The 2012 fire season was a very active fire season. Individuals, organizations, and contractors across the state spearheaded outstanding efforts to prevent wildfires and protect homes and communities.

The nonprofit organization, FireSafe Montana (FSM), is soliciting nominations for the annual Wildfire Awareness Awards. Three awards will be presented in the following categories:

FSM Contractor’s Award: To recognize loggers, landscapers and others who create Firewise environments around homes and communities, recognizing contractors who provide outstanding service and create a vastly improved forest and community.

FSM Community Award: To recognize Firewise efforts on the community scale. Many Montana communities have been putting a great deal of hard work and money into creating defensible space around homes, communities and other resources. But these good deeds have gone unnoticed by the public; this recognition program should help focus attention on these community-sized projects.

FSM Landscape Award: To recognize fuels reduction efforts on the landscape scale. Many Montana landowners have invested a great deal of hard work and money in creating defensible space around homes, communities and other resources.

All nominations must be submitted by Wednesday, May 22, 2013. The awards will be presented on Monday, June 3, 2013 in Helena at the State Capitol. Click here to nominate an outstanding individual, organization, or contractor today!

To learn more about 2013 Wildfire Awareness Week to be held June 3-9, 2013 and learn about preparedness and mitigation events happening in your area, click here.

Do you know the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning? Thunderstorms are common during the spring and summer in Montana. Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to help residents and visitors prepare by taking the necessary precautions.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms that may produce large hail or damaging winds. When a watch is issued, you should go about your normal activities, but keep an eye to the sky and an ear to a NOAA weather radio or local radio station for further updates or possible warnings.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent based on Doppler radar information. You should move indoors to a place of safety.

The term severe refers to hail that is dime size, 0.75 inches in diameter or larger, and/or wind gusts to 58mph or more. Although lightening can be deadly and excessive rainfall may lead to flashfloods, these are not a criterion for what the NWS defines as severe since an ordinary thunderstorms can produce both dangerous lightening and significant rainfall.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means that severe thunderstorms that form may be capable of producing a tornado.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning is the ultimate in severe warnings and means that a tornado is either occurring or is imminent based on radar. You should take cover immediately.

More Information

There are four NWS offices in Montana. Connect with the office in your area on Facebook or Twitter!

NWS-Missoula & @NWSMissoula
NWS- Great Falls & @NWSGreatFalls
NWS- Billings & @NWSBillings
NWS- Glasgow & @NWSGlasgow

This information was adapted from the NWS. For more information from NWS on weather terminology, click here.

Be Aware.

Prepare.

Do.

Celebrate Wildfire Awareness Week!

Wildfire Awareness Week will be held in Montana from June 3-9, 2013. This years’ message encourages homeowners to take simple steps to minimize the negative impacts of wildland fire. During Wildfire Awareness Week organizations and agencies across the state will be hosting events and activities to raise awareness about wildland fire safety, preparedness, mitigation, and prevention.

More Information

For more information on Wildfire Awareness Week, including useful tools and templates, click here.  Events are happening across the state this fire season. Click here to learn about events in your area!

Funding Opportunities

For the last five years, the Governor’s Office of Community Service has been calling on all Montanans to get Fire Ready! This year, funding is available to help support wildland fire preparedness training, events, and one-time community-based wildfire preparedness projects.

Up to $2,000 per project is available along with Fire Ready Montana resources to help organizations encourage preparedness and mitigation in their communities. To learn more about this funding opportunity, click here.

The snow is melting and the temperatures are rising, which in Montana means that wildland fire season is right around the corner. Last year was a record wildfire season in the state of Montana. According to the Northern Rockies Coordination Center, “the summer of 2012 was a long, hot, and very dry fire season that resulted in over a million acres and hundreds of buildings consumed by fire.” Countless other fires were suppressed by dedicated firefighters.

On April 1, 2013 The National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services released the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for April through July 2013. For the Northern Rockies region, the Predictive Services anticipates a, “normal significant wildland fire potential.”

Prepare for Wildland Fire Season

Now is the time to prepare your family and neighbors for fire season. Here are some resources and ideas to get you started:

• Host a Neighborhood Preparedness Party
• Check out FireSafe Montana to learn about the top 10 property and home hazards you           can mitigate now!
• Share the Fire Ready Montana Checklist with family, neighbors, and co-workers.
• Be Prepared: Get a kit, Make a plan, Be informed.

Click here to learn more about how you can prepare your family, home, and property for fire season.

May is Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month and a perfect time to help the seniors in your life make an emergency plan. Preparedness is important at any age, but for seniors it is important to create a personal support network as part of your plan. This personal support network should be made up of several individuals who will check on you in an emergency and give assistance if needed. Your support network may include family, neighbors, care providers, or friends.

The American Red Cross recommends seniors complete the following activities with their support networks:

1) Make arrangements prior to an emergency for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster and, if needed, offer assistance.

2) Exchange important keys.

3) Show them where you keep emergency supplies.

4) Share copies of your relevant emergency documents, evacuation plans, and emergency health information card.

5) Agree on and practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency. Do not count on the telephones working

6) You and your personal support network should always notify each other when you are going out of town and when you will return.

7) The relationship should be mutual. You have a lot to contribute! Learn about each other’s needs and how to help each other in an emergency.

There are many resources available to help older Americans prepare for disasters and emergencies! Here are a few useful resources:

Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
Prepare for Emergencies Now: Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans

 “You know, we talk about resiliency, I think many people start out thinking of it as an engineering problem- where do we put the seawall against a hurricane, where do we put the concrete barrier against a terrorist bombing. And it seems that you’re saying that resiliency is more of a social problem. How do we build a strong community that can deal with whatever may come up?” ~National Public Radio’s Steven Inskeep, Neighborhood Connections Key to Surviving Crisis, January 2013

During a large-scale disaster, emergency responders may be overwhelmed. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are trained groups of local residents that are able to supplement the response capabilities of professional emergency responders. CERT members build the resiliency of their communities by preparing their families, neighbors, and communities for disaster and assisting with response and recovery efforts.

37 Montanans participated in 20-hour CERT trainings in April. The trainings were hosted by Gateway CERT on April 13, 2013 and April 20-21,2013 and by Cascade County CERT on April 17-19, 2013. Gateway CERT encompasses the Gateway Rural Fire District in Gallatin County and includes the 4-Corners/Elk Grove subdivisions as well as the Gallatin Gateway and Cottonwood communities.

The training included classroom learning modules as well as hands-on scenarios. Participants learned important disaster preparedness and response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology. Check out a KFBB Channel 5 video on the Cascade County CERT training here.

For more information on CERT and other community preparedness opportunities, contact Katie Gallagher at serve@mt.gov or by calling 406-444-1718.

The week of April 15 through April 19 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Montana. Thunderstorms in Montana can and occasionally will produce tornados, damaging winds, large hail, and flash floods; threatening lives and causing significant property damage.

In 2012 alone, Montana had three tornados confirmed, 138 high wind and damaging wind events, 151 large hail reports, and two flash floods; causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and resulting in several injuries.

We cannot prevent severe thunderstorms from occurring, but we can plan now and know what to do when the next round of severe weather threatens. This is an excellent time for all individuals, families, businesses, schools, radio, and television stations to review their spring and summer preparedness plans and build emergency preparedness kits.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service website here.

Being ready for disasters is more than storing water and supplies. It is also important to be financially ready. You also need to be financially ready. Starting early and having a plan to pay your bills and access your important records and accounts help you get back on your feet faster and avoid problems with your credit when you need it the most.

Pre-disaster financial planning is essential for individuals and families to complete because disasters leave many Americans without access to finances or with expensive damages.Thousands of American just like you- your neighbors
and friends- have a plan to keep their important documents in their home disaster kit.

Safe guarding your finances and important records is easy if you start now. These steps can help get you started:

1. Identify your important documents and place them in a safe place. You can use the Safeguarding Your Valuables activity and the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to help you get started.

2. Download phone applications that can help during emergencies. Use the FEMA phone application to access disaster preparedness, response and recovery resources including disaster assistance.

3. Enroll in Go Direct to minimize disruptions to receiving any federal benefits you may receive.

4. Plan ahead of time to recover. Our partners at USDA have created great resources to help you get started including Recovery After Disaster: the Family Financial Toolkit and the Disaster Recovery Log.

This information was provided by FEMA. Click here for more information.

Learn about hazards in your area and how mitigation efforts protect your home, business, and property. The State of Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) is hosting a series of public meetings across the state to share the results of a newly completed pre-disaster mitigation risk assessment and receive input from the public on the mitigation strategy. Input on the plan will help make Montana a safer place to live and work.

In 2010 the State of Montana developed a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDM), which incorporated the risks, hazard assessment, and local mitigation strategies from 56 counties and 7 tribal nations. The 2013 State Plan Update will enhance the statewide hazard assessment by including more information to identify hazard prone areas at the county and Tribal levels.

Public Meeting Schedule:

HELENA
Monday, April 15, 2013
Noon to 1:00pm
1301 E. Sixth Avenue, Helena, MT
Capitol Room 172

MISSOULA
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
11:30am to 1:00pm
1200 Burlington Avenue, Missoula, MT
Missoula Emergency Services, Inc. Training Facility

BILLINGS
Thursday, May 9, 2013
11:30am to 1:00pm
2305 8th Ave. N. Billings, MT
Emergency Operation Center in Fire State #1

BOZEMAN
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
11:30am to 1:00pm
219 E. Tamarack, Bozeman, MT
Gallatin County Coordination Center

KALISPELL
Thursday, May 16, 2013
11:30am to 1:00pm
625 Timberwolf Parkway, Kalispell, MT
Flathead County Office of Emergency Management

GREAT FALLS
Thursday, May 23, 2013;
11:30am to 1:00pm
521 1st Ave NW, Great Falls, MT
Cascade County Disaster & Emergency Services Office

On Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 9:00am to 4:00pm there will also be a poster display in the Capitol Rotunda to educate legislators, educators, and the public on the plan.

For more information on the public meetings,  PDM plan, and Let’s Mitigate Montana, contact Kent Atwood, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, at katwood@mt.gov or click here.

Winter Ready Montana is a call-to-service promoted by the Governor’s Office of Community Service that encourages citizens, businesses, national service programs, churches, schools, and more to help their neighbors and those in need prepare for winter.

Montanans were out in force during the 2012-2013 winter lending a helping hand to those in need. Here are just some of the highlights:

Montana Senior Corps programs made, collected and donated over 3,800 winter accessories, including coats, hats, gloves, and mittens.

As part of the Warm Hearts Warm Homes program, Montana Conservation Corps in Partnership with the Department of Public Health and Human Service’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program weatherized 1,181 homes in 51 counties.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service distributed over 2,000 Winter Ready checklists with winter ready awareness information and preparedness tips to 84 Montana Food Bank Network partner agencies and their clients across the state.

The One Warm Coat Campaign, a partnership with former First Lady Nancy Schweitzer and First Interstate Bank, was held October 17-26, 2012. 1,433 coats were collected at First Interstate banks across Montana. These new and gently used coats were given to Montana families in need through local agencies.

Senior Companion programs at Action for Eastern Montana and Missoula Aging Services distributed 218 emergency supply starter kits that included items such as blankets, flashlights, and emergency radios to home-bound and disabled seniors. The projects were supported by the Let’s Get Winter Ready, Montana! initiative.

Wildfire season is right around the corner and now is the time to mitigate your home and property. Get ready for wildfire season by joining FireSafe Montana and local partners across the state at Wildfire and Communities Workshops and learn about local area wildfire history, fire behavior, local fuel conditions, mitigation practices and opportunities, and much more!

Attend one of the upcoming workshops:

Forsyth Wildfire and Communities Workshop

Date & Time: Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: Haugo Center, Riverview Villa 1, Rosebud Drive, Forsyth, MT 59327

Registration: Free

Hamilton Wildfires and Communities Workshop

Date & Time: Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Location: Bitterroot River Inn & Conference Center, 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840

Registration: Free. All those who register before April 10, 2013 will receive a free lunch and be able to participate in drawings for great door prizes.

Libby Wildfire and Communities Workshop

Date & Time: Friday, April 26, 2013 at 5:00pm & Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 8:30am to 4:30pm

Location: Libby Memorial Center, 111 E. Lincoln Blvd, Libby, MT 59923

Registration: $15.00

For more information and to register click here or contact Jennifer Mayberry at execdir@firesafemt.org or 406-431-8718.

FireSafe Montana is a private, non-profit organization coordinating and supporting a statewide coalition of diverse interests working together to help Montanans make their homes, neighborhoods, and communities fire safe.

Are you ready for spring flooding?

Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event, resulting in an estimated $8 billion in damage annually. In Montana, flooding can occur anytime and anywhere. Remember, six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and flood water at a depth of two feet will float most vehicles, including sports utility vehicles.          

Here are some basic tips to keep you safe if flooding occurs:

- Move to higher ground immediately and stay away from flood prone areas.

- Do not allow children to play near high water, storm drains, or ditches. Hidden dangers often lie beneath the water.

-Never drive on a flooded road.

- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams or washes, particularly when threatening weather conditions exist.

- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Knowing your flood risk, how to prepare, and actions to take before, during and after a flood can save you time, money, and even your life.

Click here for more information on flood safety, including important information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on flood insurance, causes, and hazard terms.

In the summer of 2012, the Ash Creek fire roared through the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and the southeastern Montana town of Ashland. The fire scorched nearly 250,000 acres or approximately 390 square miles. The fire left Ashland residents asking, “What else can we do in the future to prepare our community and help our neighbors?”

Ashland residents rose to the occasion. Soon after the fires, community members gathered and started a volunteer group, Ashland Volunteer Services. The group along with volunteer fire fighters and community members decided that starting a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in Ashland would help ensure that the community was more prepared and ready to respond to disaster and emergency situations in the future.

Sixteen Ashland community members participated in the 20-hour CERT training held January 25-27, 2013. In times of emergency, CERT volunteers provide support to first responders and can provide immediate assistance to victims. CERT members often use their skills and knowledge to participate other preparedness efforts that increase the safety of their communities.

Upcoming CERT Training in Montana

Cascade County is hosting a CERT training April 17-19, 2013 at the Cascade County Disaster and Emergency Services office in Great Falls. For more information or to register for the three-day training, contact Jim Adkins, Cascade County CERT and Citizen Corps President, at 406-761-5201 or jadkins@bresnan.net.

More Information?

Learn more about CERT here or contact Katie Gallagher, Grants Coordinator, at 406-444-1718 or kgallagher@mt.gov

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. The Governor’s Office of Community Service is proud to partner with the American Red Cross of Montana (ARCMT) to educate Montanans on how they can increase personal preparedness and become involved in emergency preparedness and response efforts in their communities.

