Category: Press Releases

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.

 

# # #

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

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, December 20, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033 or 208-859-6943

Resolve to be Ready in 2012

 

(Boise) – As the holiday season approaches, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) would like to encourage Idahoans to be prepared and safe as they enjoy the company of friends and family. By resolving to be ready during the Christmas season and the coming New Year, our state and our citizens can minimize the impact of emergencies on their families, homes and businesses.

Travelling during the winter months presents challenges that can be reduced by planning ahead. By having an emergency kit in your car you will have the items needed if stranded in cold weather. This kit should include food, water, warm clothing, first-aid kit, a flashlight, sand or kitty litter for traction, and a shovel. Power outages during the winter can also cause problems and Idahoans should keep an emergency supply kit at home. As always, if Idahoans see something suspicious or out of the ordinary they should say something by calling local law enforcement.

As a recent report by the National Climatic Data Center highlights, 2011 has seen more billion-dollar natural disasters than any year on record. All of these events, which have struck every region of the country, serve as important reminders that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.

“What makes Idaho so resilient is our close-knit communities and our culture of preparedness,” said Brigadier General Bill Shawver, director of BHS. “I would like to encourage Idahoans to continue that tradition and resolve to be prepared for emergencies in 2012. We cannot control the forces that create disasters, but we can all make a resolution to be ready for them.”

For more information on how to be prepared and what to keep in emergency supply kits visit www.bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Preparedness.aspx or www.ready.gov. Being prepared also includes being informed on local hazards. Sign up for the Idaho State Alert and Warning System at www.isaws.org to receive custom notifications for local weather issues, amber alerts and more.

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

# # #

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Media Advisory
For immediate release, October 26, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033 or (208) 859-6943

A Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Will Take Place on November 9, 2011

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 12 p.m. MDT and 11 a.m. PDT and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for radio, television, and cable.

The National-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the Nationwide Test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wire line providers across all states and territories.

Additional Note to reporters and broadcasters: Broadcasters are the backbone of the EAS system and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security requests assistance in increasing public awareness of the nationwide EAS test. Resources are available to assist media outlets in conducting the test and education the public:

• National Association of Broadcasters has compiled public service announcements to increase public awareness in the test and they are available here.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency has developed a toolkit of information regarding the test and it is available here.

 

# # #

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, October 18, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033 or 208-859-6943

Countdown to the Great Idaho Shakeout

 

At exactly 10:20 a.m. MDT (9:20 a.m. PDT) on Thursday, October 20, over 72,000 Idahoans will participate in Idaho’s largest earthquake drill ever. During the drill Idahoans throughout the state will drop, cover, and hold on to practice the lifesaving actions that should be taken during an earthquake.

Earthquakes happen when least expected. When each second counts, immediate quake-safe actions will save lives and minimize injuries. What’s at stake is the ability of people to survive and recover quickly from the effects of one of nature’s most powerful and destructive forces.

The drill known as The Great Idaho ShakeOut is an important statewide event. It offers an opportunity for individuals and emergency responders to prepare now so they can survive and recover following the next damaging earthquake. Experts stress the importance for everyone to participate by registering at www.ShakeOut.org/idaho

“The best way to instinctively and immediately do the right thing when the shaking begins is to practice,” said Brigadier General Bill Shawver, BHS director. “The shakeout website has many resources that Idahoans can use to get ready for this important drill and to prepare for earthquakes.”

www.ShakeOut.org/Idaho includes guidelines for what to do before, during and immediately after an earthquake, as well as downloadable emergency supply checklists (food, water, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items for medical conditions), tips for food and water storage, and information on the seismic vulnerability of Idaho.

 

# # #

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, October 4, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033 or 208-859-6943

October is Earthquake Awareness Month

 

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed October as Earthquake Awareness Month. Throughout October, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is working to educate Idahoans about the fact that earthquakes occur in Idaho, and there are simple things that can be done to prepare for them.

Twenty-eight 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 threat.

BHS is coordinating a statewide earthquake drill on October 20, at 10:20 a.m. During this drill participants will drop, cover and hold on for one minute to increase awareness and understanding of the lifesaving technique that should be used during an earthquake. Registering for the drill is easy at www.shakeout.org/idaho. Citizens, schools, businesses and organizations are all encouraged to participate in The Great Idaho Shakeout, the largest earthquake drill in Idaho history.

“Sometimes it is easy to forget that earthquakes happen here in Idaho, but it is important to realize that earthquakes happen on geologic timeframes and Idaho does have a sizeable seismic risk,” said BHS Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver. “The recent earthquake on the east coast as well as the ones we have seen internationally remind us that earthquakes can strike when they are least expected. Given our state’s geology it is prudent and important to be prepared for the inevitable.”

Due to the fact that 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.

 

# # #

Note to reporters: 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.

