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| 45th Annual Governor's Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security 1/31/2012 The 45th Annual Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security is now open for registration There are some fantastic presenters lined up for this years conference that will cover a wide range of topics. For a detailed list of all the speakers, breakout sessions and other conference information please view the brochure by clicking HERE. To register for the conference on the Wisconsin Training Portal please click HERE. |  |
| Unusual Event at Northern Illinois Nuclear Plant - WI monitoring situation 1/30/2012 An incident occurred this morning at the Byron Nuclear Generating Station and was declared an "Unusual Event". The State of Wisconsin is monitoring the loss of power to the northern Illinois nuclear power plant and officials report there is no danger to plant employees or nearby residents. Read Full Story | |
| White House Highlights Tod Pritchard as a “Champion of Change” For Helping to Prepare America 1/18/2012 WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, January 19th, Tod Pritchard will be one of the 17 local leaders who will be honored at the White House as Champions of Change who help prepare their communities for disaster and build a more resilient nation. These men and women have demonstrated significant innovation and creativity in working to get their communities ready for the unexpected and embraced the approach of involving all members of their communities in emergency preparedness and response, reaching out to faith-based, tribal, non-profit, private sector and community-based organizations, as well as individual citizens. Read Full Story | |
| Winter Advisories Posted For WI 1/12/2012 The National Weather Service has Winter Weather Advisories posted for much of the state until early Friday morning. Anticipated snow totals now range from 4-6 inches in southern Wisconsin with lesser amounts in northern Wisconsin. Roads are expected to be icy and snowpacked. Call 511 or go to www.511wi.gov for the latest Wisconsin road conditions before you travel. For further winter safety tips - go to ReadyWisconsin at http:\\readywisconsin.wi.gov Read Full Story | |
| Winter Returns to Wisconsin 1/11/2012 Winter Storm Warnings in effect for much of the state It’s been a mild winter so far especially in southern Wisconsin, but that is about to change. A significant winter storm will hit Wisconsin later tonight and will continue thru Friday that could impact travel. The National Weather Service is predicting southeast and south central Wisconsin could receive 6-9 inches of snow. In addition, some parts of extreme northern Wisconsin could see a foot of snow.
Now is the time to get ready for the storm. Get your vehicles and home ready. Here are a few simple things you can do. | |
| DNR offers ice safety tips 1/11/2012 Following three drownings over a three-day period after people broke through thin ice on Wisconsin waters, state recreational safety specialists are again strongly cautioning that ice on many state waterways is not thick enough to safely support a human -- much less any type of vehicle. Read Full Story | |
| STEP Returns to Wisconsin Schools 1/10/2012 Program teaches 5th graders how to get ready for emergencies More than 5500 students in 250 classrooms around Wisconsin are learning how to prepare for disasters and react to emergencies thanks to a special program called STEP (Student Tools for Emergency Planning). STEP is a turn-key classroom curriculum for teachers to prepare 5th grade students for various emergencies including tornadoes, flooding and storms. It also shows students how to put together an emergency kit and develop an emergency plan with their families. Teachers signed up for the program this past fall and are required to teach the STEP curriculum before the end of the 2011-12 school year. | |
| Winter storm possible in Wisconsin New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 12/31/2011 A winter storm will hit much of Wisconsin New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Follow us on ReadyWisconsin Facebook www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin and Twitter www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin for an update on the weather and road conditions. Read Full Story | |
| Gov. Walker orders "Operation Santa" for Christmas Eve 12/23/2011 State Ready to Welcome Santa Claus Governor Walker today directed the Wisconsin National Guard and Wisconsin Emergency Management to assist with a very important mission Saturday night to help Santa as he makes his way through the Badger State on Christmas Eve. "I want to make sure that Santa has everything he needs—from food for the reindeer to the latest weather reports," said Gov. Walker. "The Wisconsin National Guard and Wisconsin Emergency Management are ready to respond to ensure Santa is able to deliver presents to all the good boys and girls across Wisconsin." “Our motto is always ready, always there - and the men and women of the Wisconsin National Guard and Wisconsin Emergency Management are ready to assist Santa on this special night,” said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. “We're ready for this mission.” A KC-135 Stratotanker from Milwaukee’s 128th Air Refueling Wing will meet up with Santa and his team of reindeer in the sky over Lake Superior and will provide carrots and water for the reindeer and power bars and cocoa for Santa. Once Santa and the reindeer part ways with the air refueling tanker, they will be met by a squadron of F-16 fighter jets from Madison’s 115th Fighter Wing who will serve as an aerial escort, providing security and navigational guidance, for Santa and his reindeer for the remainder of their mission in Wisconsin. As a precaution, the 147th Aviation Battalion of Blackhawk helicopters have been tasked to pre-position critical supplies such as reindeer feed and provide extra lift support should the reindeer have problems pulling the heavy sleigh. The 120th Field Artillery Battalion will be providing illumination support if Santa encounters bad weather and needs help landing to deliver his toys." Wisconsin Emergency Management will keep a close eye on the weather and will provide Santa with updated storm reports. In addition, "ReadyWisconsin" will post updates on Twitter and Facebook regarding Santa's location as he travels across the state at www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsinand www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin. The Wisconsin National Guard will also coordinate their efforts with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD tracks Santa’s route across the United States and posts updates at their “Santa Tracker” website, http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html. | |
| Governor Walker Accepts Homeland Security Report 12/21/2011 Governor Scott Walker has accepted a report from Major 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. | |
| Best Holiday Wishes from WEM! 12/20/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula wishes everyone a happy holiday season and urges Wisconsin residents to "Resolve to be Ready in 2012" in a new video on the ReadyWisconsin YouTube channel. "Make emergency planning a New Year's resolution," says Satula. "It's a pledge to protect you and your family."