Since November 2011, through the partnership with the Governor’s Office of Community Service, the ARCMT has provided 86 Be Red Cross Ready trainings to organizations, businesses, schools, neighborhood groups, senior centers, and more in communities large and small across the state.

The no-cost trainings are conducted by ARCMT staff and volunteers and provide important tips and information on how to build a comprehensive emergency kit, make emergency plans, and engage neighbors in preparedness efforts with the Map Your Neighborhood program. The trainings also feature information on local volunteer opportunities, potential hazards, and preparedness resources.

These are just a few of the groups that are already Red Cross Ready:

• Liberty Senior Center- Chester, MT
• NeighborWorks - Great Falls, MT
• Senior Corps Retired Senior and Volunteer Program- Butte, MT
• Medicine Lake Senior Center, Plentywood, MT
• Big Fork Elementary School, Big Fork, MT
• Montana Association for the Blind, Helena, MT
• Dawson High School, Dawson, MT
• Operation Military Kids- Camp Pee Wee, Elliston, MT
• Volunteers of America, Billings, MT

For information on how to request Be Red Cross Ready training for your community, contact the ARCMT Director of Preparedness and Military Services, by calling 1-800-ARC-MONT today!

Stay healthy this winter

Flu activity is currently widespread in 41 states, including here in Montana. According to the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the flu is not a minor inconvenience. As many as 200,000 Americans are hospitalized because of it every year.

How do you know if you have the flu? Common signs of the flu include:

• High Fever
• Severe body aches and headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Sore throat
• Cough and runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common among children)

To help prevent the flu follow these useful recommendations:

• Get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
• Wash hands often and use your sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home and limit contact with others

Flu Resources:

• Tips from the American Red Cross
• Resources from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
• Flu educational videos for kids from Sesame Street

Taking precautions to avoid the flu is just one way you can be winter ready. Learn more about Winter Ready Montana here.

Be part of a Community Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT volunteers can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site.

CERT volunteers can also help with non-emergency and preparedness projects that improve the safety of their communities. CERT courses are taught in the community by a team of trained local first responders.

Upcoming Trainings

Ashland

A 20-hour CERT training course will be held in Ashland Montana on January 25-27, 2013 at the St. Labre School Administrative Conference Room. For more information, contact Charlie Hanson by calling (406) 245-9672 or via email at desdist5@bresnan.net.

Harrison

A 20-hour CERT training course will be held in Harrison, Montana on February 2, 9 and 10, 2013 at the Harrison Fire Hall. For more information, please contact Melinda Tichenor by calling (406) 581-5716 or via email at madcoccc@3rivers.net.

Great Falls

CERT tentatively training is scheduled for April 17-19, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana. For more information, contact Jim Adkins by calling (406) 761-5201 or via email at jadkins@bresnan.net.

Participating in CERT is just one way that you can help your community before, during, and after emergencies and disasters.

Want to become involved in disaster preparedness and response in your community, but are not able to participate in CERT? There are many ways for you to become involved. Explore hosting a neighborhood preparedness party and Map Your Neighborhood event to ensure that you, your family, and your neighbors are prepared for disasters and ready to assist each other during an emergency!

Seniors and adults with disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations during times of emergency and disaster. This holiday season, 100 homebound seniors and adults with disabilities increased their preparedness as part of the Let’s Get Winter Ready, Montana! Project supported by the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Missoula Aging Services.

Senior Companions and Retired Senior Volunteer Program members from Missoula Aging Services, Adult Protective Services, and Summit Independent Living Center assembled and distributed starter emergency supply kits and provided preparedness tips to their clients throughout the Missoula community.

The kits included critical emergency supplies such as battery operated radios, flashlights, blankets, and basic hygiene items. In case of an emergency, the starter emergency supply kits will help keep the recipients warm, safe, and informed until help arrives.

“These emergency kits were provided to low income at risk seniors in our community who otherwise would not be able to afford them. In the event of a weather emergency or natural disaster, our clients will be able to tune in to updated information on their battery powered radios. This is critical for people who may not be able to get their news via television or newspapers. Many of our clients are suffering with chronic illness and physical challenges which makes them at high risk should we have an emergency. I feel confident that the items provided in these emergency kits will help keep our seniors warm, safe, and informed until help arrives. Thank you so much for your generous donation.” – Sara Orbe, Respite Case Manager, Missoula Aging Services

A special thanks to Missoula Aging Services and Montana Ace Hardware for supporting this important project!

“I was one of the recipients of the Disaster Relief kits for seniors living alone- quality items most welcome and needed. Just when you think that you are one of the 'forgotten' and expendable individuals in the 'senior' world, a very useful surprise gift arrives at your door, with no strings attached. I am reminded that out there, somewhere, seniors ARE thought of and cared for, not just by friends and individuals, but also by participating agencies and groups such as those which united—to identify a gift project, to work on it, and deliver it to those of us who had need. Thank you!” -- Susan, a Senior Companion client

Preparing makes sense for older Americans and those with disabilities. To learn more, check out these useful resources:

• American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
• American Red Cross Preparing for Disaster for People with Special Needs
• Special Needs Inclusion Toolkit

2013

For many, the New Year is a time for making resolutions and goals for the year to come. Spending more time with family, losing ten pounds, and reducing debt are resolutions that appear on many of our lists. This year, make a resolution to prepare yourself, your family, and/or your business for all types of disaster and emergency situations.

Flooding, winter storms, wildfires, and earthquakes- preparing ahead of time can help to save lives, protect property, and speed up recovery. By taking a few simple steps, you can prepare for what potential disasters and emergencies can bring.

Make a simple resolution that will stay useful all year long. Create or update your family’s own emergency preparedness plan, build your own supply kit for your home or car, or become informed by researching the potential hazards in your area.

Free preparedness resources, such as a family emergency plan template and an emergency supply kit checklist are just a click away and can be found at ready.gov.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role. So take the time and resolve to be ready in 2013.

Help your neighbors this holiday season prepare for and cope with Montana’s cold and unpredictable winter conditions. Here are some ideas:

• Shovel snow for an elderly or disabled neighbor
• Chop or deliver fire wood for a neighbor in need
• Donate warm clothing or other items to a donation drive in your community
• Host a Winter Ready Preparedness Party with your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. Learn how here!

Having a hard time finding the right gift for a friend or loved one this holiday season?

Check out this list of great holiday gifts that can be useful in times of emergency or disaster:

• Emergency Supply Kits for the home and car. Ready Montana includes information on important items to include in your kit.
• NOAA weather radios with extra batteries.
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class. Learn about training opportunities with the American Red Cross of Montana.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Fire extinguishers.
• Fold-able ladders.
• Are pets a part of your family? Purchase items for a pet disaster kit (extra food, water, leashes, dishes, and a carrying case or crate).
• Battery powered lamps.

Gifts that help family and friends prepare for emergency situations show that you care and you want them to be safe. From everyone at the Governor’s Office of Community Service, we hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.

Letter from Denise Juneau, Superintendent of Public Instruction
December 17, 2012
Resources for Emergency Planning and Traumatic Events

Dear Colleagues,

We know how hard our schools work every day to keep Montana children safe. In light of the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut, the Office of Public Instruction would like to share some resources that may be helpful to you as your communities, school staff and children react to this horrific event.

If you have additional questions or need additional assistance, please contact Karin Billings at 406-444-0829 or KBillings@mt.gov or Cheri Seed at 406-444-3000 or CSeed@mt.gov.

Talking to Youth and Children about Traumatic Events:

The U.S. Department of Education has compiled resources from federal agencies and counseling experts to help adults give children the space to talk or express their emotions after traumatic events: http://rems.ed.gov/HelpingYouthandChildrenRecoverFromTraumaticEvents.aspx

Creating and Updating School Emergency Plans:

The U.S. Department of Education provides free tools and education programs to help schools plan how to prepare in an emergency event. The Department has compiled many of those tools here: http://rems.ed.gov/CreatingAndUpdatingSchoolEmergencyManagementPlans.aspx

One resource you may find particularly helpful is Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools. This guide offers research-based practices designed to assist school communities to identify warning signs early on and develop prevention, intervention and crisis response plans.

Trainings Available in Montana:

The Montana Safe Schools Center provides training, research and professional development services to schools and communities across Montana and throughout the U.S. This is provided from the campus of the University of Montana.

The OPI's Health Enhancement and Safety Division and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Disaster and Emergency Services have partnered to offer an 8-hour awareness level course for school administrators, their staff and emergency responders. Licensed staff who participate receive seven renewal credits. The next training is on January 3 in Ronan. For more information about this and future trainings, please contact Marschal Rothe, mrothe@mt.gov or 406-324-4776. These trainings are provided to school districts at no cost.

Deer Lodge County Preparedness Event a True Community Affair
November 14, 2012

According to Barbara Andreozzi, Montana State University Extension- Deer Lodge County, you could hear a pin drop in the Anaconda High School Little Theater, as over 340 area residents listened to preparedness presentations from members of the Deer Lodge County preparedness and emergency response community.

The two hour open public forum brought together community members with area agencies involved in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Speakers provided resources and information on the roles of emergency response agencies and personnel in the community and spoke about the importance of personal preparedness.

The forum was a bona fide community event. Event partners included: Disaster and Emergency Services personnel, county representatives, healthcare agencies and providers, area schools, correctional facilities, emergency services personnel, Job Corps, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, local churches, and more.

The Deer Lodge County R U Ready event is a model for communities statewide. Check it out!

Senior Corps Members Celebrate Service Contributions
and Prepare for Winter

Montana has some of the harshest and most unpredictable winter weather conditions in the nation. Are you ready for hazardous winter conditions? Over 200 Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers are!

Butte School District RSVP volunteers attended the 13th Annual Recognition Event at the Copper King Hotel in Butte on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 to recognize the over 72,000 hours of service provided by the 349 active RSVP volunteers over the past year. These Senior Corps volunteers serve with agencies and organizations throughout the Butte community, including area schools, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, World Museum of Mining, Our Lady of the Rockies, St. James Healthcare, and many more.

The theme for this year’s event was “The 1st 72 Is On You: preparing for disasters and emergencies of all types.” Guest speakers Katie Gallagher, Ready Montana Coordinator, and Dave McPherson, Butte-Silver Bow 911 Manager, emphasized the importance of creating a 72 hour emergency supply kit, participating in local emergency programs such as smart 911, and helping neighbors in times of need.

All event goers received emergency supply kit starter bags and emergency reminder magnets. The bags can be used to build a well-stocked 72 hour emergency supply kit for the home and car. The magnets provide a place to list emergency contacts and tips for what to do an emergency. Participants also shared a wealth of knowledge by discussing their experiences and providing tips for emergency preparedness from filling the bathtub with water when there is a severe weather warning to setting up a designated emergency meeting place not only for your family, but also for your business.

Join the Montana National Service community and hundreds of Montanans by learning more about Winter Ready Montana and prepare your family, neighborhood, and community for winter in Montana by hosting a neighborhood preparedness party!

“Together we can be prepared for all seasons in Montana!”

This summer the talented students of the MAPS Media Institute created a new 30-second TV spot for Ready Montana and the Governor’s Office of Community Service. The purpose of this commercial is to inspire young Montanans and their families to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters and to remember help their neighbors during these events. Look for the commercial on the HGTV, Food, Nickelodeon, Discovery, Family, History, Life, TLC, and USA cable channels across Montana through November and December.

Ready MT - Governor's Office of Community Service from MAPS Media Institute on Vimeo.

The commercial features emergency supply kit starter bags and a supply kit checklist that are used for Neighborhood Preparedness Parties. Anyone interested in preparing their community for emergencies can host a Neighborhood Preparedness Party. Learn how to receive materials here.

The MAPS Media Institute is a nonprofit after-school program designed to teach students real-world media arts skills. For more information, visit www.mapsmediainstitute.com.

Check out the coverage of the production in the Ravalli Republic:

• 12/5/11 MAPS program producing videos for a variety of clients
• 7/10/12 MAPS Media Institute hosts casting call
• 7/17/12 Students begin filming ‘good neighbor’ commercial for Governor

Zombies Invade Dillon during Drill of the Dead Exercise

Preparedness can be fun! Just ask the approximately 250 Dillon students and community members that got into the Halloween spirit by adorning gory make-up and transforming into zombies to help Beaverhead County and Barrett Hospital test their emergency response plans.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) embrace the concept of a “Zombie Apocalypse” as a way to engage citizens, specifically youth and young adults, in public health and disaster preparedness activities.

During the exercise, all zombies filed through the National Guard Armory, becoming inoculated from by consuming Dixie cups full of chocolate and gummy brains. The event allowed the County to test the Point of Distribution (POD) procedures and plans in case of an infectious disease outbreak and educate the public on the importance of emergency preparedness.

Dillon High School students covered in paint and faux blood with newly printed driver’s licenses listened to a preparedness presentation from the American Red Cross of Montana and received resources to create an emergency supply kit for their cars in preparation for hazardous Montana winter road conditions.

Event Supporters:

• Beaverhead County Public Health Department
• Barrett Hospital
• American Red Cross of Montana
• State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
• University of Montana Western
• Spartan Consulting
• Governor’s Office of Community Service
• Local Law Enforcement, Disaster Emergency Services (DES), Search and Rescue, and Fire Departments

Become involved in preparedness efforts in your community! To learn how, visit the American Red Cross of Montana and the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

Although National Preparedness Month has concluded, it is always the right time to prepare!

These upcoming events will help Montanans learn how to better prepare for all types of emergency situations:

Livingston

The Park County Senior Center is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Party on October19-20, 2012 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The open door event will include speakers and demonstrations from local emergency services as well as informational materials. For more information on this event, please contact Brooke Cottongim at 406-333-2276.

Scobey

Daniels County Public Health in conjunction with the Daniels County Disaster Emergency Services (DES) will provide Disaster Preparedness Training at the Scobey Ladies Afternoon Out on October 20, 2012 in Scobey. Contact Mary Nyhus with Daniels County DES at 406-783-7554 for more information.

Miles City

The Miles City Local Advisory Council on Mental Health, RSVP, Custer County Public Health, and the Custer County Community Health Clinic are hosting a Disaster Preparedness Party at the Developmental Education Assistance Program on October 25, 2012. Community members with mental illness or developmental disabilities and their group homes will be given disaster preparedness kits. Contact Antonia Klein, Community Program Officer with DPHHS, at 406-234-1866 to learn more.

