Category: Press Releases
NOV 2014 Cyber Security Summit
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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Idaho Earthquake Awareness Month 2014
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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Elmore Declaration, August, 2014
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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October is Earthquake Month
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.
National EAS Test to Occur November 9, 2011
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.
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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.
The Great Idaho Shakeout Drill, October 18, 2011
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.
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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 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.
2011 Earthquake Awareness Month, October 4, 2011
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.
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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.
10th Anniversary of 9/11
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.”
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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 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.
Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Idaho Flooding and Landslides
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.”
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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.
Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Idaho Flooding and Landslides
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.
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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.