Click here to view the video. | |
| Resolve to be Ready for 2012 12/16/2011 What is your New Year resolution? Why not “Resolve to be Ready in 2012”. It could help keep you and your family safe. “Wisconsin experienced its share of disasters in 2011 including a blizzard, 38 tornadoes, devastating windstorms in northern Wisconsin and a heat wave that killed five people and impacted the entire state," said Tod Pritchard, Wisconsin’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. "Emergencies can range from inconvenient to devastating, but resolving to take easy steps now can minimize the impact of an emergency on you, your family and your community." Read Full Story | |
| State Receives Federal Approval for Hazard Mitigation Plan 12/13/2011 Wisconsin has received federal approval for the updated Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan identifies natural hazards in the state and outlines measures to reduce those risks. "The plan helps state and local officials understand what our natural hazards are across the state, evaluate those risks and take appropriate steps to help mitigate future damage to homes, businesses and communities before the next storm or flood hits," said Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) Administrator Brian Satula.
The enhanced plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is active
for three years. It analyzes Wisconsin's natural hazards such as flooding, tornadoes and other
severe weather. It provides a history of natural disasters that have occurred in the state, an
overview of federal disaster declarations, and projects and other measures the state is using to
reduce the effects of future disasters. | |
| WEM Launches Online Course Registration Program 12/5/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) has launched a new online training portal at www.trainingwisconsin.org. This new system replaces the previous document-based registration process. "We are excited to be able to provide this new level of convenience for our students," said Brian Satula, WEM Administrator. "The new website is a simple, effective way for people to access our trainings and track their course progress." The new website will allow emergency managers, first responders and others from across the state to register online for local, state and federal classes and keep track of their completed courses and print certificates. The full catalog of courses from WEM and its partner agencies is available on the site, and users can view upcoming sessions and any required prerequisites.
"We have listened to the needs and suggestions of our course registrants," said WEM Training Section Supervisor David Nunley. "After finishing a course, users can
download and print copies of their completion certificates as needed." | |
| Weekend Snow Expected for Much of Wisconsin 12/2/2011 A winter storm watch is in effect for west central Wisconsin for Saturday. A potent storm system is expected to impact travel conditions. The National Weather Service says the system will move into Wisconsin bringing a rain and snow mixture late Friday and then turning into snow on Saturday. Western and Central Wisconsin are expected to receive the heaviest snowfall amounts of up to six inches. For a list of winter driving safety tips, click here. Wisconsin Emergency Management will be monitoring the storm all weekend. You can follow us and our ReadyWisconsin preparedness program on:
Read Full Story | |
| Emergency Preparedness Gift List for this Holiday Season 12/1/2011 Many of us struggle with finding just the right gifts for our friends and loved ones during the holidays. ReadyWisconsin has some great gift ideas that not only help others get ready for emergency situations, but that also say you care and you want them to be safe. ReadyWisconsin's Tod Pritchard offers some suggestions for ways to give the gift of safety to your friends and families this holiday season in this video on the ReadyWisconsin YouTube channel. A list of gift ideas is also available on the ReadyWisconsin website by clicking here. | |
| Latest WEM eNewsletter Available Now 11/30/2011 The latest edition of the WEM eNewsletter has been posted to the Wisconsin Emergency Management website and can be downloaded as a .pdf file by clicking here. To receive the eNewsleter by email, click the "Sign up for News Releases" link in the left column of this page and register for WEM or ReadyWisconsin updates. | |
| ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov Informs Residents of Winter Conditions 11/28/2011 Wisconsinites can help guarantee their safety during the chilly winter months by heading over to the ReadyWisconsin website. "The site is designed to help everyone stay safe so they can enjoy a beautiful Wisconsin winter with no worries," Governor Walker said. Winter storms can be vicious and the best way to combat them is through advance preparation. ReadyWisconsin features plenty of winter safety tips, including information on how to make an emergency kit. "The number one thing to do: make sure you have an emergency supply kit in your car-it could save your life," said Todd Pritchard, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Wisconsin Emergency Management. ReadyWisconsin suggests having items like blankets, flashlights, and a shovel in your vehicle at all times.
NASCAR champion and Wisconsin native Matt Kenseth is partnering with ReadyWisconsin to promote winter awareness. He’s also urging Wisconsinites to sign up to win a free kit on the ReadyWisconsin website. | |
| Tomah Area Receives New All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter 11/23/2011 A 300-watt All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio transmitter was activated on October 19th in the Tomah area, bringing a strengthened weather radio signal to an area that includes Monroe, Adams, Juneau, Wood, Jackson, Vernon and La Crosse counties.
A ceremony was held on November 21st in Tomah to announce the project. Representatives from Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board spoke about the importance of weather radio to the safety of Wisconsin residents. Additional details about the ceremony are available on the NWS website. | |
| Are You Ready for Thanksgiving? 11/22/2011 Over the river and through the woods…people across Wisconsin will be driving and flying for the holidays. ReadyWisconsin wants you and your family to be safe. The ReadyWisconsin website has a number of simple tips that can save you from heartaches, headaches and potential dangers this Thanksgiving holiday. Click here to visit the ReadyWisconsin Thanksgiving tips page. | |
| Governor Walker Approves New State Emergency Response Plan 11/14/2011 Updated plan provides coordinated response to natural and man-caused emergencies Madison—Today Governor Scott Walker signed the new State of Wisconsin Emergency Response Plan. The new plan follows the National Response Framework but also has incident specific annexes for events including severe weather, radiological incident and cyber security. "This year Wisconsin has suffered many disasters and emergencies from a blizzard to a deadly heat wave in July," said Gov. Walker. “The one thing that all these events have in common is the importance of various government, volunteer agencies and the private sector working together to respond and recover from emergencies." The new state emergency response plan contains a basic plan with 15 emergency support functions ranging from evacuation & transportation, search & rescue and firefighting. It also contains event specific annexes. Those annexes include response procedures for events including severe weather conditions, hazardous material releases and radiological/nuclear incidents. Various state agencies, private sector and volunteer organizations developed the all-hazards plan. In addition, planning guidance and templates have been provided to county, local and tribal emergency management programs. This is to ensure that all levels of government are able to mobilize and coordinate response and recovery efforts to a disaster or emergency.