Helena

Job’s Daughters of Helena, Bethel #5 is hosting a Disaster Preparedness Event on October 25, 2012 in Helena. Representatives from the American Red Cross of Montana will be on hand to train Bethel members. For additional information, please contact Tan Nguyen, at 406-439-4604.

Dillon

The Beaverhead County Health Department is hosting a Drill of the Dead event at the National Armory on October 31, 2012. Hundreds of volunteers will participate in the drill, which will simulate the emergency response to a public health disaster in the county. To learn more about how you can become involved, please contact Sue Hansen with Beaverhead County Public Health, at 406-683-4771.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service thanks all Montanans who participated in the 9th Annual National Preparedness Month. During the month of September, thousands of Montanans joined over 1.5 million people across the country, participating in nationwide efforts to prepare their businesses, families, and neighborhoods for all types of emergencies.

Highlights from Across the State

Yellowstone County

The Yellowstone County Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Phillips 66 refinery, first responders, and others hosted a large-scale emergency gas-leak disaster drill on September 26, 2012 in Billings. With the help of over 58 volunteers, the drill highlighted the importance of being ready for emergencies and allowed responders and response agencies to test emergency plans.

Check out their drill!

Malmstrom Air Force Base

To celebrate National Preparedness Month, the Malmstrom Air Force Base Unit of Emergency Management partnered with the American Red Cross of Montana to host a month-long Information Preparedness Fair, educating base residents on the importance of preparing their families and neighborhoods. Learn more about the Malmstrom Disaster Preparedness Fair!

Butte

AmeriCorps VISTA members distribute 72 hour Emergency Starter Kits at the Butte Community Disaster Preparedness Fair.

The Butte-Silver Bow Emergency Management Agency in partnership with AmeriCorps VISTA held the Butte Community Disaster Preparedness Fair on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Racetrack Volunteer Fire Department, Summit Air Ambulance, the Butte-Silver Bow Police and Fire Departments, the Montana Highway Patrol, St. James Hospital, and the American Red Cross of Montana were at the event to provide attendees with important disaster preparedness information.

Giant Springs State Park

Giant Springs State Park in conjunction with the AmeriCorps State Parks program hosted a 9/11 National Service Day on Saturday, September 15, 2012. To recognize National Preparedness Month, the event focused on preparing for disasters and knowing what it would take to survive in the unpredictable Montana wilderness. Read more about the Giant Springs State Park 9/11 Day of Service in the Great Falls Tribune.

Montanans are helping prepare their whole communities for emergencies and disasters by hosting Neighborhood Preparedness Parties, Map Your Neighborhood Trainings, and Preparedness Fairs. These events help Montanans learn how to prepare for disasters and emergencies like wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather.

Anaconda

MSU Deer Lodge County Extension is hosting the “1st 72 is on U” Event at the Anaconda High School Little Theater on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 6pm. The entire community is invited to attend to learn how to be a prepared and ready household. Contact Barbara Andreozzi, Extension Agent, at 406-563-4036 to get involved.

Ashland

An Ashland Community Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 8m 2012 at the St. Labre Indian School. Community members will learn about the Map Your Neighborhood Program and receive emergency supply starter kits. Contact Pat Dennis at 406-784-4500 to learn more.

Box Elder

Representatives from Stone Child College and the Rocky Boy Clinic will be providing preparedness materials during Native American Week on the Rocky Boy Reservation. Contact Janet Runnion at 406-395-4486 or Mary Gallegos at 406-395-4313 for more information.

Great Falls

Malmstrom Air Force Base Office of Emergency Management is hosting Preparedness Information Fairs at the Base Exchange throughout September. Stop by between 11am-1pm on September 11, 18, or 25 to receive materials and preparedness resources. Call Nathan Sisk at 406-731-6632 for details.

The Salvation Army of Great Falls is supporting the Veterans Stand Down at the Montana Expo Park on September 20-22, 2012 from 10am to 5pm. The Salvation Army will be distributing preparedness resources to participants and volunteers. Contact Jesse Oldham, Emergency and Disaster Services Coordinator, at 406-761-6506 to get involved.

Helena

Tri-County residents are invited to a Map Your Neighborhood Training at the Lewis and Clark Library on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 7pm. Contact DES Coordinator for Lewis and Clark County, Paul Spengler, at 406-447-8285 to learn more.

Members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary members, and Sons of the American Legion are invited to a National Preparedness Month Celebration at the American Legion, Lewis and Clark Post #2, at 3095 Villard. The celebration is Thursday, September 20, from 7pm to 8:30pm. Contact Karen Semple at 406-443-3376 for more information.

Miles City

The Miles City Local Advisory Council on Mental Health, RSVP, Custer County Public Health, and the Custer County Community Health Clinic are hosting a Disaster Preparedness Party at the Developmental Education Assistance Program on October 25, 2012. Community members with mental illness or developmental disabilities and their group homes will be given disaster preparedness kits. Contact Antonia Klein, Community Program Officer with DPHHS, at 406-234-1866 to learn more.

Sidney

Butch Renders, DES Coordinator for Richland County, is hosting a Preparedness Conference for Local Emergency Planning Committees, Tribal Emergency Response Committees, and Tribal and County DES Coordinators September 25-27, 2012. Contact Butch Renders at 406-433-2220 for details.

These preparedness events are partially sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Community Service. Learn how you can hold a Neighborhood Preparedness Party in your community here.

Host a Neighborhood Preparedness Party!

This September marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month, a national campaign that encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses, and communities. National Preparedness Month is led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with the Citizen Corps and other state preparedness organizations.

Montanans can participate in National Preparedness Month by hosting a Neighborhood Preparedness Party! Bring your community together to learn about emergency preparedness and what to do in times of disaster. The Governor’s Office of Community Service can help support your event with emergency supply starter kits and emergency preparedness resources. Hosting a Neighborhood Preparedness Party is easy to do and it is a great way to get to know your neighbors while preparing your community for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.

Steps to Host a Neighborhood Preparedness Party

1. Plan your party with your local community leaders and volunteers like Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinators, Red Cross Volunteers, Schools, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs, Fire Departments, Police Departments, and volunteer centers.
2. Research a location, date, and estimated number of participants and gather your local resources.
3. Submit a Supply Request to the Governor’s Office of Community Service at serve@mt.gov.
4. The Governor’s Office of Community Service will send you emergency supply starter kit bags and Map Your Neighborhood resources.
5. Promote your event. Make posters and consider inviting your local media. You can also register with the National Preparedness Coalition and Pledge to Prepare at Ready.gov.
6. Host your event. Make sure to have participants sign in and don’t forget to take pictures!
7. Send an Event Evaluation to the Governor’s Office of Community Service and celebrate that your community is prepared!

Resources to Get You Started

• Map Your Neighborhood Program
• Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
• Fire Ready Montana Checklist
• Winter Ready Montana Checklist
• Ready.Gov- Join the National Preparedness Coalition!

Forms/Templates

• Supply Request Form
• Blank Flyer for Promotions
• Sign-in Sheet
• Media Release Form
• Event Evaluation

Questions?

Contact Katie Gallagher, Grants Coordinator, at 406-444-1718 or kgallagher@mt.gov.

Wildfires continue to burn in several areas of the state and critical conditions are expected as gusty winds, hot temperatures, and low humidity affect Montana. The public is asked to help firefighters by avoiding fire areas, not stopping along roads to observe aircraft, using headlights in smoky areas, and using extreme caution with any activity with the potential to cause a fire. Fire restrictions are in effect for the majority of the state.

To stay up to day on current fire conditions visit www.inciweb.org.

For smoke and air quality updates visit todaysair.mt.gov.

For fire restrictions visit firerestrictions.us/mt.

Even if wildfires are not affecting your area, now is a good time to prepare your family for all emergencies including fires. Take the time to plan now what you would do if you were required to evacuate. Do you have an emergency supply kit prepared? Where would you take pets and livestock? Do all family members know who to contact in an emergency?

For more tips and resources about wildfire season check out Fire Ready Montana.

President Declares a Major Disaster for Montana

FEMA Release: August 2, 2012

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of Montana to supplement the state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a wildfire during the period of June 25 to July 10, 2012.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the wildfire in Powder River and Rosebud Counties and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state of Montana.

Thomas J. McCool has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. McCool said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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. Learn more at www.fema.gov.

Read Governor Schweitzer’s Request for Presidential Disaster Declaration from 7/25/12.

Senior Corps programs are helping Montanans prepare for disasters and emergencies with two upcoming events.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Foster Grandparents with the St. Vincent Healthcare program are learning how to prepare for wildfires and how to make an emergency supply kit at their in-service training. Contact Barbra Brady, Foster Grandparent Program Director, at 406-237-3485 to learn more.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers are helping veterans and military families prepare for emergencies during the annual Eastern Montana Veterans Stand Down event. This Stand Down event will be held at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds in Miles City from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, August 11. All veterans and military families in the area are encouraged to attend. Contact Betty Vail, RSVP Director, at 406-234-0505 to learn more.

While wildfires are burning in a few parts of the state, all Montanans should take simple steps now to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

Be Prepared

Make sure your family has an Emergency Supply Kit that can last for at least three days and consider keeping a second smaller emergency supply kit to take with you in case of evacuation. Don’t forget to include important documents, money, pet supplies, phone chargers, and your special needed items such as prescription drugs.

Take time now to make a family communications plan. Often during emergencies, phone service is limited and it may be difficult to make a local call. Designate an out of town contact that everyone can call or email. Also, review your evacuation plan and remember to consider your neighbors who might need help. If you have pets, make a plan now for where to take them as most shelters only permit service animals.

Register your cell phone to receive emergency notifications or “reverse 9-1-1” calls, especially if you do not have a “land line” at your home. If necessary, automated calls will be sent to you about evacuations or other emergency updates. Contact your local police department or county sheriff to find out how to register.

Help Your Neighbors

Now that you’ve prepared your family, consider hosting a Neighborhood Preparedness Party. Bring together your neighborhood to build emergency supply kits, share important emergency contact information, and make a plan for your neighbors who might need a little extra help.

Want to help the residents of disaster-affected areas? The American Red Cross of Montana helps coordinate emergency shelters and disaster relief efforts. Contact the Red Cross to volunteer or to donate money and supplies such as bottled water.

As you plan your summer recreational activities, keep in mind if your plans could cause wildfires. Look up firework and campfire restrictions. Learn how to make sure your campfires are cold to the touch and dead out. Be respectful of open lands during dry conditions and use common sense.

Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date on active fires at www.inciweb.org.

Check road closures before you make travel plans.

Follow your local disaster and emergency service personnel using social media to stay informed about emergencies and how you can help.

Find more Fire Ready resources from ServeMontana.

Governor issues Emergency Executive Order

(Helena, MT) -- Governor Brian Schweitzer issued an executive order June 26, 2012 proclaiming an emergency to exist in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson and Madison counties and June 27, 2012 for Musselshell, Rosebud, Treasure, Custer, Big Horn, and Yellowstone counties and the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in the State of Montana due to numerous fires and the extremely hazardous wild land fire conditions.

The Governor reminds all Montanans to be extra vigilant as we head into the 4th of July holiday week at worksites, recreation sites, and at home with any activity that has the potential to cause a fire.

CONTACT:  Jayson O’Neill (406) 444-9844 and Sarah Elliott (406) 444-9725

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight Montana's Dahl and Corral Fire

» 2012 FEMA Region VIII News Releases

DENVER, Colo. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for Montana’s Dahl Fire in Musselshell County and Corral Fire in Lewis and Clark County.

FEMA Regional Administrator Robin Finegan approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) upon receiving the state’s request. At the time of the request the fire was threatening 203 homes in the area of the town of Roundup and 220 homes in Lewis and Clark County north of Helena. The Dahl fire was threatening the Signal Mountain Coal Mine, schools and a fire station and the Corral fire threatened 800 structures, a rail line, schools and fire stations.

There are currently 10 large fires burning uncontrolled in Montana.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay Informed!

Dry, hot weather brings wildfire season to Montana. Stay informed about fires in your area. For a complete list of wildfire incidents and updates, visit InciWeb- the Incident Information System that pulls information on all fires.

www.inciweb.org

For updates specifically smoke and air quality during wildfire season, visit the Department of Environmental Quality website.

www.deq.mt.gov

Remember, wildfire preparedness is your responsibility. Learn how to prepare and help your neighbors with the FireReady Montana Resources.

NEWS RELEASE

June 13, 2012 – More than 300 volunteers throughout Montana provide support for military service members and their families, disaster relief, and health and safety training for the American Red Cross of Montana. Six individuals and 1 volunteer team were recently honored for their exemplary service.

• Terry Loveland, Florence, MT - Health and Safety Volunteer of the Year
  • Terry was honored this year for his tireless efforts as a Health and Safety Instructor ensuring each student has the knowledge they need to respond to any emergency.
• Vicki Ruby, Plentywood, MT - Services to the Armed Forces Volunteer of the Year
  • Vicki earned this year’s honor for her dedication and compassion in helping military service members and their families. She was also instrumental in improving the Red Cross case management system.
• Lew Savik, Kalispell, MT - Disaster Volunteer of the Year
  • Lew is a long-time disaster volunteer and received this award for strengthening the Flathead area’s disaster team through training, volunteer recruitment, community outreach, and client support. Lew serves his community with compassion and dedication and is always ready to deploy on national emergencies if the need arises.
• Valeda VanDerSande, Polson, MT - Disaster Duty Officer of the Year
  • Valeda was recognized for her leadership as a Duty Officer. She provides coaching for her team members, is proactive in service delivery and meeting the clients’ needs, and often volunteers for additional shifts when needed.
• Jennifer Perfater, Chinook, MT and Jenny Erickson, Stevensville, MT - Meritorious Volunteer Leadership Award
  • Jennifer was honored for her work in raising awareness of Red Cross services with Montana’s 7 Tribal Nations and strengthening the relationship with Tribal Leaders. Her efforts will help ensure all Tribal members have immediate access to services and support during disasters.
  • Jenny was honored for her leadership in the areas of volunteer recruitment, recognition, training, volunteer support and community outreach.
• The Ravalli County Disaster Action Team - Disaster Action Team of the Year
  • This year’s team, comprised of 14 members, was recognized for their leadership, initiative, organizational skills, team work and passion for the Red Cross mission. As an example, after a night of responding to 2 different house fires, the team was up early the next morning for a Red Cross Sheltering class.

"Volunteers are the power behind our mission," said chapter CEO Rod Kopp. “Our volunteers provide comfort, safety and hope for our clients and they help Montanans in communities across the state become better prepared to handle emergencies. We are extremely proud of our trained and passionate team and this is one of the ways we get to show our appreciation."

