Category: Press Releases

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, February 1, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
FEMA News Desk: 425-487-4610

Idaho Receives Second Major Disaster Declaration in Six Weeks

 

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Local crews worked around the clock to restore power and clear roads after severe winter storms in December brought heavy snow and frigid temperatures to northern Idaho. As a result of President Obama’s February 1 disaster declaration, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be working to reimburse eligible applicants for costs incurred in keeping citizens safe and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit utilities in Benewah, Bonner and Kootenai counties may be eligible for funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program as a result of the declaration for the Dec. 16-27, 2015, storms.

This is the second federal disaster declaration for northern Idaho in about six weeks. On Dec. 23, 2015, the president issued a major disaster declaration making federal Public Assistance available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. That declaration was the result of the severe storm and straight-line winds in the area on Nov. 17, 2015. “Our first responders and utilities worked day and night, and at great expense, to keep folks safe during those back-to-back storms late last year,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “We are working closely with FEMA to help reimburse applicants for their costs for the November storm, and we will do the same for the December events.”

Under the Public Assistance program FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

“IBHS has been an outstanding partner in support of applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA. “With the personnel and processes already in place, we will be able build on those relationships and provide prompt assistance to all eligible applicants.”

In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds. This program provides supplemental financial assistance to public entities and certain private nonprofits to reduce the risk to life and property in future disasters.

Additional information is available online at FEMA Public Assistance, PA in Idaho, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program-FEMA and HMGP in Idaho.

Additional information for the December storms, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4252. For the latest on the severe storms that occurred Nov.17, 2015 go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

 

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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

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, January 21, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
FEMA News Desk: 425-487-4610

Deadline is Friday to Submit Requests for Public Assistance following November Storm

 

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – State agencies – along with local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit agencies – affected by the Nov. 17, 2015, severe storm in northern Idaho have until Friday to submit the paperwork needed to request reimbursement grants.

Submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) is the first step in applying for funds under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

President Obama’s Dec. 23, 2015, disaster declaration provides aid under the Public Assistance (PA) program for eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. They have 30 days from the declaration date to submit RPAs.

The program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of and during the storm as well as in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

“Those entities that sustained damages or had emergency expenses because of the November storm are encouraged to submit their requests for assistance by the Friday deadline,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “FEMA is working closely with us to help you recover much of your eligible expenses.”

Any applicant or potential applicant seeking information on the RPA procedure or the PA program may call IBHS Recovery Coordinator Jarod Dick at 208-258-6515.

The November 17 storm and straight-line winds left thousands without power, blocked roads with downed trees and other debris and caused significant damage to public infrastructure.

FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The state has elected to target the four designated counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for HMGP assistance, although grant opportunities may be extended to other entities statewide if any available funds remain.

“Under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA is providing additional funds to Idaho to help communities implement critical mitigation measures aimed at reducing the risk of loss of life and property in future disasters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA.

The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds. This program provides supplemental financial assistance to public entities and certain private nonprofits to reduce the risk to life and property in future disasters.

Potential HMGP applicants must file a Letter of Intent with IBHS by Feb. 8, 2016.

More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-localstate-tribal-and-non-profit and https://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/PublicAssistance.aspx.

More information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available at www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program and https://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/HMGP.aspx.

Additional information for the specific disaster, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

 

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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

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, January 8, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

IBHS and FEMA Conduct Briefing of Funding Opportunities following Presidential Disaster Declaration

 

BOISE, Idaho – Emergency management specialists from the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), completed a briefing Thursday in Coeur d’Alene as a first step in getting assistance dollars to local and tribal governments as well as nonprofit utilities affected by the November 17 severe wind storm in four northern Idaho counties.

IBHS and FEMA are working in partnership as a result of the Dec. 23, 2015, presidential disaster declaration stemming from the Nov. 17, 2015, windstorm that left thousands without power for extended periods of time. The declaration makes FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation (HMGP) grants available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Potential applicants have until Jan. 22, 2016, to file a Request for Public Assistance with IBHS to initiate a claim under the disaster declaration.

“Thursday’s applicant briefing was an excellent start to the process of getting Public Assistance grants to entities that worked hard to protect local citizens, get power restored, and clear roads during and after the storm,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “We welcome FEMA’s partnership as we move into the next phase of working directly with each of the applicants.”

