Category: Press Releases

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, April 15, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 859-6943

Bonner, Boundary and Shoshone Counties Added to State Disaster Declaration, State to Request FEMA Assessment

 

(Boise) Today Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter added Bonner, Boundary and Shoshone counties to the State Disaster Declaration. The three counties join Idaho, Clearwater and Nez Perce counties who have sought state of Idaho assistance due to landslides and flooding. In addition, the Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) will be requesting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct an assessment to determine whether the impacted counties would be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

The three additional counties also saw significant rainfall combined with high amounts of snowmelt which caused damages to roads throughout north and north central Idaho. All impacted counties are currently conducting damage assessments to get a better picture of what it will take to repair the damaged transportation infrastructure.

BHS will be submitting a request to FEMA Region Ten for a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA). A PDA consists of teams made up of federal, state and local representatives who will inspect damaged areas to assess and confirm damages that were incurred during the flooding event. If the damages meet the threshold for federal disaster assistance, Idaho may request a Presidential Disaster Declaration which would make federal funds available to rebuild the damaged roads and infrastructure.

“I will be visiting the impacted counties next week to get a firsthand look at the damage,” said BHS Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver. “Now our task is to work together with the federal, state and local representatives to restore and repair those areas affected by this disaster.”

 

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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.

 

Original Release

Idaho Buureau of Homeland Security Meddia Release
For immediate release, January 21, 2011
Contact:  Robert Freeley, (208) 422-3033 or (208) 859-6943

Shoshone County Under State Disaster Declaration Due to Winter Flooding

 

(Boise)  Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter declared a disaster emergency in Shosone County today due to flooding in many areas of the Coeur d’Alene River basin.  The Flooding was brought on by warm temperatures as well as rain that fell onto snow in the area.

The rivers and creeks in the area peaked above flood stage on January 17 and inundated roads in a number of drainages throughout the county.  The rain and snowmelt also caused landslides and washouts along the North and South forks of the Coeur d’Alene River, Saint Joe River and the tributaries that feed those drainages.  The flooding, landslides, and washouts caused significant damage to roads, forcing the closure of many.

With his signature, Governor Otter paved the way for a coordinated county-state recover from the incident.  The level of state support is yet to be determined as officials are still assessing the damage from the flooding.  The disaster declaration authorizes the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) to assign missions to State of Idaho departments and agencies if there are any threats to public safety.

Brigadier General Bill Shawver, BHS directer, will be visiting Shoshone County next week to view the damage firsthand and to determine how the State can help the county recover.  “One of BHS’s most important missions is to come to the aid of Idaho’s communities when they are in need,” General Shawver said.  “The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security will work to direct available resources to the task at hand.”

 

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Note to reporters:  The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency.  Please not 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

For immediate release: November 19, 2010
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033

Idaho Emergency Communications Commission awards almost $1.7 million in Grants for improvements to the Idaho 9-1-1 System

 

The Idaho Emergency Communications Commission (IECC) announced grant awards today for Enhanced 9-1-1 services to 14 local recipients, totaling $1,671,305.56. The recipients are Adams, Bear Lake, Benewah, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Clark, Lewis, Owyhee, Teton and Valley counties, as well as the South Idaho Regional Communications Center in Jerome, serving Jerome, Gooding, Lincoln and Twin Falls counties.

The funding will help ensure that all 44 Idaho counties will have Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) capabilities by the end of 2011. E9-1-1 is the ability of an emergency dispatch center to obtain a caller’s number and address when 9-1-1 is dialed from a landline telephone.

The grant funding comes from a 25-cents-per-month fee charged on all telephone numbers in 36 participating counties. The counties not participating in the program have established Enhanced 9-1-1 capability. The fund is overseen by the IECC, which includes representatives of police chiefs, fire chiefs, emergency medical services personnel, landline telephone and wireless phone service providers and members of the public appointed by the Governor. It is charged with overseeing local 9-1-1 telephone systems throughout Idaho.

Consolidated emergency communications system centers, commonly known as dispatch centers or Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP), receive emergency calls from the public via 9-1-1 or a local seven-digit phone number. All vital public safety agencies are dispatched out of the PSAPs, whether the calls are for law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services.

The next phase of IECC grants will cover the cost of ensuring that all PSAPs can receive information from callers using a wireless or cellular telephone. An estimated 35 counties in Idaho should be served by PSAPs with those capabilities by end of 2011, and the rest should be funded in 2012.

 

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Note to reporters: The mission of the Idaho Emergency Communications Commission: Enhancing Idaho’s public health, safety, and welfare by assisting emergency communications and response professionals in the establishment, management, operations, and accountability of consolidated emergency communications systems. The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the state agency that provides administrative support to the Idaho Emergency Communications Commission.

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, July 27, 2010
Contact:  Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033

Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Idaho Spring Flooding

 

(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 June 2-10, 2010.  Federal Public Assistance disaster funds now are available to help local, county and state governments rebuild public infrastructure damaged by the flooding in Lewis, Idaho, Adams, Valley, Washington, Payette and Gem counties.