Contact:

Diane Wright

P 800-272-6668

Diane.Wright2@redcross.org

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.montanaredcross.org, friend us on Facebook at "American Red Cross of Montana" or follow us on Twitter @MontanaRedCross

Greetings Partners in Preparedness,

In case you missed it, the 2012 National Preparedness Month Launch Webinar or would like to review the webinar can be viewed and downloaded at http://citizencorps.gov/resources/prepcall/femaprepcall2012.shtm#june.

Be sure to access the valuable resources below that were discussed during the webinar that will help you prepare your families, businesses, and organizations during National Preparedness Month and beyond:

• Join the National Preparedness Coalition today! The National Preparedness Coalition is for EVERYONE. Join the thousands who have already signed up if you haven’t already, and encourage everyone in your networks to do the same! Remember, even if you were a member last year you must register again for 2012.
• Order FREE FEMA publications to complement the great work you already do. Below are several sites that have information on how to order preparedness publications and youth resources FREE of charge!
• Information on Ordering Ready Publications
• Citizen Preparedness Publications (includes youth publications)
• Ready Kids Publications and Website
• Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
• Use simple activities to prepare and engage with your communities. Our new interactive web-based course, IS – 909 Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone is now available. Also, access individual 15-20 minute Preparedness Activities for Communities Everywhere here, and learn how neighbors can help neighbors get prepared. Preparedness starts at home!
• Engage in youth preparedness. Check out the youth preparedness resources page, and find out about upcoming Youth Preparedness Workshops.
• Identify partners in community preparedness near you by finding Citizen Corps Councils and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) programs close to you. Click here to search for Councils, CERTs, and Citizen Corps Partners by zip code.
• Finally, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at CitizenCorps@dhs.gov or Ready@dhs.gov.

We look forward to partnering with you!  National Preparedness Coalition

“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.”

Library of 20 ready-to-use CERT exercises

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program at FEMA is pleased to announce a new library of 20 ready-to-use CERT exercises of all types, now available for download on the new Drills and Exercises page of the National CERT website at http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/exercises.shtm. The new materials will help CERT programs conduct a variety of drills and exercises based on different scenarios.

Drills and exercises are great opportunities for CERT programs to engage their volunteer members and to practice, assess, and improve their program’s emergency response plans and on-the-ground operations. The scenarios, objectives, and events of each exercise can be used as is or modified to address the local CERT program’s training priorities.

The new web page includes materials for 4 drills, 6 tabletop exercises, 4 functional exercises, 4 full-scale exercises and 2 competitive events that were developed according to national guidance and principles outlined by the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). All drills and exercises were developed with common terminology and a systematic approach consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) framework to ensure that CERT programs are well-integrated with emergency management and incident response operations.

Planning exercises and drills does not have to be a daunting and time-consuming task for CERT programs. Review the drills and exercises on the National CERT website and start planning for your next CERT exercise today!

Please let CERT practitioners and advocates around the country know your thoughts about the new library of exercises or any aspect of CERT at the CERT Online Forum. Share your ideas, suggestions and comments at http://community.fema.gov.

Courtesy of:

• National CERT Program
• Federal Emergency Management Agency

The annual fire season briefing was delivered to Governor Brian Schweitzer. The briefing included presentations from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Northern Rockies Coordination Center, Local Government, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Disaster and Emergency Services and the Montana National Guard.

“We’ve already burned more than 30,000 acres this year,” said Governor Schweitzer, who noted a couple of large fires on the Blackfeet Reservation in January as well as a 7,000 acre fire east of Havre in mid-March. “The hot, dry weather this month has also elevated the fire risk in some areas to unseasonably high.”

Early season predictions about the fire season in Montana and throughout the Northern Rockies geographic area don’t point to an extreme season, but even in an “average” season, fire crews for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will respond to 350 wildfires.

“Local, state and federal firefighting operations are always prepared for the season, but wildfire preparedness carries individual responsibility for homeowners in the wildland urban interface.  Firefighters count on homeowners and rural landowners to do their part by reducing flammable materials from their properties to create defensible space in fire-prone areas,” said Schweitzer.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will conduct a pilot project utilizing the social media site Twitter to release fire information. “Twitter will not replace our traditional information-sharing methods, such as Inciweb or news releases,” said DNRC Director Mary Sexton. “It is another tool we will employ to assist us in timely dissemination of fire information.”

Visit the FireReady Montana web site at www.serve.mt.gov for more information on how to prepare for fire season.

 Fire Danger Extremely High for this Time of Year

Hamilton, MT. – With near record temperatures in the Bitterroot Valley this past week, local, state and federal fire managers are cautioning local residents to use extreme care when building campfires on the National Forest or when burning slash and other debris around their homes and on their property.

“Fire danger indicators are at an all-time high for this time of year due to the unusually warm weather and rapid snowpack melt,” said Rick Floch, Bitterroot National Forest fire management officer. “Our fire crews have postponed all prescribed fire activities at this time until sufficient rainfall occurs to modify present fire behavior and intensity. Firefighters will, however, continue to mop up and monitor those burns that have already been completed this spring.”

Fire crews have also reported finding abandoned campfires on the National Forest during the past few weeks. Users of the National Forest are reminded that leaving abandoned campfires is a violation which carries a fine of up to $5,000 and six months in jail. During this high fire danger period, these campfires, if left burning, could result in a wildfire that may threaten the safety of those responding to the fire as well as the public, their homes and property, and adjacent natural resources.

“We are urging residents to be extremely careful if they are burning vegetation on their property or if they burned earlier this spring, to be sure and check those piles and confirm they are dead out,” said Cindy Super, Montana DNRC fire prevention specialist.

Information on current fire dangers is available at any Forest Service office and at www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot. Local fire departments also have information on current fire dangers.

Learn more about how you can prepare for fire season with FireReady Montana resources.

Watch videos on how to put out your campfire produced by DNRC.

Mother’s Day is this weekend! It’s time to think of a gift that will really mean something to your mom, grandmother, or someone special. In addition to getting your mom a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or a nice day at her favorite spa, give her something more practical and valuable - like a first aid kit, hand-crank or solar powered battery charger or a NOAA weather radio. After all - it’s only right to help her get prepared after all the years she spent helping get you prepared for life’s biggest moments.

Visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for more gift ideas and tips on how to get everyone in your family prepared!

Upcoming Events

There are three more preparedness events coming up in Miles City, Bigfork, and Billings this spring. These events help Montanans learn how to prepare for disasters and emergencies like wildfires, extreme weather, flooding, and vehicular accidents. Join in to learn how to build an emergency supply kit, how to map your neighborhood, and who to contact in an emergency.

Miles City

The Positively 4 Kids Childcare Association is hosting a Miles City Safety Rally on May 5 from 9am to noon at Holy Rosary Healthcare. This event for kids will teach children how to be safe while having fun. Contact Erin Hould, President of the Miles City Chapter of the Positively 4 Kids Childcare Association at 406-853-6467.

Bigfork

The Bigfork Emergency Rescue Team is sponsoring the First Annual Flathead Valley Preparedness Fair on May 5 from 10am to 4pm at Bigfork Elementary School. This free fair will cover how to prepare for the economic rise in inflation and increase in food prices; what to do in case of fires, earthquakes, and floods; what to have in a 72-hour pack; and why as the Flathead Valley Community we should all “love our neighbor as ourselves” and “be prepared” to help each other. Learn more at www.bigforkemergencyinfo.org.

Billings

The Billings Clinic is holding their annual Employee Safety and Wellness Fair which provides education to staff about a variety of topics using a “trade-show vendor” format. These topics include a variety of emergency preparedness topics, including personal preparedness. The fair is June 5 from 9am to 4pm. Contact Joe Marcotte, Billings Clinic Director of Safety and Emergency Management, at 406-657-4824 to learn more.

These preparedness events are partially sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Community Service. You can hold a Neighborhood Preparedness Party in your community.  Learn more here.

This week is the first National Severe Weather Preparedness Week!

April 22-28, 2012

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week encourages citizens to learn about severe weather hazards and to take action to save lives anywhere - at home, in schools, and in the workplace before tornadoes and severe thunderstorms strike.

Know your risk:

Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and other types of severe weather, despite advance warning. In 2011, there were more than 1,000 weather-related fatalities and more than 8,000 injuries.

Every state in the U.S. has experienced tornadoes and severe weather, so everyone is exposed to some degree of risk. In Montana, we can get tornadoes, flooding, and severe thunderstorms that can lead to wildfires.

Because severe weather knows no boundaries and affects every individual, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) are calling on people across the country to be a force of nature in their communities to prepare for severe weather.

Take action:

FEMA and NOAA are just one part of the emergency management team that works to prepare and respond to disaster. A key member of the team is the public. That is why everyone is encouraged to do their part and prepare now, so that you know what do when severe weather strikes.

This year, families, communities and businesses are asked to be force of nature by taking the pledge to prepare at Ready.gov/severeweather.

When you pledge to prepare, you will take the first step to making sure that you and your family are prepared for severe weather. These include developing a family communications plan, putting an emergency kit together, keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and getting involved. Visit Ready.gov/severeweather for more on family preparedness for severe weather.

Community Emergency Response Team

Last week, 16 volunteers participated in a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training in Great Falls. These community members now have basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations, which they can use during all types of emergencies and disasters in their communities.

Jim Adkins, the Cascade County CERT Director, organized this CERT training at the Great Falls Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Office. Charlie Hanson, registered CERT Trainer, led the instruction with support from District II DES Representative Ed Gierke, Cascade County DES Coordinator Vince Kolar, Ben Schott of the National Weather Service, Great Falls Police Officer Jesse Slaughter, and Retired Montana Air National Guard Fire Chief John Ball. Mrs. Adkins provided all the food for the three-day training for the participants and trainers.

“I wanted to learn how to be more useful in an emergency,” said CERT student Dena Johnson. “Beyond being able to help in my own family, home, and neighborhood, I can actually help out in the community should there be a wider spread [emergency].”

View news coverage of the training from KRTV in Great Falls.

CERT Volunteers can be called upon to assist local police, fire departments, and search and rescue teams during an emergency. Last year Cascade County CERT volunteers assisted with the Sun River flooding and provided first aid during the state fair. The great CERT participation in Great Falls is thanks to the work of dedicated volunteer Jim Adkins and his support of Vince Kolar, the Cascade County DES Coordinator.

Learn more about Community Emergency Response Teams.

Montanans get prepared!

There are five great preparedness events coming up in Helena, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Great Falls, and Billings this spring. These events, trainings, and fairs help Montanans learn how to prepared for disasters and emergencies like wildfires, extreme weather, flooding, and vehicular accidents. Join in to learn how to build an emergency supply kit, how to map your neighborhood, and who to contact in an emergency.

Helena

During the annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at the State Capitol on April 26 from 9am to 3pm, students will receive emergency supply starter kits. Contact Rian Miller at the Department of Revenue to get involved- rianmiller@mt.gov or 406-444-6966.

Bozeman

The Youth Leadership Emergency Preparedness Event will engage teens in emergency preparedness and leadership. This event at the Bozeman Public Library with Hopa Mountain and the Bozeman Fire Department, is Saturday May 5 from 10am to 12pm. Contact Laura Wilburn, the Youth Leadership Program Coordinator at Hopa Mountain to attend- wilburn.laura@gmail.com or (406) 586-2455.

West Yellowstone

The Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District is holding a Mass Causality Disaster Drill in West Yellowstone at the airport on May 22 starting at 8am. Contact Scott Waldron, Fire Chief, to volunteer as a patient- swaldron@hbrfd.com or 406-646-9094.

Great Falls

The Benefis ER and Trauma Services division of Benefis Health System are hosting their annual Saftey First Rally in the Central Park at the Montana ExpoPark on June 9 from 10am to 2pm. Children and families will learn safety tips for at home, camping, in the car and outside riding their bikes. Contact Marie Haynes, the Injury Prevention Coordinator at Benifis, to learn more about this free event- mariehaynes@benefis.org or (406)455-5212.

Billings

Participants of the annual Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Montana District Convention, June 11-14, will receive emergency supply starter kits. Contact Pastor Vern Sandersfeld to learn more- vsandds@gmail.com or 406-214-4290.

Are you and your family ready for fire season?

We're less than two weeks into spring and the Northern Rockies Coordination Center has already released the first fire forecast for 2012. While there are pieces of the puzzle yet to be determined, there are factors already at work, shaping the upcoming season according to NRCC Fire Forecaster Bryan Henry.

"Western Montana has been fairly moist the last month to month-and-a-half. We've gotten a lot of precipitation down in the valleys and the mountain snowpack is at or above 100% in pretty much all elevations."

The exception is the plains of eastern Montana, where snow was less than usual this winter, and brown grass is standing tall as potential fuel before the spring green-up.

"A couple of dry, windy days, it will be ready to burn," Henry said.

Now is the time to prepare your home and family.

Get a kit

Make a plan

Stay informed

For more information on Fire Season Predictions:

• Western states prepare for dangerous fire season
• Forecasters release Montana fire season forecast

March was Red Cross Month and volunteers across the state helped Montanans become “Red Cross Ready!” Through a new collaboration between the American Red Cross of Montana, Montana Citizens Corps, and the Montana Campus Corps AmeriCorps program, more than 6,400 Montanans are now prepared for disasters and emergencies.

The American Red Cross of Montana provided preparedness training to the 15 Campus Corps team leaders who then brought the “Be Ready Cross Ready” training back to their campuses and communities. Campus Corps AmeriCorps members participated in blood drives, preparedness kit distributions, and save-a-life Saturday events as all part of their Red Cross Month Challenge. Congratulations to Team Leader Cheyanne Marcy and the AmeriCorps members at UM-Western for winning the challenge! Read more about the Campus Corps Red Cross Challenge on the Campus Corps blog.

Red Cross Month in Montana also featured free citizen CPR classes, preparedness kit distributions at senior living facilities, fairs, community events, and outreach for the American Red Cross of Montana and the Disaster Action Team.

Learn more about the American Red Cross of Montana and how you can be involved at montanaredcross.org.

Are you Fire Ready?

It is not too early to start thinking about wildfire season in Montana. Now is a great time to do some spring cleaning of the area around your home to reduce your risk from wildfires.

Spring Cleaning Tips

• Remove all leaves, pine needles, and debris from your roof and gutters
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs and clear out flammable dead vegetation around your property
• Move your stacked firewood away from your home, the ideal location is 100 feet away and uphill
• Remove any leaves and rubbish under your outdoor structures like decks and gazebos

Visit www.ready.gov/wildfires for more tips on protecting your home from a wildfire.

