Category: Press Releases

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, August 13, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

STATE DISASTER DECLARATION ISSUED IN WAKE OF NUMEROUS WILDFIRES

 

(BOISE) – A state disaster declaration was issued today for Idaho and Lewis Counties allowing local governments dealing with wildfire the ability to access state and federal resources to assist them as their communities face a threat to lives and property. The lightning-caused Lawyer Complex fire, which started late Monday afternoon, involves more than three-thousand acres in north central Idaho and has led to evacuations and road closures near Kamiah.

“We are seeing some pretty extreme fire behavior which is why I want to ensure that local officials have whatever they need as they work to put the fire out and then transition to putting their communities back together,” said Governor Otter.

Deteriorating weather conditions, with triple digit temperatures, high winds, and dry lightning conspired to produce well over one hundred fire starts around the state this week. The state’s largest fire, the Soda Fire, grew over night to 200,000 acres and continues to burn along the Idaho/Oregon border threatening homes and destroying sage grouse habitat.

A disaster declaration allows local jurisdictions the ability to access federal and state resources for fighting the fire as well as funds to mitigate its effects.

The declaration was signed today by Senator Brent Hill, in his capacity as acting Governor, while Governor Otter and Lt. Governor Brad Little are both out of the state. The declaration is effective immediately.

“The First Lady and I want to thank all of our first responders and encourage Idahoans to heed their advice, if asked to evacuate.”

Statewide up-to-date information, including fires, fire restrictions and prevention measures can be found at idahofireinfo.blogspot.com – a link to which is available on the IBHS website. www.bhs.idaho.gov

 

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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, July 6, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Kootenai and Bonner Counties receive Disaster Declaration

 

(Boise) Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter signed a Declaration of Disaster Emergency in support of Bonner and Kootenai Counties today following a wildfire that started Sunday afternoon near Lake Pend Oreille. The Cape Horn fire has destroyed multiple homes, and additional structures, and consumed more than two thousand acres. More than one hundred firefighters are battling the blaze and more than 200 residents have been evacuated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and individuals who have lost homes in the area,” said Governor Otter. “We will continue to support the impacted jurisdictions in protecting lives, property and businesses.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Cape Horn Fire. Bonner County, Kootenai County and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security requested the assistance due to the rapidly moving fire, dangerous fire conditions and the potential for its impact to the residences in the fire’s anticipated path.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) authorization makes FEMA funding available to support state and local fire suppression and evacuation costs. FMAG declarations are only provided when fires have a high likelihood of causing damages to residences or infrastructure. Without the FEMA funding those costs would have created a significant financial burden for the impacted county.

“Fire conditions throughout Idaho are expected to remain extremely challenging throughout this fire season,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “We encourage citizens in the area to listen closely to local law enforcement agencies, and please evacuate when asked to do so.”

Up-to-date information on the Cape Horn and other Idaho fires can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/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, May 19, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

State’s Emergency Management Agency Fills Emergency Planner Position

 

(Boise) The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is pleased to announce Teresa Luna has accepted the appointment as an agency emergency planner. Luna accepted the position last week and began her duties Monday May 18, 2015.

Luna comes to Bureau from the Idaho Department of Administration. In her previous role as the Department of Administration Director, Luna worked closely with IBHS on issues involving cyber security mitigation strategies. Luna has significant experience in state agency coordination and a thorough understanding of state, county and local government in Idaho – skills essential for the success of the emergency planner function at IBHS. Luna previously worked with IBHS on the coordination and implementation of the Cyber Security Annex for the Idaho Emergency Operations Plan.

“Ours is a very specialized field and Teresa brings a wealth of subject matter expertise to the organization,” said Brad Richy, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. Teresa’s skills align with the mission of IBHS and we look forward to her making significant contributions to the work we do preparing for, protecting against, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all hazards.”

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, May 1, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Idaho

 

(Boise) A declaration signed by seven western state governors, including Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter, designates May 2015 as “Wildfire Awareness Month.”