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, September 1, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033 or 208-859-6943

Tenth Anniversary of 9/11

 

The tragic events that unfolded ten years ago, on September 11th, left an indelible mark on America and brought the realities of international terrorism to our homeland. In Idaho the tragedy brought home the need to prepare for not only natural disasters, but also those caused by those who seek to harm our people, infrastructure and institutions.

After 9/11 Idaho’s state and local governments began taking a more proactive approach to developing the capability to prevent and respond to terrorist threats. Resources such as bomb squads and hazardous materials response teams, located within local departments, have been trained and equipped to detect and deflect incidents before they expand. Information sharing between officials, loosely coordinated prior to 9/11, has become standard and coordinated. The steps taken to prepare Idaho are based in the emergency planning process which details not only response to man-made incidents, but also natural ones such as fires, floods or earthquakes.

The Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) supports our state when disasters such as floods or earthquakes occur, and also has a key role in coordinating Idaho’s homeland security efforts as well. This requires BHS to work with the private sector and government agencies at the state and local level to prevent and prepare for, and respond and recover to, all hazards including terrorism. In this role BHS has also taken an active approach to putting safeguards in place around infrastructure such as dams and facilities that are critical to Idaho’s stability.

Prudence dictates the importance of preparing, and Idahoans need not fear attack. Should there be an indication of a potential terrorist act, the federal Department of Homeland Security will issue information through the National Terrorist Alert System. Citizens are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, and if they see something out of the ordinary they should say something to law enforcement officials by calling 9-1-1.

“In our state the Bureau of Homeland Security and the Idaho State Police work closely with my office as well as with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in our efforts to keep Idaho safe and Idahoans informed,” said Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “On this anniversary of 9/11 we remember those Americans who lost their lives and our solemn duty to do all we can to prevent it from happening again.”

“Our security efforts have increased significantly since we saw our homeland attacked on 9/11,” said Brigadier General Bill Shawver, BHS Director. “Those efforts include an array of actions to prevent terrorist actions and to protect our state so that we can avoid experiencing events like that tragic day.”

# # #

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, May 20, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033

Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Idaho Flooding and Landslides

 

(Boise) The President today approved Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s request for a major disaster for Idaho and approved federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by flooding during March 29 – April 11. Federal Public Assistance disaster funds now are available to help local, county and state governments rebuild public infrastructure damaged by the flooding in Bonner, Clearwater, Idaho, Nez Perce, and Shoshone counties and the Nez Perce Tribe.

“This declaration will make it possible to provide additional assistance to those areas of the state hardest hit by this most recent event, Governor Otter said. “It will also go a long way towards minimizing the impact on our people’s lives.”

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) has coordinated teams to inspect disaster-related damage and examine emergency expenses identified by local emergency management officials. These Preliminary Damage Assessments estimated the scope of repair work needed and restoration costs and those costs to recover are approximately $5.5 million. For approved projects, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay 75 percent of the cost. The State of Idaho and the local jurisdiction applying for funding of a specific project will share the remaining 25 percent of the cost. Projects may include debris removal, emergency services and repair or replacement of damaged roads. Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Hazard mitigation projects will help to reduce Idaho’s vulnerability from future disasters.

BHS, the impacted jurisdictions, and FEMA will now begin working closely to coordinate the recovery programs. FEMA officials are expected to arrive in Idaho early next week and will establish a Joint Field Office (JFO) in Boise. Pat Lucas, BHS Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief has been appointed as the State Coordinating Official and will be the chief point of contact for state recovery efforts. A series of applicant briefings will take place in the near future to explain procedures for the jurisdictions to secure the federal disaster funding.

“Idaho had several jurisdictions that were significantly affected by the flooding and landslides during late March and early April,” said BHS Director Brig. Gen. Shawver. “FEMA has shown its dedication to helping Idaho recover from this event, and with the Presidential Disaster Declaration we now have the tools necessary to repair what was damaged and restore the impacted public infrastructure to its pre-flooding condition.”

 

# # #

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, May 20, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033

Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Idaho Flooding and Landslides

 

(Boise) The President today approved Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s request for a major disaster for Idaho and approved federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by flooding during March 29 – April 11. Federal Public Assistance disaster funds now are available to help local, county and state governments rebuild public infrastructure damaged by the flooding in Bonner, Clearwater, Idaho, Nez Perce, and Shoshone counties and the Nez Perce Tribe.

“This declaration will make it possible to provide additional assistance to those areas of the state hardest hit by this most recent event, Governor Otter said. “It will also go a long way towards minimizing the impact on our people’s lives.”

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) has coordinated teams to inspect disaster-related damage and examine emergency expenses identified by local emergency management officials. These Preliminary Damage Assessments estimated the scope of repair work needed and restoration costs and those costs to recover are approximately $5.5 million. For approved projects, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay 75 percent of the cost. The State of Idaho and the local jurisdiction applying for funding of a specific project will share the remaining 25 percent of the cost. Projects may include debris removal, emergency services and repair or replacement of damaged roads. Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Hazard mitigation projects will help to reduce Idaho’s vulnerability from future disasters.