FEMA Calls for Nominations to the National Youth Preparedness Council

FEMA is looking for youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their community, and who want to expand their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

Are you a 12 to 17 year old who wants to make a difference in your community that could help save lives? If you have contributed to youth disaster preparedness in your community or lived through a disaster and want to share your experiences, you could be on FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council!

Similarly, if you know of a young person with any of these qualities, you could also nominate him or her to serve.

Youth Preparedness Council nominees will represent a variety of kids: current or former students, a youth member of a local Citizen Corps Council, a youth club, or a member of a faith-based organization who is vocal and active in preparing peers, family, and neighborhood for potential emergencies.

Nominations must be received by April 6, 11:59 p.m.

About the Council

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council is a unique opportunity for a select set of youth leaders to serve on a highly distinguished national council, to participate in a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington D.C., and to voice their opinions, experiences, ideas, solutions, and questions on youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on youth preparedness.

Selection Criteria

Nominations can emphasize youth disaster preparedness activities that the nominee has participated in, or can be related to a disaster the nominee lived through. Nominations should describe a specific emergency situation and/or examples of youth disaster preparedness activity that would qualify the nominee to serve on the Council. FEMA asks that applicants limit themselves to describing no more than five examples.

Sample preparedness activities include, but are not limited to:

• Teen CERT in Action
• Citizen Corps Council Activities
• After School Activities
• Faith-based Youth Preparedness Activities
• Camp Activities
• Youth Club Activities (e.g., Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts)
• National Preparedness Month Participation
• Increasing Local Disaster Awareness
• Resources: Doing More With Less
• Rural Area Programs
• Using Social Media
• Pet/Service Animal Preparedness
• Underrepresented Communities Programs
• General Youth Preparedness Programs

Youth Preparedness Council Participants will be announced in May 2012, and will be FEMA’s honored guests at a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington, D.C. on June 28 and 29.

Nomination Process

Complete instructions are available at: http://citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm. If you have any questions about the process that are not covered there, please email YPC@icfi.com.

Nominating yourself? You must submit a recommendation letter as an attachment to your nomination. The letter can be from any adult, like a parent, guardian, community first responder, or teacher. Please name the file “[Your First Name]_[Your Last Name]_Letter.” (For example, “Nick_Halpern_Letter.”) Self- nominations that do not include a letter of recommendations will not be reviewed.

Nominating someone else? Feel free to include a letter of recommendation, but this is not mandatory. If you do, please name the file “[Nominee First Name]_[Nominee Last Name]_Letter.” (For example, “Nick_Halpern_Letter.”)

FEMA-AmeriCorps Partnership to Strengthen Response and Recovery Efforts Following Disasters

Dear Service Leader,

We are pleased to launch a new chapter in the history of national service with today’s announcement of a partnership with FEMA to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters and expand career opportunities for young people.

This innovative partnership builds on our long history of working with FEMA and will create a new unit of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) devoted solely to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The five-year agreement provides for an additional 1,600 AmeriCorps NCCC members annually to supplement our current NCCC force.

The members will strengthen the nation’s disaster response capacity and increase diversity of the disaster workforce, while providing educational and economic opportunities for young people as they consider their future careers. Just like current NCCC members, the members of this new unit will serve for a 10-month term with an option to extend for a second term. Once trained by CNCS and FEMA, members will provide support in areas ranging from working directly with disaster survivors and supporting disaster recovery centers to managing volunteers and sharing disaster preparedness information with the public. The first members of FEMA Corps will begin serving in September 2012 and the program will reach full capacity within 18 months.

This innovative partnership is a win all around - benefiting communities and individuals affected by disasters; disaster response organizations; young people who serve; and the taxpayer. The partnership will: 

• Provide a trained and reliable resource dedicated to support disaster operations, while enhancing the reliability and diversity of the entire emergency management workforce.
• Achieve significant cost savings to the taxpayer. When the program is at full operational capability, and in an average disaster year, the initiative is expected to see a savings of approximately $60 million per year.
• Prepare thousands of young people for careers in emergency management and related fields by providing training, experience, and educational opportunity
• Strengthen our nation’s culture of service and civic engagement by mobilizing corps members and community volunteers to provide critical disaster services.
• Advance the Administration’s management goals of working across government, managing across sectors, and promoting efficiency.

You can learn more about this initiative from our press release.

This is an important partnership for both CNCS and FEMA that will allow us to continue to focus on the work we do to support disaster survivors and impacted communities during their greatest time of need. As AmeriCorps NCCC expands its disaster response capacity through this initiative, we will continue to strengthen disaster services through AmeriCorps State/National, VISTA, Senior Corps and our other initiatives and programs. As always, we appreciate the outstanding work of the national service network in disaster recovery and response, and many other critical challenges facing our nation.

Today is a day to celebrate an exciting new chapter for CNCS and the national service field that reflects a proud history and bright future of supporting Americans during their greatest time of need.

Best,

Robert Velasco

Acting CEO

Corporation for National and Community Service

To learn more about FEMA Corps or to apply (individuals aged 18-24), please see the AmeriCorps website at http://www.nationalservice.gov or FEMA's website at http://www.fema.gov/. 

2012 - Corporation for National and Community Service

Spring Flooding, Are You Ready?

Next week marks the beginning of National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 12 – March 16! Find out what you can do to prepare yourself and your community in the event of a flooding incident in your town.

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, however not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly, while others such a flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain. Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

Before a Flood

What would you do if your property were flooded? Are you prepared?

Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn't mean you won't in the future. Flood risk isn't just based on history; it's also based on a number of factors including rainfall , topography, flood-control measures, river-flow and tidal-surge data, and changes due to new construction and development.

Flood-hazard maps have been created to show the flood risk for your community, which helps determine the type of flood insurance coverage you will need since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding. The lower the degree of risk, the lower the flood insurance premium.

In addition to having flood insurance, knowing following flood hazard terms will help you recognize and prepare for a flood.

To prepare for a flood, you should:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

To learn more about important tools and resources before, during and after a flood visit Ready.gov and FEMA.

Keep Montana Green Poster Contest

New Twist to an Old Tradition

You can now help select the winning posters in this year’s Keep Montana Green Poster Contest. For the past 50 years students across Montana have been creating Keep Montana Green (KMG) Posters, lending their creativity to the effort to prevent unwanted wildfires. Until now the voting on the posters has taken place in smoke filled back rooms, or at least in some conference room in a State building somewhere.

This year KMG is asking everyone to help select the best posters, by going to the KMG web page-http://www.keepgreen.org/, and voting in each of the categories. Your votes will select the finalists in each category, and from those the State Grand Award Winner will be selected.

Voting ends at the end of the day on March 16th, 2012. The top three finishers in each division will receive cash awards and be eligible for the State Grand Award Prize.

### END ###

• Since 1945, Dedicated to the Prevention of Range and Forest Fires
• http://www.keepgreen.org/

Citizen Service Before Self Honors Accepting Nominations

Nominate an Unsung Hero to Be a 2012 Recipient for One of the Highest Civilian Honors

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation are now accepting nominations for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, which recognizes and honors those ordinary Americans who become extraordinary through their indomitable courage and selflessness.

Citizens Award 2012 from PharrOut on Vimeo.

Citizen Service Before Self Honors are unique, because they are presented to unsung heroes by our nation’s most honored heroes—the fewer than 90 living recipients of our nation’s highest award for valor—the Medal of Honor. The recipients comprise the Congressionally chartered Medal of Honor Society, which is one of the most exclusive societies.

Citizen Service Before Self Honorees represent the values of courage, sacrifice and selfless service. Medal of Honor recipients encourage individuals to nominate any United States civilian who has clearly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for others whether through a single act of extraordinary heroism at risk to one’s life or through a prolonged series of selfless acts. The nominee’s actions must epitomize the concept of “service before self” and must be performed “above and beyond” one’s professional area of responsibility or conduct.

Citizens may submit an eligible nominee by completing the nomination form online via the Citizen Service Before Self Honors website, www.CitizenServiceBeforeSelfHonors.org. The nomination period ends on Friday, February 10, 2012.

A panel, to include Medal of Honor recipient representation, will consider all nominations and select national finalists. Finalists will be announced on Monday, February 27, 2012. From among those finalists, a second panel of Medal of Honor recipients will select three individuals to receive Citizen Service Before Self Honors. The recipients will be announced on Monday, March 12, 2012, and honored at a ceremony on Friday, March 23, 2012, in conjunction with National Medal of Honor Day. The ceremony will be held near the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, VA

Profiles for each of the finalists will be available on the Citizen Service Before Self Honors website and each finalist will receive an embossed framed certificate signed by the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

ABOUT THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR SOCIETY

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress in 1958 to create a brotherhood among the living recipients, to protect and uphold the dignity of the Medal, to promote patriotism and love of country and to inspire our youth to become worthy, dedicated citizens of our country. It consists exclusively of the living Medal of Honor recipients. Today, there are fewer than 90 members, who come from all social classes and race, ethnic and economic backgrounds. They range in age from 23 to 94 and live in all areas of our country. For more information, visit www.cmohs.org.

ABOUT THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR FOUNDATION

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to perpetuate the Medal of Honor’s legacy of courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism, and to promote American values through increased awareness, education, behavior and example. The Foundation supports the objectives, activities and outreach programs of the Society, and raises funds for initiatives that promote what the Medal of Honor represents, operation of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society headquarters, and the public service activities of the Society’s exclusive membership. For more information, please visit www.cmohfoundation.org.

As the New Year approaches, the Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2012.

Those who make New Year's resolutions are 11 times more likely to report continued success in achieving a goal than individuals who have not made a resolution, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychology. The Ready Campaign would like to make an emergency preparedness resolution easy to keep by providing the tools and resources needed to take four important steps: be informed about the different types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses, make a family communications plan, build an emergency kit, and get involved in community preparedness. We hope you will join the Ready Campaign this Holiday Season in promoting Resolve to be Ready.

Information provided by Ready: Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed. http://www.ready.gov/resolve

Are you and your neighbors ready for winter?

Host a WinterReady Neighborhood Preparedness Party or

click here    to find an upcomming event!

Prepare your community for winter and emergencies of all kinds by organizing a WinterReady Disaster Preparedness Party. By hosting an event, promoting local volunteerism, and sharing emergency preparedness information, you can help ensure your neighborhood and whole community are disaster ready. The Governor’s Office of Community Service can help sponsor your event! You can receive supplies to build emergency supply starter kits, resources to host a Map Your Neighborhood training, and meal reimbursements for participants.

10 Steps to hosting a Preparedness Party or Training

1. Plan your party or training with local community leaders and volunteers (examples: DES Coordinators, local fire departments, Senior Corps programs, AmeriCorps Programs, Aging Services, schools, etc)
2. Research location, date, and estimated number of participants
3. Submit an Event Funding/Supply Request Form to the Governor’s Office of Community Service (OCS)
4. If funding is requested and upon confirmation of funding from OCS, submit a signed Funding Agreement
5. OCS will send you emergency supply starter kits supplies and Map Your Neighborhood resources
6. Promote your event- post to Build Montana or contact OCS for assistance
7. Host your event! Make sure to take pictures and have everyone sign in
8. Submit your receipts for reimbursement with a signed and completed Training Final Report form
9. Receive reimbursement (if applicable)
10. Celebrate that your community is prepared! Continue Reading

Whole Community

• Engaging the Whole Community
• Whole Community Principles
• A Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management: Principles, Themes, and Pathways for Action

Engaging the Whole Community

Whole Community is an approach to emergency management that reinforces that our nation’s emergency management team must leverage all of the resources of the collective in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from and mitigating against all hazards.  Collectively we must meet the needs of the entire community in each of these areas. Both the composition of the community and the individual needs of community members, regardless of age, economics, or accessibility requirements, must be accounted for when planning and implementing disaster strategies.

When the community is engaged in an authentic dialogue, it becomes empowered to identify its needs and the existing resources that may be used to address them. Collectively, we can determine the best ways to organize and strengthen community assets, capacities, and interests. This allows us, as a nation, to expand our reach and deliver services more efficiently and cost effectively to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Whole Community Principles

FEMA has engaged many of its emergency management partners – including local, tribal, state, territorial, and Federal representatives; academia; nongovernmental organizations; community members; and the private sector – in a national dialogue on a Whole Community approach to emergency management. Through this dialogue, three principles emerged that represent the foundation for Whole Community:

• Understand and meet the actual needs of the whole community. Community engagement can lead to a deeper understanding of the unique and diverse needs of a population, including its demographics, values, norms, community structures, networks, and relationships. The more we know about our communities, the better we can understand their real-life safety and sustaining needs and their motivations to participate in emergency management-related activities prior to an event.
• Engage and empower all parts of the community. Engaging the whole community and empowering local action will better position stakeholders to plan for and meet the actual needs of a community and strengthen the local capacity to deal with the consequences of all threats and hazards. This requires all members of the community to be part of the emergency management team, which should include diverse community members, social and community service groups and institutions, faith-based and disability groups, academia, professional associations, and the private and nonprofit sectors, while including government agencies who may not traditionally have been directly involved in emergency management. When the community is engaged in an authentic dialogue, it becomes empowered to identify its needs and the existing resources that may be used to address them.
• Strengthen what works well in communities on a daily basis. A Whole Community approach to building community resilience requires finding ways to support and strengthen the institutions, assets, and networks that already work well in communities and are working to address issues that are important to community members on a daily basis. Existing structures and relationships that are present in the daily lives of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations before an incident occurs can be leveraged and empowered to act effectively during and after a disaster strikes.

A Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management: Principles, Themes, and Pathways for Action

In the document, FEMA synthesized what was learned through the National Dialogue to reflect some of the successes of a Whole Community approach across the country.

Download: A Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management: Principles, Themes, and Pathways for Action
(PDF 1.4MB)

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.  For more information click here.

Important Gifts that Can Save Lives!

Every year millions of American lives are disrupted by natural disasters ranging from earthquakes and severe storms to floods and wildfire. But all disasters—large or small—share a common theme, focusing attention on the importance of disaster preparedness and the critical need to take action before disaster strikes. The trick is to convert good intentions into good deeds, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, there’s no time like the holidays.

“Disaster-ready gifts can save lives, and are a wonderful way of welcoming in 2012,” said Murphy. “Helping to better prepare neighbors, friends and families for emergencies is a great way to say ‘I care.’”