The new Wisconsin Emergency Response Plan is available at: http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov | |
| Be ReadyWisconsin When You Fall Back 11/2/2011 Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday as we “fall back” and set clocks back one hour. This is also a great time to check the things that keep us safe and ready for emergencies. ReadyWisconsin urges you to check these items:
Smoke Detectors - Check and replace batteries if needed and make sure the devices around your house are working properly. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that about 16 million homes in the country have smoke alarms that do not work. | |
| Wisconsin's Winter Awareness Week - November 7-11, 2011 10/25/2011 Are you ready for winter? November 7-11, 2011 is Winter Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The annual campaign, sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), its ReadyWisconsin preparedness program and NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS), is to remind people to be prepared for winter conditions that could threaten their safety. To download a set of historical maps of Wisconsin winter statistics, click here.
For a list of safety tips and winter facts, click here or visit the ReadyWisconsin winter facts page. | |
| Tod Pritchard Receives National Award 10/24/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management Preparedness Coordinator Tod Pritchard was named a "Community Preparedness Hero" as part of the 2011 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Awards.
Pritchard was recognized for his work in promoting preparedness through the ReadyWisconsin Program. The national award recognizes innovative practices and achievements of organizations and individuals that work to make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage emergency situations. | |
| Protect Your Family from Fire - Fire Prevention Week 10/11/2011 Fires can strike anywhere – in structures, buildings, automobiles, and the outdoors – but fires that affect our homes are often the most tragic and the most preventable. Over 75% percent of all fire fatalities occur in home fires. This year's National Fire Prevention Week theme is "Protect Your Family from Fire." You can protect your family by:
1.Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home,
2.Testing smoke alarms once a month,
3.Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and
4.Making and practicing a home fire escape plan. | |
| Nationwide EAS Test Scheduled for November 9th 10/5/2011 The first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place at TODAY at 1:00 p.m. central time. A survey is listed below if you would like to provide feedback regarding the national test For more information about this upcoming test, read more at the FCC website: click here.
We want your input. Click here to take our EAS survey. | |
| DNR Issues Air Quality Advisory for Dodge, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine & Kenosha Counties 9/14/2011 The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an updated air quality advisory for fine particles (PM2.5) which will remain in effect until 11 p.m. tonight. This “red” advisory, which replaces the current lesser “orange” advisory, affects people living in the counties of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha. The updated “red” air quality advisory reflects that the air quality index is currently at the unhealthy level for all people in the counties of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha, based on exposures over the past 24 hours. Current pollutant concentrations are decreasing rapidly and cleaner air is moving in. Read Full Story | |
| Smoke from Minn. fire may effect those with health issues 9/13/2011 State health officials are monitoring a large smoke plume from a forest fire in northeastern Minnesota. The plume is moving through Wisconsin. Read Full Story | |
| Wisconsin pays tribute to the victims of 9-11 9/12/2011 First responders and military officials who served on 9/11 and in the years since took part in the 10th anniverary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event at the Capitol featured messages from Gov. Scott Walker and Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. The program is available on the Wisconsin Public Television website Read Full Story | |
| STEP Returns to Wisconsin Schools 9/12/2011 Following a successful launch in 2010, Wisconsin fifth graders statewide will again have the opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness through the STEP (Student Tools for Emergency Planning) Program. Nearly 2,400 fifth graders participated in the pilot program last spring, and organizers hope to more than double that count in 2011. The STEP Program is a turn-key classroom curriculum for teachers to prepare their students for various emergencies including tornadoes, flooding and storms. STEP materials are supplied to schools at no cost and include instructor guides, copies of student handouts and starter emergency kits students can take home. Read Full Story | |
| Satula interviewed on WIEye 9/9/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator shares his thoughts on emergency management, his role at WEM and reflects upon the 10 year anniversary of 9-11. Read Full Story | |
| Clark County Tornado Video 9/8/2011 The Clark County Sheriff's Department provided this video of the August 23rd tornado. The tornado was a "high end" EF2 with winds of 135 mph. It touched down around around 5 p.m. about seven miles northwest of Chili. The tornado was about 200 yards in width and traveled a little over seven miles northwest before ending near the Clark/Wood county line.
Read Full Story | |
| Wisconsin National Guard to Assist in Storm Cleanup Efforts 9/2/2011 Approximately 64 Soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 724th Engineer Battalion - in partnership with the state Department of Natural Resources, Department of Corrections, Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Emergency Management, county Emergency Management Services, county sheriff's departments, and local governments - will deploy to Burnett and Douglas counties in northern Wisconsin Sept. 9-30 to remove debris left by powerful July storms. Gov. Scott Walker said he was thrilled that the men and women of the 724th would begin preparing to clear away the debris on Sept. 6 and begin onsite work Sept. 9. "During times of crisis, it is important that all units of government work together to efficiently and effectively use taxpayer resources to assist those in need," Walker said. "That is exactly what will happen in this case, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Wisconsin National Guard." Winds toppled trees over more than 130,000 acres in six northern Wisconsin counties. Local governments pushed most of the debris off roads, but rights of way remain littered with tangled branches, limbs and tree trunks. This debris poses a fire hazard and will impede winter snow plowing if not removed, and exceeds local government removal capabilities. This mission is part of an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) project, which allows Guardsmen to use their military skills and equipment to assist communities in response to Gov. Scott Walker's state of emergency declaration. The IRT mission will use existing federal funds from fiscal year 2011. "This is a win-win situation," said Maj. Gen Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "Not only does this mission provide much-needed assistance to northern Wisconsin, but it is an excellent opportunity for our combat engineers - who just returned from the battlefield a little more than six months ago - to gain valuable real-world training in a domestic setting. It also underscores the dual-mission value the National Guard brings to Wisconsin and the nation."