BHS, the impacted jurisdictions, and FEMA will now begin working closely to coordinate the recovery programs. FEMA officials are expected to arrive in Idaho early next week and will establish a Joint Field Office (JFO) in Boise. Pat Lucas, BHS Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief has been appointed as the State Coordinating Official and will be the chief point of contact for state recovery efforts. A series of applicant briefings will take place in the near future to explain procedures for the jurisdictions to secure the federal disaster funding.

“Idaho had several jurisdictions that were significantly affected by the flooding and landslides during late March and early April,” said BHS Director Brig. Gen. Shawver. “FEMA has shown its dedication to helping Idaho recover from this event, and with the Presidential Disaster Declaration we now have the tools necessary to repair what was damaged and restore the impacted public infrastructure to its pre-flooding condition.” 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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, May 17, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033

Emergency Managers Prepare for Flooding Conditions

 

(Boise) Emergency managers throughout the state are keeping a close eye on weather and flooding conditions and making preparations for rivers and lakes to exceed their boundaries. This spring has a higher-than-average potential for damaging flooding due to high levels of snowpack in many areas of the state, and several rivers already have reached flood stage.

Some mountain areas of Idaho have seen record or near record amounts of snow, particularly in northern and eastern Idaho. The cooler spring weather has delayed snow from melting, increasing concerns that runoff could be damaging when warmer weather comes. Reservoirs throughout the state are releasing water to make room for the additional runoff.

Idaho rivers now at flood stage include the St. Joe in northern Idaho; the Bruneau and Boise Rivers in southwestern Idaho; and the Snake, Henry’s Fork and Portneuf rivers in eastern Idaho. The Kootenai River close to Bonners Ferry is near flood stage, as is Lake Coeur d’Alene, Local and state officials will continue monitoring river and lake levels as they fluctuate with the varying weather and runoff conditions.

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) has been working closely with local emergency managers as well as the National Weather Service and Army Corps of Engineers to prepare for the flooding. Sandbags and pumps are prepositioned throughout the state and officials have conducted flood preparedness classes in many areas. Several local jurisdictions have requested advanced measures assistance from the Corps of Engineers to help with levee protection activities and the Corps is assisting in flood responses. BHS met with leaders of various state agencies as well as staff from the governor’s office to coordinate preparation activities and to provide situational awareness of existing and projected conditions.

Officials recommend that Idahoans who live near flood-prone areas purchase flood insurance to protect belongings. As flood insurance purchases require a 30-day waiting period, residents should not delay. It is important to stay away from the water if flooding occurs since temperatures are low and currents are unpredictable. Citizens should never attempt to drive through floodwaters since even seemingly low water can cause vehicles to lose traction. Citizens should move valuables to high shelves or second stories if flooding is predicted near a residence. Should flooding occur, residents should move to higher ground.

Idaho has developed a flood preparedness booklet for citizens, which is available at https://www.bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Preparedness/Hazards/PDF/Idaho%20Flood%20Booklet.pdf.

“With the amount of water and snow still in the mountains only time will tell if the weather will cooperate or if we will see damaging flooding,” said BHS Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver. “This year certainly has the potential to be a bad flood year but we stand ready to assist local jurisdictions if those concerns become a reality.”

 

# # #

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, May 6, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033

Governor Otter Requests Federal Disaster Assistance for Flood Damaged Areas in Northern and North Central Idaho

 

(Boise) Governor Otter has made a formal request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a federal disaster declaration. If approved, federal disaster funding would be made available to help repair the damage caused by flooding and landslides in north and north central Idaho.

Boundary, Bonner, Shoshone, Clearwater, Nez Perce and Idaho counties as well as the Nez Perce Tribe are currently under a state disaster declaration. From March 31 through April 11, the area saw significant rainfall combined with high amounts of snowmelt which damaged roads throughout north and north central Idaho.

Last week the State of Idaho, FEMA and county officials concluded a joint preliminary damage assessment in the impacted areas. The damage assessment confirmed damages exceeded the threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The threshold for federal disaster assistance is based on a per capita dollar amount, and equals approximately $1.6 million for the State of Idaho.

It is estimated that the damages exceeded $5 million. This estimated dollar amount does not attempt to total all the damages from the flooding and landslides, but is used as a method to determine if Idaho has met the threshold for federal disaster assistance. The damages include debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads.

Governor Otter’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration now goes to FEMA who will make a recommendation to the President. The President will determine, based on several factors, whether he will issue a Major Disaster Declaration. Should the President issue the Major Disaster Declaration, federal disaster funding will be made available to restore damaged public infrastructure to its pre-flooding condition.

“All of us at the Bureau of Homeland Security have been working very closely with FEMA and the jurisdictions impacted from the flooding and landslides,” said BHS Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver. “Not only were these jurisdictions damaged by flooding and landslides, but they have put in a considerable amount of work to get to this point where we can ask for federal disaster assistance.”

 

# # #

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 it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release