Emergency and preparedness items that might make great gifts this Holiday Season include:

• NOAA Weather Radios and extra batteries.
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
• GPS units for vehicles.
• Smoke detectors.
• Emergency cell phones.
• Appropriate fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, car).
• Disaster kits for homes, offices and vehicles (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, extra eyeglasses or contact lenses, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights and spare batteries, heavy-duty work gloves and sturdy shoes).
• Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire.
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
• Pet Disaster Kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
• A camp stove with extra fuel.
• The gift of a gardener to cut back combustible vegetation from wildfire-vulnerable homes.
• National Flood Insurance.

A wealth of information and preparedness tips is available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s READY.GOV site at: http://www.ready.gov and from FEMA at: www.fema.gov. And, you can follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

» 2011 Region X News Releases

U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association Join Forces

As we move closer to winter, and home fires begin to increase, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are reminding individuals and communities that fire safety awareness and efforts are especially important in the coming months. To support this effort, the USFA and NFPA are sponsoring a special initiative - Put a Freeze on Winter Fires – to help get the word out about home fire safety.

Each winter, an estimated 108,400 home fires occur in the United States, resulting in approximately 945 deaths and $1.7 billion in property loss. Cooking is the leading cause of winter home fires, and holiday decorations and winter storms can cause people to turn to alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, which account for about one third of home heating fires and approximately 80 percent of home heating fire deaths.

Winter fires can be prevented!

The following fire safety tips can help maintain a fire-safe home this winter season:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking something on top of the stove or when grilling or broiling food.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, woodstoves, etc.
• Replace damaged electrical or extension cords.
• Never use the oven or stovetop to heat a home; carbon monoxide gas can kill people and pets.
• Don't put a live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water.
• Avoid using lighted candles; try flameless candles instead.

Provided by the U.S. Fire Administration

Are you and your neighbors ready for winter?

Host a WinterReady Neighborhood Preparedness Party!

Prepare your community for winter and emergencies of all kinds by organizing a WinterReady Disaster Preparedness Party. By hosting an event, promoting local volunteerism, and sharing emergency preparedness information, you can help ensure your neighborhood and whole community are disaster ready. The Governor’s Office of Community Service can help sponsor your event! You can receive supplies to build emergency supply starter kits, resources to host a Map Your Neighborhood training, and meal reimbursements for participants.

10 Steps to hosting a Preparedness Party or Training

1. Plan your party or training with local community leaders and volunteers (examples: DES Coordinators, local fire departments, Senior Corps programs, AmeriCorps Programs, Aging Services, schools, etc)
2. Research location, date, and estimated number of participants
3. Submit an Event Funding/Supply Request Form to the Governor’s Office of Community Service (OCS)
4. If funding is requested and upon confirmation of funding from OCS, submit a signed Funding Agreement
5. OCS will send you emergency supply starter kits supplies and Map Your Neighborhood resources
6. Promote your event- post to Build Montana or contact OCS for assistance
7. Host your event! Make sure to take pictures and have everyone sign in
8. Submit your receipts for reimbursement with a signed and completed Training Final Report form
9. Receive reimbursement (if applicable)
10. Celebrate that your community is prepared! Continue Reading

In 2005, Governor Schweitzer launched his call to service through the Warm Hearts Warm Homes Initiative. He asked citizens, businesses, churches, civic organizations, youth groups, and schools to buddy up with a neighbor, relative, or someone who may need assistance getting ready for winter.

AmeriCorps programs have joined in with Warm Hearts Warm Homes by weatherizing homes for those in need.

Since 2005, over 600 AmeriCorps members serving with the Montana Conservation Corps have weatherized over 7,800 homes in Montana. Since 2009, 23 AmeriCorps members serving with Montana Energy Corps have weatherized over 500 homes.

Look for the Montana Conservation Corps crews out across the state the last two weeks of October and Energy Corps crews starting in November.

Warm Hearts Warm Homes in the News:

• Lifestyles: Warm Hearts Warm Homes, Beartooth NBC, 10/27/11
• Montana Conservation Corps warms hearts and homes, Bozeman Daily Chronicle,10/22/11
• AmeriCorps helps prepare Montana homes for Winter, KPAX 10/19/11

Learn more about Warm Hearts Warm Homes

October 17-21, 2011

The National Weather Services Offices in Montana have declared this week Montana Winter Awareness Week. Check out the National Weather Service Forecast Office’s website for great information about winter weather in Montana.

Check out their new forecast page- The Graphical Traveler Weather Forecast Page was developed by the Montana NWS offices along with Montana Department of Transportation. The graphic shows you the main highways in the state, and the colors change depending on what hazards may be occurring in the area, and you can go out in time 48 hours by clicking on the tabs at the bottom of the map.

More Winter Ready Resources:

• Montana Department of Transportation Survival Guide
• Winter Survial Kit Suggestions from Tanja Fransen, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
• Montana Road Conditions
• Know your winter weather terms from the National Weather Service

Ed Tinsley, Administrator - Montana Department of Emergency Services

Major earthquakes continue to rattle throughout the world causing devastation and heartbreak with every occurence.

While we understand we can’t control the forces that cause these quakes, we can take responsibility and prepare for them and all disasters. The State of Montana recognizes October as Earthquake Preparedness Month. Now is the time to think about how your family and your community would fare in a disaster. History has demonstrated that it is likely that Montana will see a 6.0 or larger magnitude earthquake in your lifetime. Think about the impact that will have on you and your family and see if your plan includes answers to these questions:

• Do I have the supplies I need to care for myself and my family?
• How long could we care for ourselves if services were disrupted?
• Am I prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate if directed?
• Have I made arrangements with someone we can check in with to account for family or co-workers?
• Does my 72-hour kit include weather-appropriate supplies that will help me survive whatever surprise Montana weather throws at us?
• Will I be able to care for my infant child…pet…elderly parent or neighbor?

No one wants to believe a disaster will happen to them. The recent flooding throughout Montana was a stark reminder that disasters can happen to anyone in nature’s powerful path. It is to your advantage to be prepared and to the benefit of your community. Montana responders are well-trained and ready to respond, but they can only do so much. You can help them by being prepared to care for yourselves during a disaster and allowing them to address the truly catastrophic situations.

I encourage you to do your part. Make a plan, get a kit and be informed. Every prepared individual contributes to a better prepared community.

###

For more information please visit:

• www.Ready.gov
• www.ready.mt.gov 
• http://dma.mt.gov/des/ 
• Montana Earthquake Fault Map
• http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/pdf/SP114-earthquakemap.pdf
• Montana Earthquakes
• http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/quake/quake.asp

***Reminder: The Montana Survival Guide is still available through the Montana Department of Transportation

• MDT prints these for us and posts a copy online
• http://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/docs/brochures/winter_maint/winter_survival.pdf
• You can order at
• http://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml
• Or you can order by phone: (406) 444-6200

FOR RELEASE ON:  October 8, 2011

For More Information Contact: Pat Cross, State Prevention Specialist, Montana DNRC, 406-542-4251, pcross@mt.gov

It’s Fire Prevention Week.

Protect your Family from Fire with Defensible Space

What’s the best way to protect your family from fire? Be ahead of the game, of course. This is Fire Prevention Week across the United States, and this year the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is joining all of Montana’s fire departments in urging everyone to guard against the leading causes of home fires -- cooking, heating and electrical equipment, as well as candles and smoking materials. The DNRC, along with your local fire departments are also asking you to do everything you can to create a defensible space around your home.

By creating a “defensible space” you can help prevent fires from starting on your property, and create a protective buffer to keep fire from spreading to your home. This defensible space creates a firebreak and gives firefighters room to work when battling to protect your home and property.

Pat Cross, State Prevention Specialist with the Montana DNRC says, “Creating defensible space and using firewise landscaping techniques is an easy and cost effective way to protect your home. Plus in most of the rural areas in Montana it’s not a matter of “if “ but when wildfire will strike, so it’s best to take a defensive.”

Cross lists a few of the easy steps you can take to give your home a “fighting chance” should wildfire strike:

• Thinning the trees around your home so there is 15 feet between crowns will reduce the chance of fire spreading from tree to tree
• Eliminating “ladder fuels”, brush, small trees etc, will keep fire from climbing into tree tops
• Dispose of slash and other fuels around your home. If fire does strike it will have less fuel to burn
• Keep brush and other fuels cut back from your driveway so emergency vehicles can enter and leave.
• Create at least a 30-foot safety zone around your home by watering and mowing your lawn and landscaping with fire resistant plants.
• Clean debris from your roof and gutters
• Display your name and house number in front of your property to assist emergency crews in locating your home

These are a few of the simple steps you can take to protect your home from wildfire, for more information contact your local fire agency or visit www.keepgreen.org

MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

Helping to ensure that Montana’s land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations

Is your community ready for a disaster?

National Preparedness Month is coming to a close, but it is not too late to host a Neighborhood Preparedness Party in your town!

• National Preparedness Month Party
• 2011 Upcoming Events and Outreach Summary

Over 20 organizations have hosted Preparedness Parties or Preparedness events in their towns as part of National Preparedness Month. Join in by holding a ReadyMontana Neighborhood Preparedness Party! By hosting an event, promoting volunteer programs, and sharing emergency preparedness information, you can help ensure your neighborhood and whole community are disaster ready.

Neighborhood Preparedness Party

• Organize an emergency preparedness neighborhood workshop and training to “get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.” Use this as a time to recruit volunteers and introduce people to their neighbors.
• Preference will be given to local organizations and leaders active in the community. These parties are a means to get neighborhood maps updated, bring neighbors together, and share information about possible local disasters.
• The Governor’s Office of Community Service will sponsor the neighborhood preparedness party with meal reimbursements for participants, funds to order supplies, and resources on Map Your Neighborhood and Starter Emergency Kits.
• The party should include training on both conducting a Map Your Neighborhood and building a Starter Emergency Kit. The Governor’s Office of Community Service will provide the necessary materials.
• Please engage at least 30 people with the neighborhood preparedness party. To spread the word posters and newspaper advertising can be sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

Want to get involved and plan a party?

Please fill out the event order form to request materials. Email the form to serve@mt.gov or mail it to the Governor's Office of Community Service, PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620.

• Funding/Supplies Request Form
• Funding Agreement
• Final Report

Resources to get you started

• Map Your Neighborhood
• Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
• Make a Plan
• National Preparedness Month Information

Contact Jo Radtke at nradtke@mt.gov or 406-444-1718 with questions.

Are you ready?

September is National Preparedness Month! Citizens can get involved and prepare their community for emergencies by putting together an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan, and joining in with local preparedness events.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” said Ed Tinsley, Administrator of Disaster and Emergency Services. “We encourage all Montanans to get involved by ensuring that their homes, workplaces, and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.”

Are you prepared in the event an emergency causes you and your family to be self-reliant for three days? This means living without utilities and electricity, water services, access to a supermarket or local services, or maybe even without response from police, fire or rescue.

Preparing can start with three important steps:

1. Get an emergency supply kit
2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency
3. Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community, and identify sources of information in your community what will be helpful before, during, and after an emergency or disaster.

Want to get involved?

• Host a Map Your Neighbor Event
• Plan a Neighborhood Preparedness Party
• Join your local Citizen Corps

National Preparedness Month

A Presidential Proclamation was issued September 1, officially kicking off National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme is “A time to remember, a time to prepare.” The President evokes a message of remembrance as we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and recognizes the resilience of Americans in recent disasters such as the Joplin tornadoes and Hurricane Irene.

These events serve as reminders and underscore the importance of preparedness as we work together this month of September.

What We Can Do:

• Take Action: Join the thousands of organizations that pledge to prepare by signing up as a National Preparedness Month Coalition Member
• Educate Others: Emphasize what to do before, during and after disasters
• Promote Opportunities: Through Serve.gov, Citizen Corps and CERT
• Share Information: Use the NPM Discussion Forums and Calendar to share and learn

As a leader in your organization, you are a trusted voice in your community -- you play a key leadership role in informing the public on how to get prepared. You’ll find ideas, templates, sample messages, and additional information when you sign up as a coalition member.

Use this opportunity because there is no better time to prepare for a disaster than right now! Thank you for your dedication and commitment to serving your communities.

Sincerely,

FEMA's Individual & Community Preparedness Division

To Help Fight Montana's Canyon Creek Fire

Release Number: R8-11-017

» 2011 Region VIII News Releases

DENVER, Colo. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Canyon Creek Fire in Yellowstone County.

FEMA Regional Administrator Robin Finegan approved the state's request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) immediately upon receiving the state's request at 10:00 p.m. MDT Monday evening. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 256 homes in and around Laurel, Montana. Mandatory evacuations were in place and affected approximately 200 people. The fire is also threatening utilities, railroads, a refinery and rangeland in the area.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

If you have questions please call FEMA Region VIII office of External Affairs at (303) 235-4908.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-Aug-2011 14:24:31 FEMA

It’s still fire season in Montana, obey fire restrictions and be careful over Labor Day Weekend!

Fire Managers Ask for Help in Fire Prevention

Holiday weekend; hunting season up the potential for human-caused fires

As the Labor Day weekend approaches and game hunting seasons begin around the state, fire managers are asking for the public’s help in preventing human-caused fires.

According to DNRC Information Officer Paula Short, there are six large fires in Montana being staffed by incident management teams, and another half a dozen being managed by local fire organizations.

“We have quite a bit of fire activity around the state,” said DNRC Information Officer Paula Short. “While many of these are lighting caused, we have a few that are being investigated as human-caused. Recreationists heading out for a long weekend and hunters are asked to be mindful about the fire danger and use caution with campfires, driving ATVs and vehicles over tinder-dry grasses, or any other activity that has the potential to start a fire.”

Though forecasters are calling for cooler temperatures and some rain later in the week, Short said it may not be enough to snuff out existing fires or lower the fire risk.

“What firefighters typically describe as a season-ending weather event includes extended periods of cooler temperatures and significant rainfall – I’m not sure we’re going to see that yet,” she said.

Stay Informed of Fire Conditions:

• Active Fires and Current Conditions 
• Fire Season Information from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Tips for a Safe Holiday Weekend:

• Avoid driving on tinder-dry grass
• Be carefull with campfires- never leave unattended
• Obey restrictions when camping and hunting
• Remember- even the smallest spark can cause a wildfire

InciWeb - Incident Information System

West Riverside Afternoon Update Aug 24

Current activity on the West Riverside fire. The fire is slowly backing down steep rugged terrain toward the Blackfoot River on the south side of the fire. On the west side of the fire crews are completing a burnout to strengthen firelines north to Woody Mountain, with the intent of keeping the fire out of Marshall Canyon. The burnout operation is causing increased smoke. The spot fire in the Johnson Creek drainage is 70 to 80 percent lined. Crews continue to strengthen line and cool hotspots aided by helicpoter water bucket drops.

