on both commercial structures and residences in the communities of Payette, New Plymouth and Fruitland in Payette County and Weiser, Midvale and Cambridge in Washington County.

Local officials say snow removal remains a priority. A State Disaster Declaration ensures that all necessary state resources are made available for recovery efforts. Payette County residents and business owners can report roof collapses and potentially compromised structures by calling (208) 642-6004 or email payettecountyaid@payettecounty.org

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated at Level 1 due to winter storm hazards throughout the state. Ada, Adams, Canyon, Cassia, Custer, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington counties now have disaster declarations in effect.

 

# # #

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.

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release January 23, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Idaho Governor Signs Disaster Declaration for Washington County

Excessive snowloads lead to widespread destruction

 

BOISE – Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today signed a State Disaster Declaration for Washington County. Weeks of significant snowfall has led to widespread roof collapses in the communities of Weiser, Midvale and Cambridge. The declaration ensures that all necessary state resources will be made available for recovery efforts.

“Our primary concern remains preventing loss of life and injury,” Governor Otter said. “This community is resilient and I can tell you these folks have done an outstanding job of managing some daunting conditions. However, the sheer volume of snow and the number of roof collapses is something that would test the limits of any Idaho community.”

An Idaho Incident Management and Support Team (IMAST) with expertise in command, logistics, finance and planning is in place, and the six-member team will remain in Washington County for at least the next five days. It is working closely with the Washington County Disaster Services office to ensure local priorities are addressed, and at the request of City of Weiser officials it is overseeing snow removal and assessing snowloads on critical infrastructure buildings.

“Families, businesses, and individuals in Washington County have endured more than most people could imagine. We want everyone in these communities to know that we will do whatever we can to provide assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Brad Richy, Deputy Chief of the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM). “Attending the emergency Weiser City Council meeting last night with Governor Otter and District 9 Senator Abby Lee provided the opportunity to hear from local leadership and community members on priority issues we can help to address.”

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated at Level 1 due to winter storm hazards throughout the state. Ada, Canyon, Cassia, Custer, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington counties now have disaster declarations in effect.

 

# # #

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.

 

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release January 20, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Assistance with Mitigation Efforts Requested from USACE

Flooding dangers along Snake River in Payette and Washington Counties prompt request for technical assistance

 

BOISE – On behalf of both Payette and Washington Counties the Idaho Office of Emergency Management has requested technical assistance from the US Army Corps of Engineers to help with flooding mitigation efforts along the Snake River. Areas of concern for flooding include the towns of Weiser (Washington County) and Payette and Fruitland (Payette County).

Both counties have expressed concern for low lying areas along the Snake River that could significantly endanger community infrastructure. Issues of concern also include sections of I84, Highway 52 and Highway 95. The technical assistance request includes:

• Contingency planning for expert analysis to determine the potential risks to lives and property and immediate ways to protect both
• Hydraulic, hydrologic, or geotechnical analysis to identify areas of potential flows or flash flooding that may threaten lives or property or impede evacuation routes
• Risk assessment to identify potential advance warning systems.

 

The January 2017 timeframe requested allows jurisdictional personnel to apply the provided training and planning to the most critical sites thereby improving their mitigation efforts in advance of further flooding.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated at Level 1 due to winter storm hazards throughout the state. Ada, Canyon, Cassia, Custer, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties have disaster declarations currently in effect.

 

# # #

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.

 

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release January 4, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Extreme Winter Weather Poses Flooding Risks

Prolonged Freezing Conditions Followed by Warm Temperatures Could Cause Significant Flooding

 

BOISE – The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) is now activated to Heightened Awareness. This comes in response to extreme cold weather and record snowfall in parts of Idaho this week and the likelihood of flooding once temperatures warm. Temperatures are expected to be above freezing by Sunday.

Currently the Lemhi River, Big Wood River and Snake River at Weiser are all experiencing ice jam related minor flooding. Ice jams happen when shallower areas of rivers freeze faster than deeper areas and the ice gets stuck where the river bends or curves.

