Category: Press Releases
Fire Related Ins and Assistance for Idahoans
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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Governor Authorizes Military Support
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.
VOAD and Community Assistance
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
Federal Assistance approved for Clearwater County Municipal Fire
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.
Lewis & Idaho Co. Declarations
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.
Kootenai Bonner Declarations July 6, 2015
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.
IBHS Emergency Planner May 2015
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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May 2015 Wildfire Awareness Month
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.
Flood Awareness March 2015
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.
IBHS and FEMA Conduct Briefing of Funding Opportunities following Presidential Disaster Declaration
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.