Fire mangers provide briefing on fires around the state

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 24, 2011

CONTACT: Sarah Elliott 406-444-9725 or Jayson O’Neill 406-444-9844

(HELENA) - Governor Brian Schweitzer met with fire officials at the West Riverside Fire today to discuss that incident and others burning around the state. The West Riverside Fire is estimated at 2000 acres and 10% contained.

Representatives from the incident management team presented an operations update and discussed the extreme fire behavior observed on the fire which has been fueled by high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds.

After a relatively quiet fire season to date, activity picked up significantly this week, and the Montana DNRC and its partners are managing several large fires around the state. There are three fires in the state staffed with Type 2 Incident Management Teams, and a fourth burning into the state from Wyoming south of Red Lodge. Additionally, DNRC and its partners are managing several smaller fires while also preparing for initial attack of new fires which will be inevitable with the weather forecast calling for dry thunderstorms and lightning in several areas around Montana.

“Clearly, we are into an active fire season which will likely last for several weeks,” said Schweitzer, who took the opportunity to call upon Montanans to do their part to prevent human-caused fires. “Firefighters have all they can handle with existing fires, the weather and the threat of dry lightning. Please remember that conditions are becoming extreme – even driving your vehicle through dry grass has the potential to ignite a fire. Check to see if there are fire restrictions; be careful with campfires or any activity that has the potential to cause a fire. We need to be diligent in our efforts until we see a significant change in the weather.”

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With high temperatures and high winds, the 2011 fire seasons has started. Stay informed of fire conditions in your area.

Stay Informed

• Active Fires and Current Conditions 
• Wildfire Smoke Updates from the Department of Environmental Quality
• Fire Season Information from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
• Drought and Fire Updates from Fish, Wildlife and Parks
• Travel Information from the Office of Tourism

Learn more about Fire Ready Montana and how you can be prepared and help your neighbor- check out the Fire Ready Montana page.

September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is an annual campaign to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses, and communities.

You can get involved by holding a ReadyMontana Neighborhood Preparedness Party! By hosting an event, promoting volunteer programs, and sharing emergency preparedness information, you can help ensure your neighborhood and whole community are disaster ready.

Neighborhood Preparedness Party

• Organize an emergency preparedness neighborhood workshops and trainings to “get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.” Use this as a time to recruit volunteers and introduce people to their neighbors.
• Preference will be given to local organizations and leaders active in the community. These parties are a means to get neighborhood maps updated, bring neighbors together, and share information about possible local disasters.
• The Governor’s Office of Community Service will sponsor the neighborhood preparedness party with meal reimbursements for participants, funds to order supplies, and resources on Map Your Neighborhood and Starter Emergency Kits.
• The party should include training on both conducting a Map Your Neighborhood and building a Starter Emergency Kit. The Governor’s Office of Community Service will provide the necessary materials.
• Please engage at least 30 people with the neighborhood preparedness party. To spread the word posters and newspaper advertising can be sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

Resources to get you started

• Map Your Neighborhood
• Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
• Make a Plan
• National Preparedness Month Information

Want to get involved and plan a party?

Contact Jo Radtke at nradtke@mt.gov or 406-444-1718 today to learn how you can receive resources from the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

More Information on Montana Severe Storms and Flooding

Release Number: 1996-003  » 2011 Region VIII News Releases

HELENA, Mont. – A state and federal Disaster Recovery Center has opened at The Panther Den across from Central School in Roundup. The center is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to provide assistance to those whose homes or businesses were affected by recent flooding and storms.

Before visiting a center, people with storm-related losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-3362 or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Help is available in most languages. Those with speech or hearing impairment can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Continue Reading

Map Your Neighborhood Wins FEMA Challenge

Washington Emergency Management’s Map Your Neighborhood program has won the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s first Challenge Award for Personal and Public Safety.  In 2008, Map Your Neighborhood received the Overall Award in Excellence for Outreach at the National Earthquake Conference, and has since inspired the 2011 Award in Excellence winning tsunami adaptation by Linda Kozlowski of the Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay, Oregon.

The Map Your Neighborhood program draws on the strength of community by encouraging groups of neighbors to work together in building a disaster plan that includes diagrams of their homes complete with gas and water shutoff valves, and an inventory of tools that may be required during an emergency (rope, shovel, ladder, personal strength, etc…) Map Your Neighborhood materials and resources are available at the Washington EMD website.

For more information on the Map Your Neighborhood program, please visit:

• Washington Emergency Management
• ReadyMontana
• Online Orientation

Governor Schweitzer Encourages Montanans to Be Prepared for Fire Season

Today, the annual fire season briefing was delivered to Governor Brian Schweitzer. The briefing included presentations from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Northern Rockies Coordination Center, Local Government, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Disaster and Emergency Services and the Montana National Guard.

“While record snowpack, abundant spring rains and cool temperatures kept Montana’s wildfire risk low through June and much of July, we’re now seeing a more typical summer weather pattern of high daytime temperatures and storm activity with lightning,” said Governor Schweitzer.

Fuels are drying out and fire activity has increased substantially statewide over the past two weeks. A major concern this year is the tremendous growth of grasses and other ground-level fuels due to the wet spring; these fuel sources are now curing and could potentially burn.

Even in a “slow” or “average” season, fire crews for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will respond to 350 wildfires.

“Local, state and federal firefighting operations are always prepared for the season, but wildfire preparedness is your responsibility. Firefighters count on homeowners and rural landowners to do their part by reducing flammable materials from their properties and create defensible space in fire-prone areas,” said Schweitzer.

Recreationists, ranchers, equipment operators and others traveling off paved roads should be extremely cautious about where they drive and park – a hot catalytic converter or muffler that contacts grass can easily ignite a fire. In addition, they should be aware of any restrictions on campfires or other activities before they head into the woods. Homeowners, also, need to be aware of burning restrictions in their individual county.

Be Prepared for Fire Season

• Fire Preparedness
• Before the Fire
• Fire Ready Checklist
• Insurance Planning
• Family Preparedness
• Family Emergency Plan

Learn more about FireReady Montana

WHO:

Attendees will be those organizations and individuals interested in learning the proper and safe procedures for cleaning up mold in affected structures. These trained teams of volunteers will be put to use by local DES Coordinators/Emergency Managers to assist with mold cleanup throughout their communities.

WHEN and WHERE:

Continue Reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

CONTACT: Sarah Elliott 406-444-9725 or Jayson O’Neill 406-444-9844

Governor’s Request for Individual Assistance for Flooding has been Approved

(HELENA) - Governor Schweitzer’s request for Individual Assistance for people affected by flooding has been approved (notification from FEMA).

Disaster assistance is now available to residents and businesses in ¬the following counties and tribes: Big Horn, Blackfeet Reservation, Carbon, Cascade, Crow Reservation, Custer, Fergus, Fort Belknap Reservation, Garfield, Hill, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Musselshell, Petroleum, Sweet Grass, Valley and Yellowstone for damages caused by flooding that began April 4, 2011, and continuing.

State and federal officials encourage those affected by the disaster to register for assistance immediately by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free line will be in operation from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. (CDT) until further notice. Registration can be accomplished anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program includes a wide range of aid, including emergency home repair, temporary disaster housing, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or assistance programs. For those insured, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance.

Residents must register with FEMA at the above numbers or online to be eligible for all forms of federal assistance. Filing damage reports with state or county emergency managers or voluntary agencies will not start the federal disaster assistance process.

Officials advise applicants to have the following information available when applying for assistance:

• Current telephone number;
• Address at the time of the disaster and current address;
• Social Security number, if available;
• A general list of damages and losses suffered;
• In cases where the applicant is insured, the names of the company and agent, as well as the policy number;
• Bank account coding for those who wish to speed up assistance by using direct deposit.

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Montana Conservation Corps Report: July 20th 2011

Heavy rain and record levels of spring runoff left many parts of Montana devastated by flood waters, and many residents looking for assistance.

Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) AmeriCorps members were mobilized to assist residents and community groups at needed locations, helping to mitigate the risk of flood water damage to property, and to help clean up damage that had already occurred.

MCC AmeriCorps Senior Youth Crew Leader, Chris Chambers noted,

“Especially in a time of crisis, people need to know that their community is here to support them. We want to lend a hand to those in need. We know from experience that many hands make light work.”

In Billings, AmeriCorps members cleared debris left over from retreated flood water in Cooney State Park, a popular recreation area for residents of Yellowstone, Carbon, Stillwater, and Sweet Grass counties. They also assisted at the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Park remove and replace flood damaged fencing, and assisted in trail repair in Chief Plenty Coup State Park. The AmeriCorps members we also able to remove a log jam from Alkali Creek, which had contributed to rising water in the Billings Heights district.

In Bozeman, AmeriCorps members assisted more than 30 families and place more than 500 sandbags in areas that were in risk of being overtaken by flood water.

In Missoula, when the Clark Fork River flooded into residential neighborhoods, youth who were about to start their month-long youth service Expedition, rallied to a call for help from their crew leaders and sandbagged for a day to protect homes from the rising waters.

July Newsletter

Dear Community Members-

National Preparedness Month 2011 is just weeks away, and we know that you will join us in our commitment to making 2011 our most successful year to date. Help us promote all of the great work you do across the country, get the public to participate in your preparedness events and initiatives.

Many of you have told us about the National Preparedness Month planning that began long ago in your states and communities, but in order for us to present our efforts as a National effort, and to garner additional media attention for preparedness; we all need to coordinate with one another like never before. Sharing our activities with the public and each other not only allows the exchange of ideas, but gives us the opportunity to show the public, local, tribal, state, and federal leadership, as well as decision makers in Congress exactly what it is you do. The more information we share with the public and each other, the stronger we all become.

You have told us what adjustments you wanted for National Preparedness Month so the NPM Team has created a number of different tools that reflect that feedback, and will help you get people involved in your communities. When you sign up on the National Preparedness Month website http://community.fema.gov, you’ll gain access to the new 2011 tools.

Tools for National Preparedness Month:

• Continue Reading

FEMA Encourages Americans to Participate in the Eighth Annual National Preparedness Month in September:

"A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare," Encourages Americans to Take Simple Steps to Prepare for Emergencies

WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, today announced the launch of new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition and pledge their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds.

The eighth annual NPM will kickoff this September, using the slogan: "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare." The campaign seeks to transform awareness into action by encouraging all Americans to take the necessary steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.

"As we move forward with planning for this year's events and activities, we also recognize that this September marks the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "By doing what we can to ensure that our communities, and our nation, are prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards, we honor the memory of those who were lost that day."

Individuals and groups can now register to become NPM coalition members by visiting http://community.fema.gov. Once registered, members have access to a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and customizable materials. Coalition members also have access to an events calendar allowing them to post and promote preparedness events, share success stories, and participate in national and regional discussion forums to engage with fellow coalition members and FEMA representatives.

By hosting events, promoting volunteer programs and sharing emergency preparedness information, coalition members can help ensure that their communities are prepared for emergencies. Becoming a coalition member is easy and free, so register now to get started. Nearly 2,000 coalition members have already joined this year's campaign.

While NPM is held each September, FEMA's Ready Campaign promotes individual emergency preparedness at home, in the workplace, and throughout America's communities throughout the year. Ready is a national campaign, produced in partnership with The Ad Council, designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

The Ready Campaign's websites (ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish. Additionally, through FEMA's partnership with the Ad Council, public service announcements are available to increase the American public's involvement in preparedness.

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Flooding Opens the Way for Dangerous Mold

With the heavy flooding impacting much of the state, residents will find not only water damage when they return to their homes, but another, more insidious threat: mold.

To stay safe, people returning to flooded residences should take a number of precautions to minimize mold contamination:

• Flooded homes should be thoroughly dried out, a process that may take several days or weeks;
• Wet carpet and padding should be removed and thrown out;
• Porous materials – those that absorb water - such as drywall, some paneling, fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, mattresses, pillows, wallpaper and upholstered furniture should be discarded;
• Drywall and other porous wallboards should be removed at least 12 inches above the visible water line left by the flood. Check for wicking, the upward movement of moisture to higher levels;
• Wall studs, where wallboard has been removed, should be cleaned and allowed to dry completely;
• Floors, concrete or brick walls, countertops, plastic, glass and other non-porous materials should be washed with soap and water, then with a solution of one to two cups of bleach to a gallon of water, and then allowed to dry completely;
• Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when using bleach and make sure area is well ventilated. Don’t mix bleach and ammonia – the fumes are toxic. Consider using an N-95 rated dust mask if heavy concentrations of mold are already growing;
• Materials that cannot be effectively cleaned and dried should be placed in sealed plastic bags to prevent the spread of mold spores; and
• People allergic to mold and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions should not do mold cleanup.

Mold spores thrive in continuously wet conditions, and can start to grow within 24 hours after a flood. They can cause allergy symptoms, headaches, bronchitis, asthma attacks, lung irritation and skin rashes. People with asthma or other pulmonary illnesses, compromised immune systems, infants and the elderly are more likely to develop mold-related illnesses.

Additional mold information is available at: http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/mold.shtm

Get Involved and Get Prepared

Fire Ready Montana, an initiative of Ready Montana, encourages citizens to get prepared for wildfire season and to help a neighbor. Through education and outreach Ready Montana engages citizen’s in service and emergency preparedness.

To learn more visit Fire Ready Montana!

An underwater oil spill occurred on July 2nd on the Yellowstone River west of Billings. The spill, estimated at 1,000 barrels resulted from a broken pipeline is 175 miles downstream of the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Governor Schweitzer issued an Executive Order July 5th authorizing expenditures for state agencies arising from the oil spill. The Governor has directed state agencies to continue to do all they can to monitor and assist in the Silvertip Pipeline Incident. ExxonMobile estimating between 750 and 1,000 barrels of crude oil was released into the Yellowstone River from an ExxonMobil Company pipeline at Laurel.

Resources for Oil Spill Activity Information

Governor Schweitzer launched a website that features contacts, news releases, letters, and agency site links. The site will be continually updated and can be found at: http://yellowstoneriveroilspill.mt.gov/

You can monitor the statewide flood and oil spill situation at: http://www.inciweb.org/state/27/

For statewide information on the oil spill and flood declarations in Montana counties, visit the DES website at: http://dma.mt.gov/des/default.asp

The following state newspaper sites also provide excellent, local, on-going reports on flood and oil impacts across the state:

• Billings Gazette
• Miles City Star

The Montana Disaster & Emergency Services reports if you have property that has been impacted by the Yellowstone Oil Spill, or would like to report locations of oil on property or wildlife that has been affected by the spill, please call 406-324-4777 and they will direct you to the proper officials.