The IRT mission may have some Soldiers providing assistance in the communities where they live. The 724th Engineer Battalion is headquartered in Chippewa Falls with subordinate units in Hayward, Tomah, Prairie du Chien, Platteville, Medford, Richland Center, Ashland, Superior, Spooner, Tomahawk and Rhinelander. Approximately 200 battalion members returned to Wisconsin in February following a deployment to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. | |
| "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare." - Wisconsin's First Responders Highlighted in Emergency Preparedness Campaign 8/29/2011 As our nation remembers the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, Wisconsin first responders are encouraging families to be prepared for future disasters and emergencies as part of a new statewide public service campaign. The public service announcement (PSA) called "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare." features first responders from across Wisconsin. The PSA will air on TV stations statewide in September and is produced by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) through its ReadyWisconsin preparedness program. "Recent deadly tornadoes in Wisconsin and the wide spread destruction of Hurricane Irene show the importance of being prepared," says WEM Administrator Brian Satula. "We never know when emergencies and disasters will strike – that’s why it is important to be ready now."
Click Here To View the Public Service Announcement |  |
| Are You Ready for Breaking News? 8/12/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management and its ReadyWisconsin emergency preparedness program encourage everyone to join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blog and join our e-mail list to learn about disaster preparedness and current information about disasters and emergencies. Information provided includes:
To access any of these resources, visit the links on the left side of the WEM homepage. | |
| Get Ready for Severe Summer Storms 8/4/2011 Wisconsin has been hit by many severe storms and tornadoes this summer. Now is the time to prepare for severe weather by picking up a NOAA Weather Radio for your home or campsite. For information on how a weather radio can save your life or for help in purchasing one, visit the NOAA Weather Radio page on the ReadyWisconsin website here. Read Full Story | |
| Stay Safe During Hot Weather 8/4/2011 Summer means sunshine and hot, humid weather. For tips on how to stay safe and cool, visit the ReadyWisconsin website by clicking here. | |
| Cooling Shelters - Listed By County (As of 7/21/2011 - 4:00 p.m.) 7/21/2011 Please contact the cooling center to ensure it is open or call 2-1-1 for information on cooling centers in your area. Read Full Story | |
| Storm Tracking Volunteers Honored 7/19/2011 Members of the MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center (MidWest SSTRC) were recognized for their efforts to track storms and provide storm damage assessments at a ceremony in Madison. Rusty Kapela from the National Weather Service (NWS) and David Janda from Dane County Emergency Management presented the award to MidWest SSTRC’s president Dale Bernstein. Since 1983, the volunteer group has provided weather spotting and damage assessment services to local, state and federal agencies through its teams in Dane, Iowa and Rock Counties. Read Full Story | |
| Wisconsin Heat Wave - Record Tempeatures and Humidity Start Sunday 7/15/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging people to protect themselves from the dangerous heat and humidity expected next week. Temperatures will rise to the mid-90s with heat indexes of up to 115 degrees. The NWS has already issued an Excessive Heat Watch for southwest Wisconsin and more watches and advisories are expected to be posted over the weekend. 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. Click here to download the complete news release. The release includes:
Read Full Story | |
| July Storms Prove Need for Portable Emergency Weather Radios 7/8/2011 Summertime in Wisconsin means outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and boating. It also can mean severe storms such as tornadoes, lightning and strong winds. That's why it is important to have a portable emergency weather radio to alert you and your family to potential severe weather. Already this year, Wisconsin has had 31 confirmed tornadoes including one in northern Wisconsin last weekend. In addition, strong storms on July 1st caused one death and numerous injuries. A Park Falls couple believes a portable emergency weather radio saved their lives during a tornado outburst last summer. Last July 27, Larry and Rita Krznarich were camping on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage between Park Falls and Mercer. Just after 7:00 p.m., their emergency weather radio alerted them that a tornado was coming. They immediately told campers nearby and everyone took cover. Larry was injured in the tornado but Rita and others were ok. Everything at the campsite was destroyed. "There was debris in chunks flying through the air," said Rita. "If you’ve ever heard one tree fall you can imagine 50 trees all cracking and falling around you." Larry and Rita Krznarich believe that without the warning alert from their emergency weather radio - giving them the chance to seek cover - they would be dead. They are sharing their story in a powerful TV and radio public service campaign in hopes that more lives can be saved.
To read more about the campaign, click here. | |
| Governor Walker Statement on Northern Wisconsin Storms 7/2/2011 It is with great sadness on this celebratory weekend that I learned of the injuries and deaths caused by last night's severe storms that hit northern Wisconsin. The storms downed trees and power lines, causing numerous injuries and two deaths, including that of a 11 year old girl who was camping in Burnett County with her family. The 4th of July weekend is traditionally a time to share with family and friends as we celebrate our nation's birthday, and many spend the holiday weekend enjoying Wisconsin's wonderful northwoods. Many of our friends and neighbors in northern Wisconsin are now removing downed trees and other storm debris from their homes and businesses. Wisconsin will offer any assistance possible to the communities impacted by last night's storms. Read Full Story | |
| Wisconsin Heating Up: Near-record temperatures and humidity expected for holiday weekend 6/29/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are urging state residents to protect themselves from the increased levels of heat and humidity forecast late this week and over the holiday weekend. Temperatures are expected to rise to the upper-80s to mid-90s on Friday and reach the 80s over the July 4th weekend, and stay warm at night. Wisconsin Emergency Management has put together a number of valuable tips for staying safe this weekend here.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection also weighed in on pet and livestock heat safety in a recent news article, found here. | |
| 4th of July Weekend: Play It Safe 6/28/2011 The 4th of July and fireworks just go together. With the holiday weekend approaching, this is a great time to remember that fireworks can cause serious injuries and death if not property used.
For safety tips on how to protect yourself and your family, click here. | |
| Lightning Safety Awareness 6/14/2011 Each year more than 400 people are struck by lightning in the United States. Around 60 are killed and hundreds of others suffer lifelong pain and permanent neurological disabilities. In Wisconsin we have had 23 lightning deaths since 1982 (click here to view a state map with lightning events noted).