Lemhi County is experiencing minor to moderate flooding in low areas near the Salmon River north of the city of Salmon. A high risk area for flooding in the southeastern part of the state includes the Snake River above the American Falls reservoir.

“One of Idaho’s major hazards is flooding following significant snowfall and subsequent rapid thawing,” said Idaho Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director Brad Richy. “In fact, in 1997 melting snow caused by similar weather conditions, led to a statewide Presidential Disaster Declaration. Being aware of the potential dangers and making sure both your car and your home have emergency kits is critically important.”

SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELERS:

• Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads in a vehicle. Turn around Don’t Drown. This is just as important in winter as it is in spring.
• Assess the safety of your route. Some roadways heading toward Nevada and Oregon may be impassable. Road condition information can be found at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/travel/?wfo=boi
• If you are traveling, make sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies. A list of emergency supplies, including water, snack foods, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets and booster cables can be found at https://www.ready.gov/car

 

Urban areas of the state also face challenging weather related conditions. Storm drains can be backed up once the snow starts melting. Snow and ice-covered tree branches can fall on both power lines and structures, especially where there is thawing and then a return to sub-freezing temperatures.

Heightened Awareness in the IDEOC means the threat level is moderate, with a chance of developing into a state level emergency disaster.

 

# # #

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.

 

Original Release

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release December 14, 2016
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov
Idaho Transportation Department
Contact: Vince Trimboli
(208) 949-3712 vincent.trimboli@itd.idaho.gov

 

BOISE –This week the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) which falls under the U. S. Department of Homeland Security posted signs at the nation’s airport checkpoints relating to REAL ID. The signs (see attachment) include information about the REAL ID Act. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes including boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

What does this mean for Idaho travelers who have an Idaho Driver’s License? Idaho has a compliance deadline extension until October 2017. Your Idaho Driver’s License is currently an acceptable form of identification to access federal facilities or board federally regulated commercial aircraft.

For additional information on REAL ID https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/?target=drivers-license-id-cards/#real-id

You can also visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs

 

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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.

 

Original Release

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release November 1, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month

Idahoans Encouraged to Know the Dangers and Make a Plan

 

BOISE –Winter weather can bring a combination of potentially life-threatening conditions including freezing rain, ice, snow and high winds. While temperatures in many parts of Idaho remain relatively mild, winter weather is heading our way.

November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month – an opportunity to prepare for the weather change and have a plan in place for you and your family if severe weather happens. “In the past families and individuals were encouraged to have a 72 hour kit,” said Brad Richy of the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. “We now know 72-hours isn’t long enough when extended power outages occur, especially in a state like Idaho with many remote communities. It’s important to individualize your family plan to suit where you live and to focus on the worst case scenario, like being without power for a week.”

	Northern Idaho Severe Weather Event 2015
Crews in Northern Idaho clean up and repair damage following a severe winter storm in mid-December of 2015. The severe weather event led to a State and Presidential disaster declaration. More than one thousand people were without power for more than a week in some areas.

Keeping emergency supplies on hand in your home is an important way to stay safe. Flashlights with fresh batteries, a portable, battery-powered radio, water and nonperishable food should be included. It’s also important to re-assess and refresh your family’s kits each year. Keeping informed about developing weather is also important.

The Boise office of the National Weather Service has developed a web page with other National Weather Service offices in the Pacific Northwest to describe winter weather threats in our area. https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/seasonal/winterAwareness/?wfo=boi

“This year it looks like La Nina conditions will develop in the Pacific Ocean,” said Jay Breidenbach, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boise. “That typically means cooler and wetter weather in Idaho. It sets us up for a lot of wintery weather and gives us a better chance of seeing above normal precipitation with temperatures near or below normal.”

For more information on what to have on your Emergency Supply Checklist visit www.ready.gov/kit

 

# # #

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.

 

Original Release