According to Predictive Services experts at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), unseasonably dry and warm weather in the Great Basin over the last several months, including lower than normal snowpack, could increase the fire potential in portions of Idaho. Fire season in Idaho generally runs from May to October. Even a small wildfire during any of those months has the potential to cause the loss of life and significant damage to property. “Wildfire Awareness Month” provides residents with the opportunity to learn how to best protect their homes and communities from wildfires.

A new website created by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands makes finding information even easier when it comes to keeping your family, home and community safe. The Idaho Fire information blog https://idahofireinfo.blogspot.com/ includes information on fire restrictions, burn bans, burn permits and current fire weather, along with helpful prevention, education and safety information; a one-stop shop for up-to-date Idaho fire information. A link to the site can be found on the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security website www.bhs.idaho.gov

According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the 2014 fire season was below average in terms of occurrence; however, the number of acres burned was far above average. During that same period, human activity ignited more than 130 fires that burned more than 8,400 acres, further underscoring the importance of citizens being knowledgeable about how to prevent fires.

 

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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, March 12, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

March 16-20 Is Flood Awareness Week in Idaho

 

(Boise) Flooding has produced some of the worst disasters in Idaho history. It is one of the most common hazards our citizens face, often annually. That’s why knowing the dangers and how to protect your family and property is so important.

Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed March 16-20, 2015 to be Flood Awareness Week in the Gem State and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security encourages Idahoans to stay informed about flooding hazards and be prepared when floods occur.

“While our snowpack levels are relatively low this year it is important to remain vigilant in a state like Idaho where flooding has created some of our state’s worst disasters,” said Brad Richy, chief of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “Maintaining adequate flood insurance and knowing the risks to your home and property are critically important.”

Safety tips include:

• Sign up to receive alerts and warnings in your area with ISAWS – the Idaho State Alerts and Warning System. www.isaws.org
• Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way.
• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go the other way. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

 

For a full list of safety tips and information on Idaho flooding preparedness:

https://www.bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Preparedness/Hazards/NaturalHazards/Flood.aspx

 

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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, January 8, 2015
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.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
November 13, 2014 For immediate release
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Cyber Security Summit Draws Regional Experts

 

(Boise) Cybersecurity experts from across the Pacific Northwest shared the challenges of securing individual networks and identifying security solutions at a summit hosted by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security today at the Hewlett-Packard Co. campus in Boise.

The Idaho Cyber Security Interdependencies Workshop drew approximately 150 state, local, tribal, territorial and private-sector representatives. Idaho Lieutenant Governor Brad Little gave the welcoming remarks. The Center for Regional Disaster Resilience and the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) helped organize the summit.

“Here in Idaho we need to move beyond protecting our individual computer systems to forming a coalition of people and organizations dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity,” said Brigadier General Brad Richy, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “By working together, we can leverage our significant combined cyber expertise to create a more secure and resilient state.”

Attendees included representatives from the Idaho National Laboratory, Micron Technology, Hewlett-Packard, St. Luke’s Health System, Supervalu Inc., Boise State University, Norco, the Idaho Army National Guard, the City of Boise, sheriff’s offices statewide and roughly a dozen State of Idaho agencies. One objective of the event was to improve organizations’ ability to prevent cybersecurity intrusions into their computer systems and to cultivate stronger public-private partnerships.

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, October 6, 2014
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

October Is Idaho Earthquake Awareness Month

Idahoans Encouraged to Participate in the Great Idaho Shakeout October 16th

 

(Boise) Idahoans are encouraged to take action in earthquake preparedness and personal responsibility throughout the month of October. Being prepared is critically important to surviving and recovering quickly from major earthquakes. Idaho is the sixth most active state in seismic activity so it’s a matter of when, not if, an earthquake will strike. You could be anywhere when one happens: at home, at work, at school or even on vacation.

The Great Idaho Shakeout earthquake drill encourages participants to drop, cover and hold on at 10:16 A.M. (local time) October 16th. Thousands of Idahoans have already signed up to participate. For information on how to be part of a worldwide effort focusing on earthquake preparedness, go to www.shakeout.org/idaho. Participants include Idaho businesses, schools, health care organizations, volunteer and non-profit organizations to name a few. Anyone in Idaho can participate, from a single individual at their home to a small, medium or large company at the office.

