Wisconsin Emergency Management

FEMA Awards $4.4 Million Grant to Jefferson County

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:20:00 CDT

Contact: Lori Getter
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.

Wisconsin's Winter Awareness Week, November 9-13, 2009

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:36:00 CDT

Contact: Lori Getter
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.

Department of Military Affairs closed Monday, Oct. 12

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 14:24:00 CDT

Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 as state employees take one of 16 furlough days required for all state workers over the next two years. Columbus Day (Oct. 12) is also a federal holiday. DMA will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

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.

Are you ready for the flu?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT

Medical professionals and experts are bracing for the return this fall of the novel H1N1 virus. Thousands of Wisconsin residents contracted the disease this year, resulting in 239 hospitalizations and eight deaths as of Sept. 11. What preventive measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the flu?

Governor Doyle Accepts Homeland Security Preparedness Report

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CDT

Governor Jim Doyle today accepted a report from Brigadier General Don Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin and Wisconsin's Homeland Security Advisor, on Wisconsin's overall homeland security readiness. The report outlines the efforts Wisconsin is taking to prevent and respond to potential emergencies including preparations to the H1N1 virus and threat of cyber terrorism.

Governor Doyle to Accept 2009 Preparedness Report from Wisconsin Homeland Security Council

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT

Governor Jim Doyle will receive an update on the state's emergency preparedness efforts by Wisconsin's Homeland Security Advisor Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar and members of the Homeland Security Council tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. at the Department of Military Affairs in Madison. This annual report by the Governor's Homeland Security Council provides an assessment of how state agencies are ensuring Wisconsin's overall preparedness to respond to various disasters and emergencies.

re you ready for a natural disaster?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT

A popular saying in Wisconsin is that if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change. But sometimes Wisconsin weather only allows a few minutes to seek safety. "Most people think they won't be impacted by a natural disaster," said Lori Getter, crisis communications manager for Wisconsin Emergency Management. However, Wisconsin averages 21 tornados each year, and also 20 severe blizzards. Additionally, each county in the state has experienced at least one major flood event in the past 20 years. "Chances are, in that time, you'll be impacted in some way," Getter continued. "You never know."

Are you ready to meet special needs in an emergency?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:32:00 CDT

A good emergency plan takes individual needs and abilities into account, improving the odds of successfully sheltering in place or evacuating in the event of an emergency. ReadyWisconsin recommends a three-step plan to help those with special needs and their caregivers to prepare now in case of an emergency.

Are you ready for a moment's notice?

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:00:00 CDT

Early on a March morning in 1996, the small city of Weyauwega was jolted awake by a train derailment. The hazardous cargo, including liquefied petroleum gas, propane and sodium hydroxide, caught fire and burned for more than two weeks, requiring the emergency evacuation of about 2,300 people - including the 1,700 residents of Weyauwega - for 16 days.

Governor Doyle Names Edward Wall Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:30:00 CDT

Governor Jim Doyle has named Edward Wall Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management. Wall has spent his entire professional career working in public emergency services, including more than two decades in law enforcement. Wall earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Management from Excelsior University. Wall assumes his new duties, Monday, September 14, 2009.

Are You Ready, Wisconsin? Emergency kit can help

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 13:50:00 CDT

We may not be able to predict an emergency, but we can all prepare for one. According to 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.

Are you ready to fight ID theft?

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 12:32:00 CDT

September is Preparedness Month in Wisconsin, when residents are urged to take steps to prepare for the unforeseen - such as identity theft. Identity fraud continues to rise in the United States - up 22 percent in a February 2009 report by Javelin Strategy and Research - but there are measures that can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of information superhighway robbery.

Are You Ready, Wisconsin? Time to Get Prepared

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 11:00:00 CDT

As we enter the month of September, many California families have been evacuated as wildfires continue to roar across Southern California, burning everything in their paths. The devastating wildfires highlight the need for all Americans to be ready for disasters and emergencies. September is Preparedness Month in Wisconsin, a statewide campaign promoted by Gov. Jim Doyle, Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council and ReadyWisconsin that encourages all citizens to get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.

Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Friday, Sept. 4

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CDT

Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will operate on a limited basis on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 as state employees take one of 16 furlough days required for all state workers over the next two years. DMA will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8 following Labor Day.

Are You Ready Wisconsin? September is Preparedness Month

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 15:30:00 CDT

Are you Ready Wisconsin? Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed September as Wisconsin Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to remind citizens to be prepared for disasters and emergencies.

Wisconsin's Rock County Receives $786,934 FEMA Grant

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:02:00 CDT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $786,934 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Rock County, Wisc., for the acquisition and removal of five structures repeatedly damaged by flooding events.

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.

Governor Doyle accepts new state homeland security strategy

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:35:00 CDT

Governor Doyle has approved the Wisconsin State Homeland Security Strategy that is a collaborative interagency effort to guide Wisconsin's direction through 2011. The vision is a culture of preparedness shared by all Wisconsin citizens and the theme is resiliency. Wisconsin's Homeland Security Advisory Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar presented the Governor with the report. The Wisconsin Homeland Security Council developed the strategy over several months and the process included public comment opportunities. The Wisconsin Homeland Security Strategy is available online at http://homelandsecurity.wi.gov/

Deadline Friday to Visit SBA Disaster Assistance Center

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:35:00 CDT

July 30, 2009
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.

Individuals and businesses unable to visit one of the Centers in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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.

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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

July 27 Situation Report 2 on Severe Weather

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:00:00 CDT

July 27, 2009 9:00 p.m.
Contact: Lori Getter
WEM Public Information Officer, State of Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center
608-242-3294

OVERVIEW - Southern Wisconsin was hit with severe weather this evening with reports of heavy rains, hail, strong winds and possible tornadoes. The State Emergency Operations Center was activated to Level 3 earlier this evening with partial staff in the EOC but is now transferred back to Level 4 activation with normal monitoring through the 24 hour duty officer system. There has been no request for state assistance. Below are storm damage reports as of 9:00 p.m.

Lafayette County - Lafayette County Emergency Management reports a possible tornado near Gratiot. No reports of major damage at this time. The Sheriff Department is continuing to check on damage.

Grant County - Grant County Emergency Management reported a second round of weather this evening with mostly heavy rains in the Platteville area. Officials have not reported any home damage.

Columbia County - Columbia County Emergency Management reported some trees down and nickel size hail in the Cambria area. There also were reports of heavy rains northeast of Cambria.

Sauk County - Officials in Sauk County report no major damage. Lightning struck a transformer in the Spring Green area and Alliant Energy was on-scene doing repairs.

Iowa County - Iowa County reported rain in Mineral Point and the surrounding area. There are trees down in the northern part of the county. No major damage reported by Iowa County Emergency Management.

Green Lake County - Green Lake County reports some lightning strikes and tree damage. No major damage to homes reported at this time.

Crawford County - Crawford County evacuated one home because of a leaking LP tank. The county is shutting down operations for the night. Earlier, Crawford County Emergency Management reported a couple of possible tornado touchdowns at County Highway C between State Highways 27 and 131. Preliminary reports of damage include a couple of old barns down and some trees toppled.

Marquette County - Marquette County Emergency Management reports 50-60 mph winds south of the Montello area. Some trees and power lines were down, but no reports of any structural damages. Fire and highway departments are out clearing debris from highways. There was some standing water on roads, but he was not aware of any road closures.

Richland County - Richland County Emergency Management reported that power is out north and northeast of Richland Center, mudslides on State Highway 60 and several other roads closed because of trees or mudslides. No reports of damage to homes.

Dodge County - Dodge County Emergency Management reports the severe weather has passed through the county and there were no reports of damage.

Dane County - Dane County Emergency Management partially activated their county emergency operations center this evening to monitor the storms. No reports of damage.

SE Wisconsin Flood Victims have one more week to visit SBA Disaster Assistance Center

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:30:00 CDT

Officials with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be in southeastern Wisconsin for one more week to assist businesses, renters and homeowners that sustained storm damage and flooding in June. In addition, this coming Saturday will be the only Saturday that the SBA Disaster Assistance Center will be open. The SBA is 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. Last week, 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.

