News: State, Guard well prepared for season's first winter storm Date: December 10, 2009 When all is said and done, the first major snow storm of the season left a lot of snow but very little in the way of emergencies. "I think we were prepared for this storm," said Larry Reed, deputy administrator for Wisconsin Emergency Management. The Emergency Operations Center was activated at 8 a.m. Tuesday, and remained open until 8 p.m. Wednesday, a few hours after the National Weather Service cancelled a blizzard warning - in essence, acknowledging that the winter storm was over. The Wisconsin National Guard, however, maintained its alert until 6 a.m. Thursday. At a Joint Operations Center meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, agreed with Brig. Gen. Scott Legwold's assessment that keeping Guard members through the entire second stand-by shift across the state accomplished two objectives - it alleviated nighttime driving with the potential risks of drifting snow and ice from falling temperatures, and it still allowed for a timely response in the event of power outages requiring emergency warming shelters. Reed said that Gov. Jim Doyle's early declaration of a state of emergency underscored to state government and the public how serious a threat the storm was considered. He also said coordination between agencies in the EOC - the state Department of Transportation highways division, State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources, the National Weather Service, the National Guard and various other state agency officials - was strong. In addition, a software program called "E-Sponder" allowed state agencies as well as counties to share information. As the storm came and went, Reed said that county authorities did not request state assistance. The weather-related incidents that did occur - traffic accidents, some power outages - were handled at the local level. Emergency shelters that had opened for citizens displaced because of the storm saw few people, Reed said. The EOC was at an elevated level of staffing until 8 p.m. Wednesday. A duty officer remains on call should assistance be needed, Reed said. According to the National Weather Service, snowfall from the storm as of 5 p.m. Wednesday ranged from just under 3 inches at Milwaukee's Mitchell Field International Airport to 18.5 inches in Madison. A wind chill advisory went into effect for most of the state through late morning. - 30 - Full story and photo available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09166.asp Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:15:00 CST http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09166.asp http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov Wed, 9 Dec 2009 06:05:00 CST http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov With temperatures and wind chills predicted to plunge this afternoon and evening, authorities are cautioning citizens to guard against hypothermia in themselves and their vulnerable loved ones, and to protect animals from the bitter cold, too.

For detailed safety information during frigid weather visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services andWisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ]]> Wed, 9 Dec 2009 13:45:00 CST http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/12-8-2009SOE.asp Wisconsin Emergency Management, 608-242-3292

News: Governor Doyle Declares State of Emergency for Winter Storm as Precautionary Measure Date: December 8, 2009 Governor Jim Doyle has declared a State of Emergency for all 72 counties as a major winter storm hits Wisconsin. The Governor's State of Emergency calls to active duty elements of the Wisconsin National Guard as deemed necessary by Brigadier General Don Dunbar to assist authorities where needed. The declaration instructs all state agencies to assist in any response or recovery efforts that may be encountered. "We are expecting blizzard-like conditions for much of the state over the next 24 to 36 hours," Governor Doyle said. "As a precautionary measure, I have declared a State of Emergency in order for state resources and National Guard assets to be available to respond as needed." The State of Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at 8:00 a.m. this morning to monitor the situation and is fully operational. Staff from the Department of Military Affairs, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Department of Transportation, State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources and the National Weather Service are working in the EOC. The Wisconsin State Patrol, Emergency Management and Department of Transportation are working closely with local officials to monitor road conditions. If conditions warrant, actions could be taken to close roadways or portions of the Interstate where necessary. To view Governor Doyle's Executive Order, please visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=19&prid=4785. - 30 - Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/12-8-2009SOE.asp Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

]]> Tue, 8 Dec 2009 19:16:00 CST http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/12-8-2009SOE.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09161.asp Crisis Communications Manager
Office: 608-242-3239 or Fax: 608-242-3247