Thirty-one years ago this month, the 6.9 magnitude Borah Peak earthquake caused the deaths of two children and did approximately $12.5 million in property damage. As a reminder of Idaho’s seismic risk and vulnerability, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed this October “Idaho Earthquake Awareness Month.”

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 27, 2014
Contact:  Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969

Disaster Declaration Issued for Elmore County

 

(Boise) Due to extensive damage to critical transportation infrastructure, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has issued a State Declaration of Emergency in support of Elmore County. The declaration, approved by the Governor today, ensures the safety of the residents of Atlanta and enables access to federal and state funding to repair the damage.

The Atlanta Highway District reports heavy rain and flooding occurred August 4 – 8.   The heavy rainfall fell on areas that had burned in recent years, and caused landslides that redirected the flow of the Boise River.  As a result, the Middle Fork Road has been washed out for approximately 700 feet and the Boise River is flooding another portion of the road blocking access to the community of Atlanta.

Engineers have estimated permanent repair to the Middle Fork Road, within the Atlanta Highway District, to exceed $2 million.  Officials are working to conduct emergency repair, sufficient enough to allow the road to open, prior to the onset of winter which closes the other access routes to Atlanta.

Elmore County declared a local declaration of emergency on August 12, 2014 and on August 25, 2014 requested a State Proclamation of Disaster Emergency.  The Governor’s declaration is a prerequisite to access Federal Highway Association Emergency Relief (FHWA ER) funding, and enables state funding to assist in the repair.

“We’ve been working with the Idaho Transportation Department and Elmore County to find engineering and funding options to get the road to Atlanta open before winter,” said Brigadier General Brad Richy, IBHS director.  “Projects like these are complex and take a team to solve.  Given the amount of acres that have burned across Idaho the past few years, we hope to mitigate as many of these risks as possible, before they become larger issues.”

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, October 3, 2012
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033 or 208-859-6943

October is Earthquake Awareness Month

 

Throughout the month of October, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is encouraging Idahoans to take action in earthquake preparedness and personal responsibility. Preparing for earthquakes is prudent as they are a part of Idaho’s geology, and it is a matter of when – not if – the next earthquake strikes.

A statewide “Drop, Cover, and Hold On Drill” will be held October 18, at 10:18 a.m. local time. The earthquake exercise will be part of the Great Idaho ShakeOut event in which Idaho will join its neighbors in Oregon, Washington, Nevada and British Columbia, as well as other states and countries, in one of the largest earthquake drills ever. Registering for the drill is easy at www.shakeout.org/idaho. Over 86,000 Idahoans participated in last year’s drill, and so far over 43,000 have signed up this year. Citizens, schools, businesses and organizations are all encouraged to register.

The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill will emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness at home, school and the work-place. As part of the Great Idaho ShakeOut, Idahoans are encouraged to not only Drop, Cover, and Hold On, but to also take additional steps to make sure they and their families are prepared for natural disasters.

Twenty-nine years ago, on October 28, 1983, the 6.9 Borah Peak earthquake struck central Idaho, causing widespread damage and taking two lives. Idaho has experienced several other damaging earthquakes, and our state is among the most active in terms of the number of earthquakes each year. Large, damaging earthquakes are most likely in the mountainous regions of eastern and central Idaho, but all parts of Idaho are under at least a moderate risk.

“It is important to realize that earthquakes happen on geologic timeframes and Idaho does have a sizeable seismic risk,” said BHS Director Colonel Brad Richy. “When we see earthquakes happen across the nation and the globe, and we see that Idaho’s geology demonstrates repeated earthquakes, it reminds us that prudence dictates us to be prepared for the inevitable.”

Since earthquakes are difficult to predict, it is important for all Idahoans to have a disaster plan, a disaster supply kit, and to consider making their homes safer from earthquakes. Detailed earthquake preparedness information is available online by visiting Idaho BHS at www.bhs.idaho.gov. BHS and the Idaho Geological Survey have developed an earthquake preparedness booklet “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country” that contains information on Idaho’s seismology and how to prepare for earthquakes. The booklet is available here. Printed copies are available by emailing citizen.corps@bhs.idaho.gov.

 

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Additional note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and should not be confused with the federal Department of Homeland Security.

 

Original Release