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) has coordinated teams to inspect disaster-related damage and examine emergency expenses identified by state and local representatives.  These Preliminary Damage Assessments estimated the scope of repair work needed and restoration costs.  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 and bridges.  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.

“The partnerships we build and maintain with local units of government go a long way toward providing the kind of timely and critical information we need to get this assistance,” Governor Otter said. “I want to thank the county folks for collaborating so well with the Bureau of Homeland Security in getting this help where it’s needed most as quickly as possible.”

BHS and FEMA will now establish a Joint Field Office (JFO) in Boise.  The JFO will be staffed with FEMA and BHS officials who will coordinate the federal programs that are available to the impacted counties.  A series of applicant briefings will take place to explain procedures for the counties to secure the federal disaster funding.

“Idaho had seven counties that were significantly affected by the unexpected flooding event during the first part of June,” 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 public infrastructure to its pre-flooding condition.”

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, June 8, 2010
Contact:  (primary) Robert Feeley, (208) 859-6943 or (secondary) Col. Tim Marsano (208) 407-8838

Idaho Counties under State Disaster Declaration Due to Flooding

 

(Boise)  Due to severe weather and flooding conditions in central Idaho, State Senate President Pro Tem and Acting Governor Bob Geddes today declared a disaster emergency in support of Adams, Idaho and Valley counties.

With his signature, Senator Geddes paved the way to make state government support available for use in the affected counties.  State support could include personnel, equipment and facilities to help the counties deal with the threats to public safety and property. Senator Geddes is Acting Governor while both Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Lieutenant Governor Brad Little are out of the state.

“Adams, Idaho and Valley county officials have gone above and beyond in their efforts to deal with this unexpected event, and I applaud their work,” Senator Geddes said.  “They have now asked for additional help from the State of Idaho, and by signing this declaration I will ensure they get the assistance they need to get through this emergency.”

The Disaster Declaration gives the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) authority to assign missions to State of Idaho departments and agencies.  The bureau will work closely with the counties to conduct damage assessments and to determine the best methods and sources for handling the emergency.  “Idaho is prepared for disasters and assisting Adams, Idaho and Valley Counties in handling situations like this are well within the ability of Idaho state government,” said BHS Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver.  “The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security will work to direct available resources to the task at hand.”

At this time the counties are working closely with the BHS Area Field Officers and Idaho Emergency Operations Center to assess the damage caused by the recent flooding.  The Idaho Military Division is currently conducting an aerial survey to assist in these damage assessments.  Once a clearer picture emerges and the level of damage is apparent, BHS will work with the affected counties to determine how to best allocate resources in the response and recovery to the flooding event.

 

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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.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, April 13, 2010
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033

April 11-17 is Public Safety Telecommunicator Week

 

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed the week of April 11-17 as Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in honor of the dedicated Idahoans who work in 9-1-1 dispatch centers across the state. The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) and the Idaho Emergency Communications Commission (ECC) would like to recognize those public servants who answer the calls for help.

Most people do not think about the people behind the voices of 9-1-1 until they need to call for help. Some people equate 9-1-1 with police cars and fire trucks, with lights and sirens blaring, or an ambulance speeding off to a hospital emergency room. While police, fire, and ambulances are obviously linked to 9-1-1, it may be difficult to visualize the people who perform the functions behind the scenes. 9-1-1 dispatchers are the “first” first responders in emergencies. In addition to the long hours, holidays, and weekends worked that these professionals endure, the 9-1-1 dispatchers often volunteer their time in other ways to support the community, such as helping to educate children about 9-1-1, participating in school events, and lending a helping hand for various community
causes.

The ECC is made up of commissioners who work together to enhance Idaho’s public safety by assisting emergency communications and response professionals in establishing and operating emergency communications systems. BHS serves as the state support agency for the ECC shares its appreciation for Idaho’s dispatchers.

“Many people do not stop to think about 9-1-1 dispatchers until they experience an actual emergency themselves,” said Brigadier General Bill Shawver, BHS Director. “These professionals make the difference between life and death in many instances. This week is dedicated to recognizing Idaho’s emergency dispatchers and taking time to show appreciation for all that they do on a daily basis.”

This week is a good time to make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if there is an emergency. For a fact sheet on using 9-1-1, visit https://www.nena.org/sites/default/files/Making_911_Everyone.pdf. For more information about the ECC, visit www.e911.idaho.gov and for BHS visit 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 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

For Immediate Release
January 15, 2010
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422‐3033

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Haiti Donation Information

 

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) continues to monitor and support the worldwide relief effort underway in Haiti. The first 72 hours have focused on saving lives and supporting recovery, and we understand Idahoans are looking for ways to help. BHS thanks those who have risen to the call of those in need and would like to provide information on how Idahoans can safely assist in this tragedy.

If you personally are looking for way to help, the most effective way to support the individuals and families of Haiti is through cash donations. Monetary contributions from individual Idahoans are the best way to immediately support the efforts of relief workers from around the world who are working around‐the‐clock to help save lives in Haiti.

“I have personally received many calls over the last 2 days from Idahoans wanting to help in Haiti,” said Col. Bill Shawver, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. I want to thank Idahoans for their generosity, encourage them to donate to the effort, and make sure their donations are going to legitimate organizations.”