News: Winter storms are serious business in Wisconsin Date: December 7, 2009 The first major snowstorm of the season has arrived, and with it all the considerations for dangerous road conditions, downed power lines, cold weather injuries and service delays. As residents across the state take steps to prepare for the coming storm, the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs is also busy making sure it is ready for whatever the storm brings. According to Lori Getter, public information officer for Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Emergency Operations Center will begin monitoring the storm Tuesday morning from its offices at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison. The EOC will include representatives from the Wisconsin National Guard, State Patrol, state Department of Transportation Highways Department, National Weather Service and Wisconsin Emergency Management - all of whom provide real-time information to the EOC from their respective agencies. In addition, the EOC is in contact with county Emergency Management offices and other first responders. All this is done to alert the EOC in the event of major power outages, highway traffic stoppages or other safety issues related to winter weather, and WEM in turn coordinates any needed support throughout the state. "This may be a major storm hitting Wisconsin," Getter explained. "Every indication is for 12 inches of snow, with strong winds creating blizzard-like conditions. This is a potentially dangerous storm." According to the state Department of Transportation, approximately 20,000 vehicle accidents occur each winter in Wisconsin due to roads covered with ice, snow or slush. Many accidents are caused by driving too fast for conditions. On average, winter traffic accidents claim 75 lives and injure approximately 7,000 people. Getter urged state residents to pay attention to their local media for the latest weather updates road conditions and cancellations, and to avoid road travel if possible. For those who must travel during the storm, Getter recommended calling 511 or visiting the DOT travel information website http://www.511wi.gov for the latest road conditions. "If you're travelling a longer distance, make sure someone knows when to expect you," she continued. "Have a safety kit in your car, have a working cell phone, and drive according to conditions." A winter storm survival kit for vehicles should include blankets or sleeping bags, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, shovel, tools, booster cables and windshield scraper, highcalorie non-perishable food, and sand or cat litter for traction. Winter storm survival kits for the home should include flashlights with extra batteries, a commercial radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, bottled water and non-perishable food that does not need heating, first-aid supplies, fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, extra medications and infant supplies (if appropriate). Pet owners should consider a winter storm's impact on their pets as well, such as frostbite and irritation from de-icing chemicals. The National Weather Service uses the following terms when issuing winter storm information: A winter storm watch means that heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. A winter storm warning means snow, sleet, freezing rain and moderate winds are expected in the next 24 hours. An ice storm warning means that mostly freezing rain is expected, with ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more in the next 12 hours. A blizzard warning means winds of 35 mph or greater, combined with falling or blowing snow, will reduce visibility to one-quarter mile or less for a period of at least three hours. Also monitoring the storm is the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center, ready to call Wisconsin National Guard members to state active duty if ordered, based on local and state government need. Follow the EOC winter storm updates on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WI_EOC - 30 - Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09161.asp Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov

]]> Mon, 7 Dec 2009 16:05:00 CST http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09161.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/Fema_RV-NR-09-086.asp Office: 608-242-3239

November 17, 2009

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $4,483,460 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Jefferson County, Wisc., for the acquisition and removal of 28 residential structures and one commercial structure.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the project costs. The remaining 25 percent of the cost, $1,494,486, will be provided through a combination of funds from the state of Wisconsin and Jefferson County. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is providing the county with a Community Development Block Grant for the local match.]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:20:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/Fema_RV-NR-09-086.asp http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/ Office: 608-242-3239

Governor Jim Doyle has declared November 9-13, 2009 as Wisconsin's Winter Awareness Week. The annual campaign sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management and NOAA's National Weather Service is to remind people to be prepared for winter conditions that could threaten their safety.

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm such as traffic accidents on icy or snow-covered roads, prolonged exposure to the cold, or indoor carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is important to start taking preventive measures for winter weather. Now is the perfect time to winterize your car and home, gather items for a disaster kit, and make sure you have a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or a commercial radio with fresh batteries.

Enclosed are additional winter weather tips. If you would like the information e-mailed, please contact Lori Getter at (608) 242-3239 or at lori.getter@wisconsin.gov. There are also additional winter storm maps produced by the National Weather Service located on the Wisconsin Emergency Management website at http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov.

For more information on the winter weather awareness campaign, contact your county emergency management director or your local National Weather Service office.]]> Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:36:00 CDT http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/ http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09120.asp The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) includes Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Army National Guard, the Wisconsin Air National Guard, and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management (WEM).

Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, said the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center (JOC) and the 24-Hour Emergency Management Duty Officer System will remain fully operational. WEM Administrator, Mr. Edward Wall, has ensured that if a disaster or emergency should occur on Oct. 12, there will be staff available to respond to the scene and to work in the state Emergency Operations Center.]]> Tue, 6 Oct 2009 14:24:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09120.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09115.asp Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09115.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/Homeland_Preparedeness_Release2_9_28_09.asp Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/Homeland_Preparedeness_Release2_9_28_09.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/Homeland_Preparedeness_Release_9_28_09.asp Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/Homeland_Preparedeness_Release_9_28_09.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09109.asp Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09109.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09112.asp Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:32:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09112.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09104.asp Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:00:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09104.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/EM_Wall.asp Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:30:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/EM_Wall.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09103.asp ReadyWisconsin and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, preparing for an emergency includes remembering the basic necessities for survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. A basic emergency supply kit can be a great help when an emergency requires you to evacuate or shelter in place. Ideally, the kit should allow the user to get through three days without access to traditional creature comforts such as electricity, plumbing or heating.]]> Wed, 9 Sep 2009 13:50:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09103.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09102.asp Tue, 8 Sep 2009 12:32:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09102.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09100.asp Thu, 3 Sep 2009 11:00:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09100.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09098.asp Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09098.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09097.asp Tue, 1 Sep 2009 15:30:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09097.asp HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the project costs. The remaining 25 percent of the cost totaling $262,312 will be provided through a combination of funds from the state of Wisconsin and Rock County.]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:02:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/Fema_R5-09-052.pdf http://homelandsecurity.wi.gov/]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:35:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/HSstrategy.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBA_7-30-09.asp Contact: Lori Getter
WEM Public Information Officer, State of Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center
608-242-3294

