Category: Press Releases

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

 

# # #

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

NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release August 25, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Henry’s Creek Fire Leads to Disaster Declaration for Bonneville County

 

BOISE – Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed a disaster declaration today for Bonneville County in response to the Henry’s Creek Fire burning north of Idaho Falls, which has consumed more than 57,000 acres. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also approved the state’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration for the fire.

“A fire of this scope and severity has not happened in Eastern Idaho in most peoples’ memory,” said Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “There are vast scenic and recreational areas in jeopardy because of this fire and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to preserve and protect the region’s valuable resources.”

At the time of the request, the fire threatened 785 homes in and around the Cities of Irwin and Swan Valley and the community of Palisades, total population 2,000. Approximately 471 of the threatened homes are primary residences and 314 are secondary homes. The fire continues to threaten the Blacktail Recreational Area, BP Energy lines, the Palisades Dam, and sensitive wildlife habitat in the area. Voluntary evacuations were issued for approximately 120 people. The fire started on August 21, 2016.

The FMAG authorization makes funding available to pay 75% of eligible firefighting costs. This includes managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. The grants only provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts.
For more information on fire activity in the state of Idaho please visit www.idahofireinfo.com

 

# # #

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

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, August 15, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Federal Assistance approved for Clearwater County Municipal Fire

 

(Boise) With multiple wildfires across the state, Federal assistance is being made available for another Idaho County. The State of Idaho submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Municipal Fire burning near the city of Orofino in Clearwater County. At the time of the request, the fire covered 800 acres and had burned at least two homes and multiple outbuildings. More than four-hundred homes are at risk and evacuations are in place. Threatened infrastructure includes the Dworshak Dam (owned and operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers USACE). Natural and cultural resources are also threatened.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) authorization makes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding available to pay 75% of eligible firefighting costs. This includes managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. The grants only provide reimbursement for firefighting and lifesaving efforts.

Friday FEMA also authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Clearwater Complex Lawyer Branch Fire burning in Lewis and Idaho Counties.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) located at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is monitoring the wildfires across the state and coordinating assistance to the impacted jurisdictions.

Up-to-date information on active fires in Idaho can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/13/# and at https://idahofireinfo.blogspot.com/

 

Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS 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, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

Idaho Office of Emergency Management
Formerly Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
For immediate release, July 1, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969 eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

See Something Say Something

Citizens encouraged to be smart and aware about surroundings

 

BOISE –The Idaho Office of Emergency Management in partnership with the Idaho Criminal Intelligence Center and the Idaho State Police is encouraging all Idahoans to be mindful of their surroundings as we go into the 4th of July Holiday weekend.

“Idaho is our state and as law enforcement and as citizens, it is our responsibility to protect it,” said Idaho State Police Sgt. David Neth, Deputy Director of the Idaho Criminal Intelligence Center.

“See Something Say Something” is an ongoing effort led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that encourages people to pay attention to our surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. The See Something campaign respects citizens’ privacy, civil right, and civil liberties by emphasizing behavior, rather than appearance, in identifying suspicious activity.

Suspicious activity can include:

• Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
• Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
• Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

 

To report suspicious activity in Idaho call 800-223-1661

Be prepared to describe specifically what you observed including:

Who or what you saw;

When you saw it;

Where it occurred; and

Why it’s suspicious.

If there is an emergency call 9-1-1.

 

# # #

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 May 31, 2016
CONTACT:
Idaho: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595
Oregon: (503) 378-2911 Ext. 22283
Washington: Karina Shagren (253) 512-8222
FEMA: (425) 487-4610

Idaho Participating in Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake and Tsunami Exercise

Exercise will test readiness for potential West Coast disaster

BOISE – Emergency management officials in Idaho will take part in a large-scale exercise with Washington and Oregon and FEMA Region 10, June 7-10. The exercise will test state and county preparedness measures for a massive earthquake that could devastate large areas along the West Coast. The exercise scenario is meant to simulate the catastrophic impacts of a Cascadia Subduction Zone magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami.

“While Idaho is not inside the expected physical impact area, we are testing our ability to support our neighbors should a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami happen,” said Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Chief Brad Richy. “One of these functions would be to provide support to evacuees and displaced individuals from our neighboring states. Idaho’s participation in this exercise is part of an ongoing effort to maintain an optimal level of readiness.