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and nonprofit utility cooperatives for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of and during the storm, and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

“We are committed to working closely with our Idaho state partner to expedite grants to eligible applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas Dargan of FEMA. “Our goal is to support the communities and utilities that took steps to ensure people’s safety during the storm and to make repairs afterward.”

Meetings will be held between applicants and project managers from IBHS and FEMA to discuss which types of expenses and projects are federally reimbursable. Discussions include the process of rebuilding infrastructure to resist damage in the future. These meetings are an important step in getting assistance dollars to the applicants.

Under the PA and HMGP program, FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the non-federal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the
state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and https://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/PublicAssistance.aspx.

Additional information for the specific disaster, including funds obligated, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

 

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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.

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, December 23, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

President Declares Major Disaster for Idaho Following Destructive Northern Idaho Windstorm

 

(Boise) President Barack H. Obama today approved Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s request for a major disaster declaration for Idaho. The Presidential Disaster Declaration clears the way for federal disaster assistance for four northern Idaho counties following an historic windstorm that caused widespread destruction and left tens of thousands of people without power for days.

“These were hurricane force winds that caused wide scale and extended blackouts,” said Governor Otter. “The level of destruction that happened in such a short time was widespread and significant and caused untold suffering and economic disruption.”

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties bore the brunt of the unprecedented November 17th windstorm that caused havoc throughout the Pacific and Interior Northwest. The weather service reported wind gusts measuring as high as 101 mph in Bonner County. Electric cooperatives serving individuals and businesses in the four county area including Kootenai Electric Coop, Northern Lights, Inc., Inland Power Coop and Clearwater Power Coop, sustained significant damage to infrastructure. Complete power restoration took more than a week, during which time citizens, businesses and agencies worked to find alternate resources for heating, cooking and lighting.

“The region was left in the dark for days creating austere conditions at a time of year when snowfall and below freezing temperatures are commonplace,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “This Presidential Disaster Declaration means federal funding will be made available to lessen the dire financial burden on taxpayers and power users. I commend the Governor’s office for requesting the declaration.”

A Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) related to significant destruction caused by the windstorms was completed earlier this month by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and local officials. The process involved precise data collection regarding the damage. The PDA was the initial step in determining the magnitude and scope of the damage and Idaho’s subsequent eligibility for federal disaster assistance.

The windstorm was the worst natural disaster to affect Kootenai Electric Cooperative (KEC) in its history. More than 17-thousand of KEC’s 24,500 members lost power during the windstorm. 100% of the 17-hundred plus Inland Power and Light customers within the affected area were without power during the storm. 12,000 of 18,000 customers of Northern Lights, Inc. were also without power. Additionally, 100% of Clearwater Power Cooperative’s 2,480 customers lost power.

 

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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that 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, October 1, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Earthquake Awareness Essentials for Idahoans

Governor’s proclamation and ShakeOut events enhance citizen awareness

 

(Boise) Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today signed a proclamation designating October 2015 as Earthquake Awareness Month. Thirty-two years ago this month the Borah Peak earthquake killed two schoolchildren, injured a number of others and caused more than $12 million in damages. The Governor’s proclamation encourages Idahoans to be prepared and recognizes the important role emergency managers and others play in public safety in times of disaster.

“Being aware of hazards and risks we face in Idaho is critically important to staying safe and minimizing loss of life,” said Brad Richy, chief of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “While earthquakes cannot be predicted, and there is no earthquake season as with wildfires and floods, being aware that they can and do happen in Idaho and having a plan for you and your family can minimize injury and prevent the loss of life.”

The Great Idaho ShakeOut earthquake drill encourages participants to drop, cover and hold on at 10:15 a.m. (local time) October 15, 2015, to prepare themselves for an earthquake. Thousands of Idahoans already are signed up to participate. Participants include Idaho businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, volunteer and non-profit organizations, to name a few. Anyone can participate, from a single individual at home to a small, medium or large company at the workplace. For information on how to be part of this important worldwide effort to enhance earthquake preparedness, go to www.shakeout.org/idaho.

“Idahoans should understand that our state is the sixth most seismically active state in the U.S.,” said State Geologist Michael “Ed” Ratchford, Ph.D. “Two recent examples of earthquakes in Idaho are the Challis 5.0 event that occurred on January 3, 2015 and the Sandpoint 3.9 event on April 24, 2015.