FEMA Awards $1.9 Million Hazard Mitigation Grant to the City of Reedsburg

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:20:00 CDT

The U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $1,952,078 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, for the acquisition and removal of 20 structures. HMGP funds will be used to remove these homes from a flood-prone area, returning the area to open space in perpetuity. HMGP projects like this one are the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts, and illustrate the importance of local, state and federal governments working together for the benefit of citizens.

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Wisconsin Residents Affected By Severe Storms and Flooding

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:25:00 CDT

WASHINGTON - Wisconsin residents and businesses affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred on June 18-19 can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced today. Administrator Mills made the loans available in response to a letter from Governor Jim Doyle on July 9, 2009, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Kenosha and Racine counties and the adjacent counties of Milwaukee, Walworth, Waukesha in Wisconsin.

Governor Doyle Announces Assistance for Flood Victims in Southeast Wisconsin

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:15:00 CDT

Governor Doyle today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for federal low-interest disaster loans for individuals and businesses impacted by the flooding that occurred last month in Kenosha and Racine Counties. Last week, Governor Doyle formally requested the federal disaster aid. Assistance in the form of low interest loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed homes. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Low interest loans are also available to businesses that sustained damage from the flooding as well as economic loss.

Governor Doyle Announces Retirement of Johnnie Smith

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 15:45:00 CDT

Governor Jim Doyle today announced the retirement of Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Johnnie Smith. Smith, of Sun Prairie, led the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management since October 2004. His retirement is effective July 29, 2009. Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin, has announced that WEM's Deputy Administrator Steve Peterson will serve as Acting Administrator.

Governor Doyle Requests Damage Assessment

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:11:00 CDT

Governor Jim Doyle today requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assess flood damaged homes and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin following heavy rains that occurred in June. This assessment would be the first step to determine if there is enough damage to qualify for low-interest loans.

Overview of the 2008 Wisconsin Flooding/Tornadoes

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 14:53:00 CDT

Several media outlets have requested information from last year's flooding/tornadoes that hit Wisconsin in June. Below are some highlights from Wisconsin Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, and State Emergency Operations Center.

Wisconsin's Heat Awareness Day - June 11, 2009

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 12:32:00 CDT

Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed June 11, 2009 as Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin. The campaign is to remind people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to encourage citizens to take protective safety measures. In 1995, two major killer heat waves affected most of Wisconsin resulting in 154 heat-related deaths and over 300 heat-related illnesses. Summer heat waves have been the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornadoes and severe storms.

Confirmed Case of H1N1 in Monroe County (as released by the Monroe County Health Department)

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:32:00 CDT

The first confirmed case of (novel or swine like to distinguish from seasonal H1N1) H1N1 in Monroe County was reported to Monroe County Health Department officials on May 31, 2009. Sharon Nelson, Director/Health Officer, reports that a young male from the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy in Monroe County was recently hospitalized and released from the hospital and is now recovering from H1N1.

Wisconsin's Town of Spring Green receives $4-million FEMA grant

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:22:00 CST

The U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $4,033,218 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the town of Spring Green, Wisconsin, for the acquisition and removal of 28 structures.

Governor Doyle Proclaims June 11 as Heat Awareness Day

Fri, 22 May 2009 08:22:00 CST

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.

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

Wed, 6 May 2009 08:22:00 CST

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).

Wisconsin National Guard responds to potential air threat

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 17:00:00 CST

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.

Wisconsin Leverages Aidmatrix Technology to Collect Donations for Long-Term Flood Recovery Efforts

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:00:00 CST

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.

Flood Safety Awareness Week

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:00:00 CST

Governor Jim Doyle has declared March 16-20 as Flood Safety Awareness Week.

Public Hearings Set for Fee Change for Facilities Reporting Hazardous Chemicals and Extremely Hazardous Substance

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:00:00 CST

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.