Idahoans can contribute to the cause through several methods including the following:

• The American Red Cross at https://american.redcross.org/supporthaiti
  Individuals can also donate $10 to the Red Cross by charging it to your cell phone bill by texting “HAITI” to “90999.”
• Small organizations and individuals can donate via the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) at https://www.cidi.org/
• The White House is also providing donation and relief effort information at https://www.whitehouse.gov/haitiearthquake

If you are seeking information on family members in Haiti, contact:

• U.S. Department of State 888‐407‐4747

 

BHS would like to warn users of potential email scams and search engine campaigns that may circulate regarding the Haitian Earthquake disaster. The scam emails may contain links or attachments which may direct users to phishing or malware‐laden websites. Idahoans should protect themselves by not following unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages and by contacting trusted organizations directly.

 

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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.

 

Original Release

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
December 3, 2009
Contact: Lt. Col. Tim Marsano
208.422.5268

Idaho State Alert and Warning System becoming more accessible to Idahoans

 

In an effort to increase the State of Idaho’s ability to notify its citizens in a time of emergency, The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) has entered into an agreement with MyState USA of Boise to develop and test the Idaho State Alert and Warning System (ISAWS).

ISAWS is available now to Idahoans with special needs throughout the state. It also is undergoing a pilot program for residents of Bonner County. That pilot program is scheduled to last until May 2010.

When fully implemented, ISAWS will enable Idahoans to receive emergency messages via cell phones, PDAs, email, home telephones and pagers. Citizens will be able to receive voice messages, text messages or both. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) now serving as Idaho’s warning system also will be integrated into the ISAWS system. In addition, Amber Alerts can be relayed via this system to
citizens if they choose to receive those alerts.

Idahoans with special needs ‐ such as the deaf and hard of hearing, the blind and visually impaired, wheelchair bound and bedridden citizens, citizens who are dependent on oxygen, citizens who require the assistance of service animals and any other citizen with a special requirement ‐ may immediately enroll in the ISAWS notification system at https://mystateusa.com/alertSignup.aspx?region=670.

Bonner County is the pilot county for the new program. Its residents without special needs, including those who want to receive the information in Spanish, may register for the pilot program at the above Web site. “We have been extremely impressed with the new system and its capabilities so far,” said Bob Howard, Bonner County’s emergency management director.

Based on the Bonner County test, MyState USA and the Idaho BHS will open enrollment to the remainder of the state. “We have a duty to provide accurate information to Idahoans during an emergency as quickly as possible,” said Col. Bill Shawver, Idaho BHS director. “ISAWS will help us accomplish that mission.”

https://www.bhs.idaho.gov/
https://mystateusa.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 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 28, 2009
Contact: Lt. Col. Tim Marsano (208) 422‐5268

Wildfire Mitigation Grant Awarded to McCall Outdoor Science School

 

The University of Idaho’s McCall Outdoor Science School has been awarded $455,000 to reduce the risk from wildfire on the University of Idaho McCall Field Campus and Ponderosa State Park. Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director Col. Bill Shawver will present McCall Outdoor Science School Executive Director Dr. Steven Hollenhorst with a check during a presentation this Friday. The presentation will be at the McCall Outdoor Science School (near the entrance to Ponderosa State Park) on Friday, October 30, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.

The Legislative Pre‐Disaster Mitigation (LPDM) funding is a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), passed through BHS to the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources. This award comes from the $600,000 earmark from Congressman Simpson for wildfire mitigation out of the 2008 PDM appropriation. The funding will be used to reduce fuels, manage vegetation, and protect 70 structures on 3,165 acres of the McCall Field Campus and Ponderosa State Park. This funding will also be used to educate Idaho residents how to protect their homes and properties from the risk of wildland fire.

“The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is pleased to be able to assist the University of Idaho in obtaining the Pre‐Disaster Mitigation grant funds,” said Col. Shawver. “Taking proactive action is the best way to reduce wildfire risk and these funds will not only reduce the risk in Valley County, but will educate Idahoans across the state how to reduce their risk”

 

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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.

Lt. Col. Tim Marsano
Idaho National Guard / Idaho BHS
Public Affairs Officer
(208) 422-5268
DSN 422-5268

 

Original Release

For Immediate Release
October 5, 2009
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422‐3033

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Presents Border Protection Grant to Boundary County

 

Boundary County has been awarded a grant in the amount of $229,008 to increase border protection capabilities in the northernmost county in Idaho. Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director Col. Bill Shawver will present Boundary County Commission Chair Ron Smith with a check following the Boundary County Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting this Wednesday. The ceremony will take place at the Boundary County Courthouse Commissioners Meeting Room in Bonners Ferry on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.

The 2009 Operation Stonegarden funding is a grant from the Federal Department of Homeland Security, passed through BHS to the County. The grant will be used to increase the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies within U.S. Border States, and will provide resources, equipment and supplies to the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office.

“The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is pleased to assist Boundary County in obtaining the Operation Stonegarden Grant,” said Col. Shawver. “Securing our state and nation is of vital importance,
and this grant will provide our law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to protect our international border.”

 

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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.

 

Original Release