“Historically, Idaho has experienced much larger and damaging earthquakes such as the Borah Peak 6.9 event that occurred on October 28, 1983.”

Earthquake Safety Tips:

• If you are inside stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside.
• Drop down to your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down and crouch under a table or near an inside wall.
• Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
• If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.

 

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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that 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, September 11, 2015
Contact:
(Bureau of Homeland Security) Mallory Eils (208) 258-6592 or meils@bhs.idaho.gov
(Idaho Commerce) Kayla Church (208) 287-0784 or kayla.church@commerce.idaho.gov

Potential Assistance for Businesses and Individuals Impacted by 2015 Fires

 

While cooler temperatures and precipitation have helped to moderate fire activity across the state, the effects of Idaho’s 2015 wildfire season will linger on. As the end of fire season draws nearer, recovery efforts for those affected by the devastating wildfires will continue even after the last fire is out.

“When individuals and families begin the recovery process following a disaster it is important we collaborate with the appropriate state agencies to quickly free up available resources and assistance,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “That’s why we are working with the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration to identify all potential options for those affected by the 2015 wildfires.”

The Idaho Department of Commerce is collecting information to request a disaster declaration from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). If declared, it would make federal disaster loans available to small businesses with working capital needs caused by the fires. “We want to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to help those small businesses that have been affected by the fires this year,” said Jeffery Sayer, Director, Idaho Department of Commerce. “Receiving a declaration from the SBA would put our state’s small businesses on the path toward recovery.”

The SBA makes a physical declaration when at least 25 homes (primary residences) and/or businesses in a county have uninsured losses of 40% or more of their estimated fair replacement value. Secondary homes, condominium units, cabins, camps, and lake homes are not included in the tally. If approved, the declaration would make available low interest loans to replace or repair residences.

In order to submit a request to the SBA, the State of Idaho will need five (5) or more small businesses located in Idaho, Lewis, Clearwater, and Owyhee Counties to complete and submit the Idaho Department of Commerce SBA’s Economic Injury Worksheet. If those counties are approved the following contiguous counties would also be eligible – Lemhi, Nez Perce, Latah, Shoshone, Adams, Valley, Canyon, Elmore, Twin Falls, and Ada. The worksheet 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

 

Farms, orchards, 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. Small businesses are asked to complete and submit their worksheets as soon as possible so assistance can be targeted to areas with the greatest needs.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center, housed at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, remains on heightened alert and continues to monitor the fire situation to provide ongoing support as needed.

 

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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that 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, September 1, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Fire-related Insurance and Assistance Information For Idahoans

 

(Boise) With at least 137 structures lost to date, Idahoans affected by one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent history have accurate informational resources to help them recover as quickly as possible following devastating losses.

“One of the most heartening events to witness during this challenging fire season has been members of the local community supporting one another,” said Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “We see neighbors helping neighbors and individuals reaching out to those who need support. I highly encourage residents in affected areas to get the facts and stay informed about the resources and organizations available to provide additional assistance.”

Individuals without adequate insurance or resources may find help through the Idaho Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster or (IDAVOAD). An Unmet Needs Committee is being created in North Central Idaho with the support of the IDAVOAD. The Unmet Needs Committee will be made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, governmental, business and other organizations. Members will be working within the community to assist individuals and families as they recover from the fires. The goal of the committee is to match recovery resources with community needs. To contact a representative with IDAVOAD email info@idavoad.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• Will FEMA help me financially if my home or property was destroyed by fire? When a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) authorization happens, FEMA funding is made available to support state and local fire suppression and public safety costs only. Individuals, families and businesses who suffered property loss or destruction due to the wildfires are encouraged to consult their personal or business insurance policy for recovery information.
• Does my homeowners insurance cover damage from wildfire? Homeowners policies typically do cover damage from wildfire – your agent or insurance company will be able to advise if wildfire is a covered peril under your policy.
• Does the State of Idaho provide financial assistance for fire damage? The State of Idaho maintains a state disaster fund that provides financial resources for public assistance. This includes firefighting efforts and support to units of government overwhelmed by an incident. The State Disaster Fund does not provide assistance to individuals or businesses. Small businesses may be able to pursue assistance through the Small Business Administration. https://www.sba.gov/content/disaster-assistance
• What if I own my home outright and do not have fire insurance? While mortgage companies may require homeowners to have insurance to protect their own interests, homeowners insurance is designed to protect the owner of the home from financial loss due to insured perils, such as fire. Without insurance, you are responsible for any damage to your home.
• What if I rent my home? If you rent your home, your landlord’s insurance does not typically cover your contents when they are damaged due to acts of nature. If you have a renter’s policy, your contents should be covered for wildfire damage.
• Can my fire insurance be canceled? Your policy cannot be canceled without prior notification from your insurance carrier.
• Should I cancel my fire insurance? Many policies offer coverage for additional living expenses should your home become uninhabitable. You may not want to cancel your fire insurance after the loss.

