Category: Press Releases

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.

 

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.”

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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, 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.

 

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.

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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.

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.”

 

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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, 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.”

 

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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 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