IBHS is working with nine northern Idaho counties, the Department of Health and Welfare, all seven Idaho Public Health districts, as well as Oregon and Washington to test the state’s response plans. Emergency operations centers in Boundary, Bonner, Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties will be activated.“This is a great opportunity to test local emergency plans that will demonstrate our ability to host and provide assistance to evacuees from outside the area, at the same time supporting the needs of our local communities impacted by a large influx of disaster victims,” said Sandy Von Behren, director of Kootenai County Emergency Management.

“Idaho will not significantly feel the ground motions of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, although we are a very seismically active region of the country,” said Lee Liberty, research professor and manager of the Center for Geophysical Investigation of the Shallow Subsurface at Boise State University.  “Any opportunity to increase awareness among Idahoans of earthquake activity in the state and region can only lead to increased public safety.”

“The level of cooperation between FEMA Region 10 and our neighboring states and exercise players has been outstanding and we look forward to strengthening those partnerships,” Richy said.

The “functional” exercise involves simulation of first responders reacting to an incident in real time.  A full-scale exercise would involve functional aspects as well as actual deployment of resources in a coordinated response, as if a real incident had occurred. More than 800 people across Idaho will participate in the Cascadia Rising exercise.

Additional information about the June 7-10 Cascadia Rising Exercise can be found at https://www.fema.gov/cascadia-rising-2016

 

#   #   #

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is part 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.

Cascadia Rising 2016 Exercise is a four-day exercise focused on interagency and multi-state coordination. Emergency management centers at local, state, tribal and federal levels in coordination with military commands, private sector and non-governmental organizations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho will activate to coordinate simulated field response operations.

 

Original Release

    

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, April 6, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969 eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Businesses Impacted by Elk City Landslide may be Eligible for Assistance

 

BOISE – The State of Idaho is seeking information from small non-farm businesses in and around the Elk City community whose operations and ability to conduct business were disrupted by a massive rockslide Feb 18th. This information will determine whether impacted businesses would be eligible for disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The rockslide on State Highway 14 cut off the only public access to Elk City, Dixie and other communities in Idaho County, and led to a State Disaster Declaration. In signing the declaration, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter acknowledged the profound disruption to the livelihoods of area residents.

The State of Idaho will need at least five (5) or more small businesses located in Idaho County affected by the Feb 18th landslide to complete a Small Business Administration (SBA) worksheet before the SBA will offer assistance. Businesses impacted by the landslide who do not wish to receive the low interest loans are still encouraged to submit worksheets so that businesses who do need the assistance will be able to get it. The worksheet (attached to this news release) may be found on the Commerce website at https://commerce.idaho.gov on the “Communities” page. Forms can be downloaded and sent by fax to 208.334.2631, by email to jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov or mailed directly to:

Jerry Miller
Idaho Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0093

If approved, the assistance will be in the form of low interest, direct loans from (SBA). Farms and ranches are not eligible for the SBA program, but may seek assistance from their county U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency representative.

Businesses located in contiguous counties may also be considered for SBA assistance as a result of the landslide. Clearwater, Lewis, Lemhi, Nez Perce, Adams, and Valley County businesses that provide goods and services to Idaho County may have experienced significant economic impact and are encouraged to submit worksheets as soon as possible.

 

# # #

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security 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.

As the lead economic development agency for the State of Idaho, the mission of Idaho Commerce is to create jobs, strengthen communities and market the state by:

• Building the economy by assisting the growth of existing Idaho businesses and attracting new businesses to the state
• Assisting Idaho businesses in the exportation of goods and services to nations throughout the world
• Cultivating the development of new businesses and job opportunities across all industry sectors
• Expanding Idaho’s tourism and recreation industries
• Creating partnerships between the private sector and universities though innovation programs

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, March 25, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Turn Around Don’t Drown

March 27-April 2nd Flooding Awareness Week in Idaho

 

BOISE – Flood related deaths account for more fatalities in the United States than any other natural disaster. In Idaho, flooding is one of our most frequent and costly hazards. While spring flooding exacts the most damage, flooding can happen any time of the year. Because of the need for an awareness of flooding dangers in Idaho, Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed March 27 – April 2 Flooding Awareness Week.