To educate the state about the dangers of lightning, Wisconsin Emergency Management has created a page of lightning facts and safety tips on the ReadyWisconsin website. Click here for a direct link to the lightning awareness page. | |
| Wisconsin's Heat Awareness Day - June 9, 2011 5/31/2011 Heat can kill. That’s why Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are reminding people of the dangers associated with extreme heat. In order to draw attention to the danger of severe heat and to promote safety measures, Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed June 9th as Heat Awareness Day for Wisconsin (click here for proclamation). Please click here to read the full news release about Heat Awareness Day and to learn how to keep yourself and your family safe this summer. | |
| Tornado Outbreak Reminds Everyone to be Ready 5/26/2011 People in Wisconsin and across the nation are witnessing the raw destructive power of tornadoes this spring:
"The takeaway from all this, everyone needs a sense of urgency. When you hear the warnings, take action
immediately. It is critical that we’re all ready for more storms this spring and summer," says Tod Pritchard,
Wisconsin Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. | |
| Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Friday, May 27 5/26/2011 Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will operate on a limited basis Friday, May 27 as state employees take a furlough day, required of all state workers. DMA will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 31, following Memorial Day. 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). WEM Administrator Brian Satula has ensured that the state Emergency Operations Center will remain available
May 27 to respond as needed in the event of emergencies. | |
| Sunday's Tornado Count at 11 5/25/2011 The National Weather Service has confirmed 11 tornadoes from Sunday's storms. Two of the tornadoes were EF2 with wind gusts up to 135 mph. The tornadoes on Sunday brings the statewide total for 2011 to 26. Read Full Story | |
| Weather Damage Can Lead to "Storm Chaser" Scams 5/23/2011 The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds victims of yesterday’s severe weather to use caution when hiring a contractor to fix any damage caused by Mother Nature. "Storm chasers follow the path of a major storm, going from home to home to pressure victims into paying up front for quick repairs," said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. "Do your homework before hiring anyone for home repair." Sometimes these storm chasers arrive on scene shortly after the storm, collect money up front for promised repairs, and then disappear without doing any work. In other cases, the contractor starts the work and then asks for more money than the agreed upon price to finish the project.
Home repair contractors are not licensed by the State of Wisconsin, as required in other trades such as plumbing; however, state law does impose a registration requirement for contractors through the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. | |
| Governor Walker Appoints Brian M. Satula as Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator 5/18/2011 Governor Scott Walker has named Brian M. Satula as Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM). Satula has over 33 years experience in fire services including five years as fire chief of the City of Oak Creek Fire Department. "Brian Satula has had a distinguished career in fire services and emergency management," said Governor Walker. "I know Brian's top priority is protecting our citizens and communities. His extensive experience as a first responder to numerous emergencies including fires, natural disasters and hazardous material spills, and his vast knowledge of emergency management will serve him well in this position." Satula, 54, recently retired as fire chief with the City of Oak Creek Fire Department. He is a current member of the Governor's Homeland Security Council. Satula serves as president of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Wisconsin, a mutual aid system used for fire services. He also has served on various state and national fire, law enforcement, communications, and mutual aid committees. In addition to these qualifications, Brian Satula is an instructor at the MilwaukeeAreaTechnicalCollege in the Associate Degree and certification programs, and he is state-certified fire service instructor and a National Incident Command System instructor. Satula earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Management and Communications at ConcordiaUniversity. Currently, he is enrolled in the NavalPost-GraduateSchool, Master of Arts in Homeland Defense and Security Studies.
Satula assumes his new duties, Sunday, May 22, 2011. | |
| Emergency Management is participating this week in a multi-agency exercise 5/16/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management and other state, local and federal agencies are participating in the Vigilant Guard exercise from May 14-19, 2011. Read Full Story | |
| Do you have a NOAA Weather Radio? 5/12/2011 Weather radios are "smoke detectors for danger." A NOAA Weather Radio with an alarm and battery back-up is one of the best ways to protect your family, especially at night when the alarm feature can wake you up during severe weather and give you and your family time to seek appropriate shelter. If there is no severe weather or emergency your radio can be switched to a silent, stand-by mode.
"Emergency weather radios save lives," says Tod Pritchard, Wisconsin Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. "The early warning of possible danger gives you and your family time to act and stay safe. It’s like having your own personal emergency siren." | |
| Green County Designated for Federal Disaster Assistance 5/4/2011 Federal disaster funds are now available for Green County to help local governments recover some of the costs associated with snow removal and emergency response to the blizzard that occurred in southern Wisconsin earlier this year. Read Full Story | |
| Get Ready for Tornadoes and Severe Weather 4/28/2011 The tornado outbreak on April 10 showed the importance of being ready for storm season. The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April through August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year. Wisconsin averages 21 tornadoes annually and in 2010 there were 46 confirmed tornadoes by the National Weather Service…the second greatest yearly number on record. Learn more about severe storm season in Wisconsin and how you can protect your family at the ReadyWisconsin tornado page. Read Full Story | |
| April 10 Tornado Damage Not Eligible for
Federal Disaster Assistance 4/21/2011 Damage assessments completed by local and county officials over the last week show nearly $25 million in damage to the private sector which includes 968 homes damaged and 46 destroyed along with 21 businesses damaged and 10 destroyed. Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) estimates that at least 85% of the damage will be covered by private insurance. Under federal guidance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) considers the number of structures that are uninsured. Federal disaster assistance programs do not duplicate insurance proceeds and are not intended to make a person whole. Wisconsin does not have enough uninsured primary residences that had major damage or were destroyed. In addition, costs to local governments for debris removal, emergency response measures and repairs to damaged public infrastructure are just over $1 million. In order to qualify for federal disaster assistance, state and local capabilities need to be exhausted. Wisconsin state and local government losses would need to reach a FEMA threshold of $7.3 million. “This was a devastating tornado outbreak that hit central and northern Wisconsin,” said WEM Administrator Mike Hinman. “The good SitReps is that much of the damage to residents and businesses will be covered by insurance. In addition, the Wisconsin Disaster Fund is available to help local governments with their response and recovery costs.” The Wisconsin Disaster Fund is designed to help local governments recoup costs incurred in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. The state contributes 70% of the costs, with the local government applicant contributing the remaining 30%. The fund does not cover losses suffered by individuals, businesses or the agricultural sector, or those that should have been covered by insurance.
