Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, Oct. 1, 2009
Contact: Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, (208) 422-5268

October is Earthquake Awareness Month

 

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today proclaimed October as Earthquake Awareness Month. Through October, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and the Idaho Geological Survey are working
together to educate Idahoans about the fact that dozens of earthquakes occur each year in Idaho, and there are simple things that can be done to prepare for them.

October 28 marks the 26th anniversary of the magnitude 6.9 Borah Peak Earthquake of 1983, and our state is among the most active states 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.

To commemorate Earthquake Awareness Month, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and Idaho Geological Survey developed the booklet “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, Your Handbook for Earthquakes in Idaho.” This booklet will be inserted into the Sunday, October 25th newspapers of Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, Twin Falls, Pocatello and Idaho Falls. Additional copies of this publication are available by emailing citizen.corps@bhs.idaho.gov.

“We know earthquakes happen in Idaho, and we also know how to reduce losses before one occurs,” said Col. Bill Shawver, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “This campaign will encourage Idahoans to take those steps to protect their homes and families from the unpredictable earthquake.”

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 www.bhs.idaho.gov and IGS www.idahogeology.org.

 

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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