Category: Press Releases

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.

 

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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 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.

 

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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 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.

 

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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 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.

 

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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

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

 

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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 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

 

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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

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.

 

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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 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

 

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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