 

“The Department of Insurance is ready to assist homeowners who have suffered losses due to the wildfires,” says Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron. “Our Consumer Affairs Officers are trained experts who can assist with coverage and claims issues.”

Additional information on insurance coverage can be found at the Idaho Department of Insurance web page https://doi.idaho.gov Information includes: What to do after a fire, how to document fire damage, and how to prevent further damage. Tips for filing a claim along with Toll-free numbers for insurance company policyholders are also available.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center, housed at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, remains activated and continues to monitor the fires, process requests for assistance, and issue mission assignments to support the ongoing fire suppression efforts. The activation and the missions are made possible through the Governor’s disaster declarations, the first of which was issued August 13th, 2015.

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.

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Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, August 19, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Governor Authorizes Use of Active Duty Personnel for Firefighting

Blackhawk crews currently helping to fight fires in North Central Idaho

 

(Boise) Following a request for assistance to the Idaho Emergency Operations Center, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has authorized Idaho National Guard personnel and equipment to support firefighting efforts on the Clearwater Complex fires in north central Idaho.

The mission assignment enables the National Guard to provide support for the Idaho Department of Lands in combatting the fires which have grown to more than 64-thousand acres.

“The devastation caused by the Clearwater Complex Fires has caused untold hardships and loss for individuals and families in north central Idaho,” said Governor Otter. “We are using all available resources to ensure that lives and infrastructure are protected.”

The FireHawk, a military Blackhawk helicopter assigned to the 168th Command Aviation Company of the Idaho Army National Guard is configured with a one-thousand gallon water tank helping to augment fire crews battling the blaze on the ground.

“The unique capabilities of the Idaho National Guard further enhance extraordinary efforts underway to protect public safety,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “We are grateful for their efforts and committed to providing resources and support to all affected areas.”

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center, housed at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, remains on heightened alert and continues to monitor the situation, process requests for assistance, and issue mission assignments to support the ongoing fire suppression efforts. The activation and the missions are made possible through the Governor’s disaster declaration issued August 13.

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, August 18, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Communities Providing Donations for Fire Impacted Areas

Officials stress cash donations preferred

(Boise) With multiple wildfires burning across the state, communities are seeing an outpouring of generous offers for assistance and donations. Individuals who wish to provide help to those affected by the fires are being encouraged to donate cash. Cash allows relief organizations the ability to purchase items that are needed most by area residents. Below is a list that includes some of the organizations providing options to donate:

• Idaho Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters – info@idavoad.org
  Donations can be sent to IDAVOAD, P.O. Box 16761, Boise, Idaho 83705-6761
• The American Red Cross of Greater Idaho – https://www.redcross.org/id/boise
• The Salvation Army – www.salvationarmytreasurevalley.org
• Owyhee Cattlemen’s Association – https://www.owyheecattlemen.com/2015/08/donationsaccepted-for-ranchers-affected-by-soda-fire/
• Freedom Northwest Credit Union (formerly The Kamiah Community Credit Union) – https://www.fnwcu.org

Cash donations made to non-profit relief organizations also support local businesses as needed supplies are purchased in and around the affected areas.

“While we understand and deeply appreciate the intentions behind donations of food, citizens are being encouraged to donate cash,” said Jerry Zumalt, the Coordinator for Idaho County Disaster Management. “That’s because food items are perishable and storage and distribution logistics are complicated in times of crisis like this. We won’t turn people away but we strongly encourage citizens to donate cash.”

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Facebook page is sharing information on additional vetted organizations providing assistance. https://www.facebook.com/IdahoOEM

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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that 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, 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 life-saving 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/

 

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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that 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