Did you know: More than half of flood related deaths occur in motor vehicles when people attempt to drive through flooded roadways. This happens because people underestimate the force and power of water, especially when it is moving. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry off an adult. Twelve inches of water can float a small car. If that water is moving, it can carry your car away. Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway, or path, follow this simple rule: Turn Around Don’t Drown.

Know the Difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning:

Watch – get ready! A watch is issued when a specific weather hazard is possible. This gives you and your family time to get prepared. If you live in a low lying area, you can prepare for the possibility of flood waters impacting your home. You can also plan alternate routes for getting to home, work or school if you know certain roads you usually take could be covered by water. The watch also gives you a chance to test your communications plan and alert family and friends to the threat of dangerous weather.

Warning – take action! A warning is issued when a specific weather hazard is currently happening or will be occurring very soon. If a flood or flash flood warning is issued and you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. Follow evacuation orders if they are issued. If you encounter a roadway that is covered in water, do not enter the water! Turn Around Don’t drown! It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters.

Stay informed: Being informed is a crucial part of being prepared for any significant event, including flooding. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up to receive weather and other emergency alerts and notifications by visiting www.isaws.org.

 

# # #

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, February 25, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Landslide leads to State Disaster Declaration for Idaho County

 

BOISE – Due to extensive damage caused by a massive landslide on Idaho State Highway 14 that began 18 February, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has issued a State Disaster Emergency Declaration in support of Idaho County. The declaration, approved by the Governor Wednesday, ensures that all available resources will be brought to bear in the landslide response. Primary focus areas continue to be the safety of the residents in the Elk City area with restricted access into and out of their communities.

Engineers estimate it may take approximately two to three weeks to fully re-open State Highway 14 and remove an estimated 100 thousand cubic yards of slide debris. The debris is 40 to 60 feet deep and covers about 500 feet of roadway. “We are grateful beyond measure that no one was killed or seriously injured by the landslide,” said Governor Otter. “This event has profoundly disrupted the lives and livelihoods of residents in Idaho County. State and local agencies are working together to help restore access to Elk City and Dixie and other communities on this vital roadway. I also want to encourage civic-minded volunteer organizations to reach out to this community in their time of need.”

The Governor’s declaration is a prerequisite to access Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief (FHWA) funding. The Idaho Emergency Operations Center is providing all available support to ITD and Idaho County in order that this critical route be reopened as soon as possible. A Forest Service Road is being used as an emergency alternate route until the Idaho Transportation Department clears and repairs Highway 14.

 

# # #

Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS 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, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, February 3, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
FEMA News Desk: 425-487-4610

February 8 Deadline Approaching in First Step for Grants to Strengthen Communities

 

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is seeking applicants wanting grants to help build stronger, safer communities.

As a result of the Dec. 23, 2015, presidential disaster declaration for Idaho, cost-share grants will be available under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for approved projects aimed at saving lives and property and promoting community resilience in future disasters.

“The best way to protect ourselves against some of nature’s disastrous consequences is to take action to reduce vulnerabilities in areas we know are prone to damage,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “With FEMA’s help, Idaho is supporting smart investments in projects to keep people and communities out of harm’s way. IBHS will prioritize projects designed to reduce the impact of known hazards in Idaho, including improving infrastructure resiliency, and mitigating wildfire and flood risks.”

Projects in the disaster-designated counties of Boundary, Bonner, Benewah and Kootenai, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, will be considered first, but HMGP grant opportunities may be extended to entities statewide if all available funds are not committed, Richy said.

To be considered for assistance under the HMGP, state agencies, local and tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations must file a Letter of Intent with IBHS by Monday, February 8. Anyone with questions about the program, eligibility or the application process may contact IBHS Mitigation Section Chief Susan Cleverley at 208-258-6545.

IBHS, as the program administrator, will evaluate applications and then work with FEMA to award grants on a cost-sharing basis. FEMA provides 75 percent of the total costs, while the remaining 25 percent is the nonfederal share. FEMA obligates its share of the funds directly to the state, which awards the money to successful applicants.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program underscores FEMA’s dedication to preparedness,” said Dolph Diemont, federal coordinating officer for the Idaho recovery. “By helping to fund mitigation projects, we not only save lives and safeguard property, we prevent the costly cycle of damage, repairs and then repeat damage.”

More information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available from FEMA here and from the IBHS here.

 

# # #

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security 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.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

Original Release