Public Involvement

Clean up efforts are currently underway, however officials are asking that the public to stay away and let the crews work. It is unknown how long cleanup efforts will take.

Governor Brian Schweitzer opened an office in Billings starting Thursday, 7/7/11, to help citizens who have comments, questions or concerns regarding the oil spill. On Friday, 7/8/11 Governor Schweitzer will host a public meeting there. The office in Billings will be staffed daily 8am-5pm by someone who can take information from citizens and help get answers to their questions or concerns. Citizens can also call the office at 406-657-0231 beginning Thursday. The Governor will be in the office for part of the day on Friday.

Governor’s Billings Office (Opens July 7th) – Open 8am-5pm daily. The office is located at 424 Morey Street in the Montana Department of Transportation Billings District Office. Citizens can also call the office at 406-657-0231.

Governor’s Public Meeting - Friday, July 8th at 10:00AM – Governor and State Agencies will host a public meeting at 424 Morey Street in the Montana Department of Transportation Billings District Office on Friday, July 8th at 10:00AM.

Recreation Information

For the most up-to-date information on travel conditions in Yellowstone, visit: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit.

Download National Park Service information on rising river levels in the park and the oil spill.

State Park & Fishing Access Site Restrictions & Closures: For details on what is restricted within State Parks, visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit/closuresRestrictions.html#parks

Montana Water Restrictions & Closures: For details on water restrictions and closures, visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/waterClosure.html

There are many helpful recovery resources available to citizens in Montana.

Recovery Resources

• Access to Disaster Help and Resources: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• Department of Environmental Quality: www.deq.mt.gov
• Department of Health and Human Services: www.dphhs.mt.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/mold/
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/mold/
• Secretary of State Record Recovery: http://sos.mt.gov/Records/Recovery/index.asp
• National Flood Insurance Program: http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/
• Find and Verify Contractors: www.mtcontractor.com

 Volunteer

• DES and National Service Volunteer Community Network Directory
• Volunteer to help with Build Montana
• Register with the Volunteer Center
• Locate your local Citizen Corps Council
• Montana Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster

Continue Reading

Flooding in Glasgow/ David Ewer

The Governor signed an executive order on Sunday 5/22/11 declaring a Statewide Emergency due to the flooding across the state. Emergency response personnel and the National Guard mobilized to respond to the needs in our communities. Montana's request for the Presidential Disaster Declaration was approved 6/17/11.

We know that when emergencies happen, Montanans step up to help their communities. Citizens across the state are now helping their neighbors respond to these flooding disasters and we say thank you to everyone who is serving Montana with flood response.

There are many ways to get involved in flood response and there are countless resources out there. Below are a helpful few links for those responding to floods in Montana.

Volunteer:

• DES and National Service Volunteer Community Network Directory

• Volunteer to help with Build Montana

• Register with the Volunteer Center

• Locate your local Citizen Corps Council

• Montana Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster

 Current Conditions:

• Updates from the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES)

• Department of Environmental Quality Flooding Updates

• 511 Road Conditions

• Water Watch from the USGS

Information:

• Flood Resource Information from ready.gov

• Department of Health and Human Services Flood Information

• Emergency Watershed Protection Program

• MSU Extension Flooding Resources

• Department of Environmental Quality Flood Resources

• National Flood Insurance Program

• Flood Water can Contaminate Wells

• Expedient Flood Training

• After the Flood

• Flooding Property Tax Relief Information

• Mold Fact Sheet from L&C Co. Health Dept.

Declarations:

• Flood Declarations from the Governor 5/26/11

• Presidential Disaster Declaration- Request

• Summary of Presidential Declaration- 6/17/11

• Governor's Executive Order to Aid Farmers- 6/21/11

Partners:

• Red Cross of Montana

• MCC Flood and Disaster Relief Assistance

State of Montana
Office of The Governor
Executive Order No. 5-2011

Executive order proclaiming an emergency to exist in the state of Montana including the Indian Reservations within the state of Montana.

WHEREAS, according to the National Weather Service, the winter months of December, 2010 and January, February and March, 2011 have seen record accumulations of both snowfall and the associated water equivalence across all river basins within the state; and

WHEREAS, the record snowfall is melting, causing rivers, streams and tributaries to overflow their banks impacting large areas across the state including several Indian reservations; and

WHEREAS, recent or near record rainfall has fallen and continues to fall across most of central and eastern Montana causing rivers, streams and tributaries to rise out of their banks in addition to causing rapid snow melt at lower and midlevel elevations; and

WHEREAS, the State Emergency Coordination Center has received numerous declarations of emergencies from local and tribal jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS, the proclamation of an emergency authorizes the Governor under § 10-3-312, MCA, to expend funds from the general fund to meet contingencies and needs arising from these conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brian Schweitzer, Governor of the State of Montana, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor under the Constitution of the State of Montana, Title 10, chapter 3, MCA, and under other applicable statutes, do hereby declare an emergency to exist in the State of Montana as provided in § 10-3-302, MCA, and authorize the incurring of liabilities and expenses to be paid as other claims against the State from the general fund, pursuant to § 10-3-312, MCA.

Flood Declarations 2011

This Order is effective May 19, 2011.

Volunteers Wanted for Emergency Preparedness Training
$25.00 for 3 days of Training Including Room and Board

Registration is now open for emergency preparedness training offered at the ReadyMontana Symposium at Montana State University Billings on June 2-4, 2011. This affordable training opportunity is provided by ReadyMontana, an initiative from the Governor’s Office of Community Service to engage citizens in service and emergency preparedness.

“We are pleased to announce our first annual ReadyMontana Symposium,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “It is the responsibility of all Montanans to be prepared. This is an excellent opportunity for citizens to be trained on how they can be ready and volunteer when disaster strikes.”

The ReadyMontana Symposium offers three core trainings, two plenary trainings, and two disaster exercises. Registration is $25 and is open to anyone who is interested in making his or her community safer, stronger, and better prepared for disasters of all kinds.

Register today online: www.msubillings.edu/readymontana/

Download the Agenda

“When disaster happens, we know that emergency service personal are not available to help everyone right away,” said Shelia McFerran, featured trainer from Huntsville, Alabama. “When community members have CERT training they save lives, project property, and bring peace to the community. After our recent tornado in Alabama, we have seen the calmest response due to the CERT training in the community and the volunteers that were able to be deployed immediately.”

The symposium agenda includes trainings on Basic CERT, ‘Be Red Cross Ready’, First Aid and CPR, CERT ‘Train the Trainer’, and the ‘Map Your Neighborhood’ program. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is for anyone who wants to help protect his or her family, neighbors, and coworkers if disaster occurs. CERT educates on disaster preparedness for hazards that may happen in Montana and trains in basics disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Continue Reading

MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE & FIRE: THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE RISKS

Helena seminar on May 4th brings in local and national experts

When: May 4th, 6:00-9:00pm
Where: Red Lion Colonial Inn, Helena
What: Public Presentation on Mountain Pine Beetles
Learn More: www.beetles.mt.gov 

Much has been debated about the after-effects of Montana’s mountain pine beetle outbreak. Perhaps the largest area of debate centers on wildland fire risk during beetle attack, in the “red needle phase” the “gray phase,” and the “down phase.” Does the mountain pine beetle outbreak correlate to increase wildland fire risk? What type of fire behavior has been observed in the forest post outbreak? What are the long term implications related to fuel loading and future fire behavior?

The Mountain Pine Beetle Forum is hosting the seminar, “Mountain Pine Beetle & Fire: The Science Behind the Risks”, with experts from the scientific and local community whose research and experiences will provide insight on these topics. It will be held at the Red Lion Colonial Inn in Helena on May 4, 2011, with two opportunities to attend: a day-long session with longer, more technical presentations, and a general evening presentation from 6:00pm-9:00pm with the same presenters, but in a more concise, less technical format. Continue Reading

The National Weather Service and Montana Disaster and Emergency Services reminds you...

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster-relief organizations will try to help you, but you need to be ready as well.

Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere.

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Do you know how to make 9-1-1 work for you?

For forty years, 9-1-1 has served as the vital link between the American public and emergency services. Public education and awareness initiatives throughout the years have contributed in large measure to the incredible and ongoing success of the emergency communications system as a whole. It is imperative that 9-1-1 professionals, teachers, government officials, media representatives, and industry leaders are equipped with the tools necessary to continue these efforts in the face of an ever-changing telecommunications landscape, and that citizens of all ages are well versed in the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response for themselves and their fellow citizens.

The below resources are meant to provide you with the tools necessary to educate yourself and your community on the proper use of the 9-1-1 system, no matter which side of the phone you are on.

Features, Tools, & Resources Continue Reading

Emergency Preparedness Training: Register Today!

• CERT Train the Trainer: E428 CERT Train the Trainer Course will increase the number of instructors qualified to deliver the basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Course in local jurisdictions.
• Basic CERT: With proper CERT training, you can help protect your family, neighbors, and co-workers if a disaster occurs. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
• Red Cross First Aid and CPR: This Red Cross Basic First Aid and CPR Instructor course will increase the number of instructors qualified to deliver the Basic First Aid and CPR courses in local jurisdictions. 

(Click on the course name to register)

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Mountain Pine Beetle & Fire: The Science Behind The Risks

Wednesday May 4, 2011 Colonial Red Lion Inn, Helena MT

Much has been debated about the after-effects of Montana’s mountain pine beetle outbreak. Perhaps the largest area of debate centers around wildland fire risk during beetle attack, in the “red needle phase,” the “gray phase,” and the “down phase.” Does the mountain pine beetle outbreak correlate to increase wildland fire risk? What type of fire behavior has been observed in the forest post outbreak? What are the long term implications related to fuel loading and future fire behavior? The Mountain Pine Beetle Forum is hosting this session, with experts from the scientific and local community whose research and experiences will provide insight on these topics.

Continue Reading

Check out Craig Fugate's message (FEMA Administrator):

http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/3687

4 Days Left to Register Your Citizen Corps or CERT Program!!!

FEMA needs all new and existing local Citizen Corps Councils and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Programs to register on the National Citizen Corps and CERT websites. This effort will recognize the tremendous work accomplished to date and serve as a baseline for future individual and community preparedness and resiliency projects.

Every Citizen Corps Council and CERT Program is required to register if they wish to be eligible for grant funding and have a listing in the Citizen Corps and CERT directory on the National Citizen Corps and CERT Program websites. More information and guidance documents for registration are available on the Councils and CERT Program registration support pages located at http://www.citizencorps.gov/councils/registry.shtm and http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/registry.shtm. The websites provide a registration fact-sheet, registration questions and contact information for technical assistance and support.

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FEMA's Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. The READY AMERICA campaign recommends three simple steps to prepare for and survive a disaster:

1. Get a kit.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days.

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.

2. Make a plan.

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

3. Be informed.

Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen in our region and the appropriate way to respond to them.

Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

For more information about how to be prepared for disasters go to the following online resources or call your local emergency management office: visit

• FEMA.gov

• Ready.gov 

• CitizenCorps.gov

Posted by: Edward Connor, Acting Administrator, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration

National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 14-18, is an excellent opportunity for all Americans to become more educated about the dangers that flooding can cause and what steps to take to be prepared for the risk of flooding.

The current flooding occurring in parts of the Midwest, Southern and Northeastern parts of the nation are a very real reminder that floods can happen anywhere and at anytime in the United States. Flooding, the nation's most common natural disaster can and does happen in every U.S. state and territory.

All floods are not alike, though. Some develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or during a warming trend after a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur very rapidly, without warning or even any visible signs of rain. That’s why it’s critical to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live.

Here are some actions that you and your family can take today to become better prepared:

Continue Reading

Spring is coming early to Montana prompting flood advisories in a number of counties. Flooding poses special hazards to people who use private wells for their drinking water both during and after flood events.

If there is time before flooding, move any chemicals or hazardous materials above flood level to lessen the chance of spill and contamination. Secure any above ground storage tanks.

For those whose homes are affected by floods, the Montana Departments of  environmental Quality (DEQ) and Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have compiled a list of tips for dealing with flood conditions. These tips are available online at both www.deq.mt.gov and www.dphhs.mt.gov.

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Save-a Life Saturday is a free family event and open to all community members. Refreshments and raffle prizes (i.e. family emergency kit, coupons for free life-saving courses) will be provided. In addition, the first 100 registered for this event will receive a American Red Cross 1st Aid Kit.

• Date: March 19, 2011
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
• Location: Boys & Girls Club - 600 Bridger Drive - Bozeman, Montana

To register or for more information, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-ARC-MONT and ask to speak to the Health & Safety Department.

Save-a-Life Saturday Flyer

It’s important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and humancaused disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can helpmake a difference … 

Get a Kit - Make a Plan - Be Informed

Be Red Cross Ready Checklist

• I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my community.
• I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it.
• I have an emergency preparedness kit.
• At least one member of my household is trained in first aid and CPR/AED.
• I have taken action to help my community prepare.

For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness, visit RedCross.org

Get Ready during Flood Safety Awareness Week - March 14-18, 2011!

National Flood Awareness Safety Week Stakeholder conference call will provide additional information on what it means to get ready for flood season. (limited to 300 people)

Tuesday, March 15 from 10-11AM MST

Call-in information is: 1-888-391-6569 Pin # 8622712

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Spring forward and advance your personal fire safety:

Daylight savings time begins this Sunday, March 13. While we all know this to be the time to move our clocks forward, we encourage you to also use this opportunity to check your smoke alarms and make sure they are operational. In addition, if your battery operated smoke alarms are 10 years old or older, they need to be replaced.

Every day in this country, needless deaths occur from a fire in someone’s home. These deaths are very often young children and older adults.  A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert scanning the air for fire and smoke.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and both inside and outside of sleeping areas. Spring forward and advance your personal fire safety by insuring that smoke alarms are properly placed and functioning in your home.  

For more information on smoke alarms and fire prevention, visit the USFA website at: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/alarms/index.shtm

March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross is asking people to join them in helping those in need by volunteering their time, making a donation, taking a class, or giving blood.

• Link: Presidential Proclamation
• PDF: Presidential Proclamation

For nearly 100 years, U.S. Presidents have called on people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943. Since that time, President Obama and every president since have issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month.

The American Red Cross of Montana responded and provided assistance in 132 disasters last year. The chapter processed 787 emergency military calls, and trained over 17,761 Montanan's in first aid and water safety classes.

To learn more how to join or support the American Red Cross of Montana, please call

1-800-ARC-MONT (1-800-272-6668).

Events Continue Reading