News: Deadline Friday to Visit SBA Disaster Assistance Center
The SBA has been staffing two disaster assistance centers in Racine and Kenosha Counties. Staff at the centers can help answer questions and assist in filling out disaster loan applications. Earlier this month, the SBA approved a request from Governor Jim Doyle to offer low interest disaster loans to residents in Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Walworth and Waukesha Counties that may have sustained flood damage from June 18-19, 2009.

Bristol Kenosha County Center Human Services Resource Room 19600 75th Street Thursday July 30: 9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday - July 31: 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sturtevant Sturtevant Village Hall 2801 89th Street Thursday July 30: 9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday - July 31: 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Those that sustained damage should remember the following points:

• Even if you contacted the County Emergency Manager at the time of the June storms, you need to now contact SBA to qualify for assistance.
• Even if you have already cleaned up you may want to apply. SBA will send an experienced loss verifier to determine the costs to put your property back to where it was the day before the disaster-receipts for what you spent are helpful, but not necessary.
• Even if you had insurance that covered your losses or you have been able to recover from your own resources, you may want to apply. SBA may be able to loan you up to 20% of your total cost of recovery for improvements that could prevent future damage.
• For most people completing the Disaster Loan Application takes about 20 minutes.

Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned to one of the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may apply for disaster loans from SBA's secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is September 14, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 15, 2010.

# # #

Full story available at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBA_7-30-09.asp

Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov ]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:35:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBA_7-30-09.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBA_7-23-09.asp Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:30:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBA_7-23-09.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/RV-NR-09-046.asp Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:20:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/RV-NR-09-046.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBAassistance7-16-09.asp Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:25:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBAassistance7-16-09.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBAassistance7-15-09.asp Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:15:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SBAassistance7-15-09.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09067.asp Thu, 9 Jul 2009 15:45:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/09067.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SoutheasternWisconsinFloodDamage.asp Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:11:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/SoutheasternWisconsinFloodDamage.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/2008Floods.asp Fri, 5 Jun 2009 14:53:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/2008Floods.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/2009_Heat_awareness.asp Wed, 3 Jun 2009 12:32:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/2009_Heat_awareness.asp http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/H1N1_Monroe_County.asp Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:32:00 CDT http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/H1N1_Monroe_County.asp Fri, 29 May 2009 14:22:00 CST http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/heat_awareness_2009.pdf Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed June 11, 2009 as Heat Awareness Day. Summer heat waves are the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornado and other storm-related deaths. Fri, 22 May 2009 08:22:00 CST http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/heat_awareness_2009.pdf http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/NOAARadio.pdf Governor Doyle has declared May 13, 2009 as NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Awareness Day. The campaign is to encourage Wisconsin residents to keep ahead of severe weather by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, a 24-hour source of weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and non-weather emergency information provided by the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Wed, 6 May 2009 08:22:00 CST http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009News/NOAARadio.pdf http://67.199.109.246/dma/news/2009news/threat.asp At approximately 3:30 p.m. today (April 6) the Wisconsin Air National Guard responded to a notification from federal officials that a suspicious aircraft a Cessna 172 had entered Wisconsin air space and the pilot was not responding to Federal Aviation Administration communications. Two F-16 fighter jets of the Wisconsin Air National Guards launched at 5 p.m. and are attempting to notify the pilot to establish communications with local FAA air traffic controllers and land safely for further follow-on action. Mon, 6 Apr 2009 17:00:00 CST http://67.199.109.246/dma/news/2009news/threat.asp The Aidmatrix Foundation Inc. today announced the readiness of the Wisconsin web portal on the National Donations Management Network (NDMN) Program, powered by the Aidmatrix Network, to assist in the long-term recovery efforts from the 2008 summer floods. http://dma.wi.gov/dma/wem/NewsReleases2009/PR_WisconsinFinal.pdf Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:00:00 CST http://dma.wi.gov/dma/wem/NewsReleases2009/PR_WisconsinFinal.pdf Governor Jim Doyle has declared March 16-20 as Flood Safety Awareness Week. http://67.199.109.246/dma/wem/NewsReleases2009/FloodSafetyAwarenessWeek2009.pdf Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:00:00 CST http://67.199.109.246/dma/wem/NewsReleases2009/FloodSafetyAwarenessWeek2009.pdf http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=15500&locid=18 Public hearings will be held later this month to gather input on an emergency rule designed to increase fees facilities and businesses pay to store hazardous chemicals. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:00:00 CST http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=15500&locid=18