The 14 tornadoes that hit the evening of April 10 included 4 strong tornadoes (EF 2 or EF3). Some of the hardest hit areas were Merrill in Lincoln County, Arkdale area in Adams County and Kaukauna in Outagamie County. | |
| WEM Offices Closed on Friday, April 22, 2011 4/21/2011 Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will operate on a limited basis Friday, April 22 as state employees take a furlough day, required of all state workers. DMA will resume regular business hours on Monday, April 25. 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). The furlough primarily affects DMA employees at JFHQ, 2400 Wright St. in Madison. Wisconsin National Guard federal employees are not affected by this furlough requirement.
Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, said the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center and the 24-Hour Emergency Management Duty Officer System will remain fully operational. WEM Administrator Mike Hinman has ensured that, regardless of state furlough dates, the state Emergency Operations Center will remain available to respond as needed in the event of emergencies. | |
| 'SIMCOM' exercise puts government responders on same wavelength 4/20/2011 Article courtesy of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office
"Agencies from all levels of government are establishing communication," said Kent MacLaughlin, state communication and warning officer with WEM. "They're meeting others, learning about other [communication] platforms - exactly what we're supposed to be doing." | |
| State Continues to Monitor Flood Threat 4/18/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management continues to monitor several rivers that are above flood stage. The National Weather Service says the Mississippi River is expected to remain high until early May. However, flooding can occur anywhere. To learn more about flooding and how to help protect your home from floodwaters, go to the ReadyWisconsin flooding page. Read Full Story | |
| State Ready to Respond to Flood Threat 4/18/2011 Flooding across Wisconsin remains an ongoing threat this spring as heavy snow and rain have caused many rivers to rise to or above flood stage. Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is working with local, state and federal partners to keep Wisconsin citizens safe as waters rise. "Since January, WEM has been working with officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Corps of Engineers, Wisconsin National Guard, several state agencies and local emergency management offices to prepare for potential flooding," said WEM Administrator Mike Hinman. "We wanted to ensure emergency plans were updated and flood-fighting equipment and resources prepositioned and ready to go." The National Weather Service anticipates the Mississippi River will remain high for most of April as much of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota still have heavy snow that will melt and will eventually run into the Mississippi River. In addition, they are concerned that any additional heavy precipitation this spring could result in major flooding. WEM has over 500,000 sandbags prepositioned in Waukesha, Green Lake and Buffalo counties as well as at Volk Field at Camp Douglas. Many counties and local municipalities have been stockpiling sandbags, pumps and other equipment as well. WEM also has a mobile command center, a communications trailer and a portable light/communications tower ready to deploy. "We are hopeful that we will continue to have a slow snow melt and minimal precipitation over the next few weeks," said Hinman. "In the meantime, we will continue to monitor all the rivers and tributaries closely." Last month, Governor Walker proclaimed March 14-18, 2011 as Flood Safety
Awareness Week in Wisconsin to encourage citizens to be ready for potential flooding.
WEM along with the NWS, WI Department of Natural Resources, and Office of the
Commissioner of Insurance continue to promote flood awareness and encourage citizens
to take protective safety measures such as purchasing flood insurance. Flood safety tips
are available at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. | |
| Weather Damage Can Lead to "Storm Chaser" Scams 4/18/2011 The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds victims of yesterday’s severe weather to use caution when hiring a contractor to fix any damage caused by Mother Nature. "Storm chasers follow the path of a major storm, going from home to home to pressure victims into paying up front for quick repairs," said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. "Do your homework before hiring anyone for home repair." Sometimes these storm chasers arrive on scene shortly after the storm, collect money up front for promised repairs, and then disappear without doing any work. In other cases, the contractor starts the work and then asks for more money than the agreed upon price to finish the project.
Home repair contractors are not licensed by the State of Wisconsin, as required in other trades such as plumbing; however, state law does impose a registration requirement for contractors through the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. | |
| Statewide Tornado Drill Thursday 4/13/2011 School children, workers, and citizens across Wisconsin will be taking cover Thursday afternoon during the statewide tornado drill. The annual drill is a key part of Wisconsin's Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS). The statewide tornado drill will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a mock "Tornado Watch" issued by the NWS followed by mock "Tornado Warnings" for different areas of the state every 10 minutes. The drill will end at 2:00 p.m. See schedule below. Tornado Drill Schedule 1:00 pm - Mock tornado watch for all of Wisconsin 1:10-1:15 pm - National Weather Service Green Bay issues mock tornado warning for Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago and Wood Counties. 1:20-1:25 pm - National Weather Service Milwaukee issues mock tornado warning for Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Marquette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha Counties. 1:30-1:35 pm - National Weather Service La Crosse issues mock tornado warning for Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, Juneau, LaCrosse, Monroe, Richland, Taylor, Trempealeau and Vernon Counties. 1:40-1:45 pm - National Weather Service Minneapolis/Chanhassen issues mock tornado warning for Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk and St. Croix Counties.
1:50-1:55 pm - National Weather Service Duluth issues mock tornado warning for Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer and Washburn Counties. | |
| Storm Stories - Recovery in Merrill 4/13/2011 Despite all the destruction that could be seen for miles, an American flag continued to sway above a tornado ravaged neighborhood in Merrill. Merrill resident Mike Handlin's home was destroyed by the EF3 tornado on Sunday. Fortunately, the family was at church when the tornado hit his home on Balsam Boulevard. When the family made it back to their home, they discovered that most of the walls had blown away and many of their belongings were strewn about their neighborhood. Many friends and family arrived to help. Mike's father told him that before he started cleaning they needed to elevate the American flag that had fallen on the ground during the tornado. They pieced together some wood and duct tape to keep it sturdy and in place.
The family soon experienced another miracle, finding the family dog alive and uninjured. | |
| "Ready Radio Days" start this week in Eau Claire and Green Bay 4/11/2011 Television stations across the state are teaming up with ReadyWisconsin, the National Weather Service, Midland Radios, and major retailers with one message: buy an emergency weather radio, it can save your life. The campaign, "Ready Radio Days," gives Wisconsin residents the opportunity to buy an emergency radio at a discounted price and have that radio programmed at the same time. That programming allows the radio to filter out distant weather warnings and receive specific alerts for specific counties. Residents will also be invited to bring in emergency weather radios they already own and have them programmed. Here is a list of television stations involved in the Ready Radio Days campaign: WEAU-Eau Claire
WLUK-Green Bay
WKBT-La Crosse, WSAW-Wausau, WISC-Madison and WISN-Milwaukee will also
participate in the program but have not set a date for their events. | |
| Governor Walker Announces Blizzard Disaster Aid Approved for 10
Counties 4/6/2011 Governor Scott Walker announced today that federal disaster funds have been approved for 10 Wisconsin counties to supplement emergency response and cleanup efforts to the blizzard that hit southern Wisconsin in early February. The eligible counties named in the federal disaster declaration are Dane, Dodge, Grant, Iowa, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Racine, Walworth and Washington. Read Full Story | |
| 2011 Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week: April 11-15 4/4/2011 Are you and your family ready for storms? Tornadoes and Severe Weather are guaranteed in every Wisconsin spring and summer. Preparing now could save your life and the lives of loved ones. April 11-15, 2011 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The campaign is to remind people of the dangers associated with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding and hail and to encourage citizens to take protective safety measures. A statewide drill is planned for Thursday, April 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The drill will be an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and individuals to practice safe procedures for severe weather and to learn more about severe weather. Wisconsin Emergency Management, ReadyWisconsin and the National Weather Service have planned a series of special efforts to promote storm safety including:
Read Full Story | |
| Japan Reactor Accident Poses No Threat to Public Health in Wisconsin 3/31/2011 The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that environmental monitoring performed by the Division of Public Health has detected trace amounts of iodine-131 in precipitation and air samples taken from sites around the state. Read Full Story | |
| Are You Ready For Flooding? 3/22/2011 Recent rains and snowmelt across the region have caused several Wisconsin rivers to rise. Make sure your home and family are protected from flooding. Go to ReadyWisconsin for great information on flood insurance, flood safety tips and myths, and Wisconsin floods of the past. Read Full Story | |
| Governor Requests Federal Disaster Assistance for Blizzard 3/17/2011 Governor Scott Walker today requested federal disaster assistance for 10 southern Wisconsin counties for a blizzard that hit the area in early February. A declaration would help local governments recover some of the costs responding and cleaning up after the storm. Read Full Story | |
| WI Department of Health Services - No Harmful Radiation Expected to Reach Wisconsin 3/17/2011 MADISON -- State health officials today sought to reassure Wisconsin citizens that harmful levels of nuclear radiation released in Japan are unlikely to reach the Badger state. SitReps accounts of unnecessary concern in west coast states have led some in Wisconsin to wonder if they should be worried about harmful radiation. “We are closely monitoring the Japanese nuclear reactor accidents and receiving information from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on the situation. At this time, we do not believe that protective measures including potassium iodide (KI) are necessary in Wisconsin,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer. Read Full Story | |
| Nuclear Power Facilities and Emergency Planning in Wisconsin 3/17/2011 Events at Japan's earthquake and tsunami-stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant have led to interest in the safety of nuclear power in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has two active nuclear power plants located along Lake Michigan and one plant on the Minnesota-side of the Mississippi River. In addition, there are two other facilities (Genoa and Zion) that have been decommissioned but have radioactive materials onsite. Wisconsin Emergency Management's Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REP) is devoted to ensuring the safety of people living or working near the nuclear power plants. The REP program works collaboratively with the utilities, county and local government, and federal agencies to develop and maintain emergency plans, as well as participate in federally evaluated exercises together. To learn more about nuclear power in Wisconsin and Wisconsin's emergency planning efforts—go to the REP Program section. Read Full Story | |
| Be ReadyWisconsin when you Spring Forward 3/9/2011 Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on March 13th. We "spring forward," meaning we set our clocks forward by one hour. But along with moving the big hand up an hour, this is also a great time to check the things that keep us safe and ready for emergencies. ReadyWisconsin urges you to check these items:
Read Full Story | |
| Level 4 Emergency Management Certifications awarded at Governor's Conference 3/9/2011 Six members of the Wisconsin EM community received their Level 4 Emergency Management Professional Certification at the 2011 Governor's Conference on Homeland Security and Emergency Management on March 3rd. This year's recipient group included:
This program is open not only to county and municipal emergency managers, but can be completed by anyone at the state or local level who is interested in achieving this designation and holds, or would like to hold, an emergency management-related assignment. Successful completion of this certification reflects a commitment to developing the skills and knowledge necessary to improve the quality of service that they provide to the citizens of the communities they serve.
Congratulations to all of the 2011 recipients! | |
| 2011 WI Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week 2/25/2011 Are you Ready for severe weather? Wisconsin's Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 11-15, 2011 with the statewide tornado drill on Thursday, April 14 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Read Full Story | |
| WisDOT Release: Travel not advised in Wisconsin as storm moves through state 2/20/2011 The Wisconsin Department of Transportation along with the State Patrol is advising motorists who must travel today to stay aware of changing weather conditions that could lead to hazardous travel. Heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and ice are expected in many parts of Wisconsin throughout the day. It is possible that roadways - including segments of the Interstate Highway System and other freeways - could become impassable during the day on Sunday. Travelers and truckers encountering impassable roads could become stranded, and should closely monitor weather conditions - avoiding trips if at all possible. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings in many counties in the state until mid-day Monday. Motorists who must travel are advised to monitor weather and road conditions before leaving.
To check on the latest winter road conditions, call 5-1-1 or view this information on the Web at
511wi.gov. Dial 911 only for emergency situations. | |
| Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Monday, Feb. 21 2/17/2011 Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21 as state employees take a furlough day, required of all state workers. President's Day is also a federal holiday. DMA will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 22. 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 Mike Hinman has ensured that, regardless of state furlough dates, the state
Emergency Operations Center will remain available to respond as needed in the event of emergencies. | |
| Extremely Cold Temperatures Expected Throughout Wisconsin This Week 2/7/2011 With temperatures hitting the single digits, overnight lows in the negative degree range and bitter wind chills this week, Wisconsin Emergency Management’s ReadyWisconsin campaign is urging families to take appropriate measures against the bitter cold. Your best defense against the extreme temperatures is to stay indoors, but if you must head outside, remember to bundle up with multiple layers of clothing. In addition to wearing a tightly woven winter coat, a scarf, hat and gloves will go a long way toward keeping you safe against the elements. In temperatures this severe, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in fewer than 30 minutes, so adding those extra layers of protection is your best defense against the wind and cold. If you notice a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in your fingers, toes, ears or the tip of your nose, you may need to seek medical help right away. Hypothermia, a deadly condition, occurs when a person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Cold weather also puts an added strain on your body. Activities like shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or worsen an existing condition.
Lastly, remember that pets need special attention during this cold spell. Limit your dog's exposure to the cold temperatures, and wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when coming inside from a walk. Pay attention to your dog's paws as they may bleed from snow or encrusted ice. Be sure to clean their feet when they return to the house, as dogs can digest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws. | |
| WisDOT: Kenosha, Racine and Walworth County remain impassable 2/2/2011 Northbound I-94 in Kenosha County is closed due to truck incidents at three locations: I-94 at County C (a partial closure) and full closures at I-94 at WIS 50 and I-94 at County KR (Kenosha Racine county line). Plowing and towing operations have been called so the closures are expected to remain for an undetermined period of time. Travelers coming to Wisconsin from Illinois and northbound travelers in Kenosha County are urged to find a safe place during these closure incidents. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, along with the State Patrol, is reminding that the Interstate system in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth County remains impassable and urges travelers to avoid traveling on I-94 in Kenosha and Racine counties. Access to the Interstate in this area has been restricted since early Wednesday morning and will likely be restricted for much of the day. Blizzard conditions that make clearing difficult are expected to last until at least noon today. Travelers are also reminded that I-43 from Beloit to Mukwonago (Rock, Walworth, and Waukesha Counties) remains impassable. Travel is not advised throughout the entire southern third of southern Wisconsin. So motorists
attempting to use those parts of the Interstate should make alternate plans. However, all highways
are in hazardous condition. | |
| ReadyWisconsin's Simple Safety Steps for this Week's Storms 1/31/2011 With heavy snow and potential blizzard conditions hitting Wisconsin this week, Wisconsin Emergency Management’s ReadyWisconsin campaign is asking families to protect themselves by planning ahead for the weather and taking three simple safety steps:
For more safety tips, visit the ReadyWisconsin website at http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov. | |
| Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) Starts February 1 1/31/2011 Thousands of fifth grade students across Wisconsin will be learning about disasters and emergencies and how to be prepared as part of a national pilot project. STEP (Student Tools for Emergency Planning) will be offered at more than 100 Wisconsin schools this spring. This program is designed to teach students how to prepare for various emergencies including tornadoes, flooding and storms, and encourages them to share the information with their families and to develop their own family plan. "The students involved in the STEP program will gain some very important emergency preparedness knowledge," said Michael Hinman, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. "The outcome we hope to achieve is that each student will serve as the catalyst for ensuring their families are better prepared for an emergency." Wisconsin is the first state in the Midwest to launch the STEP program. The program was developed by teachers and is offered at no cost to schools. All materials associated with the program are provided. STEP is sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management; the Department of Public Instruction; the Office of Justice Assistance; the Center for School, Youth and Citizen Preparedness and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information about this program, visit the STEP section on the ReadyWisconsin website at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/STEP/.
For a full list of participating schools, click here. | |
| WEM's Roxanne Gray Joins Multi-State Workgroup 1/24/2011 Roxanne Gray, State Hazard Mitigation Officer at Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), was invited by the National Emergency Management Association to participate in the Mitigation Planning Review Workgroup led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The workgroup consists of state mitigation staff from Wisconsin, Vermont, New Mexico, Alaska, Washington, Iowa and New York, as well as FEMA staff from its national headquarters and several regional offices. The workgroup will evaluate the current hazard mitigation planning review process used by state governments nationwide and will develop recommendations for streamlining and improving the process. Over the course of this year, the team will implement a new plan review process and develop guidance and tools to assist in the process. Gray is no stranger to planning review committees. Last fall, she participated in an external workgroup that made recommendations for improving the state enhanced plan review process for Wisconsin.
"Roxanne is an expert in all aspects of the hazard mitigation process," said WEM
Administrator Mike Hinman. "We are fortunate to have her managing our mitigation plans in
Wisconsin, and WEM is proud that she has been chosen to help develop the review process
for all of the states." | |
| EPCRA Section Offers Webinars to Demonstrate Wisconsin Haz-Mat Online Planning and Reporting System (WHOPRS) 1/21/2011 Wisconsin Emergency Management's EPCRA section will be offering webinars to walk people through WHOPRS. The sessions will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the last week of January and through the month of February at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., for a duration of 1 hour each. Upcoming WHOPRS webinars (10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day):
Read Full Story | |
| ReadyWisconsin Offers Winter Safety Tips 1/20/2011 With temperatures hitting the single digits, overnight lows in the negative degree range and statewide wind chill advisories into next week, Wisconsin Emergency Management’s ReadyWisconsin campaign is urging families to take appropriate measures against the bitter cold. Your best defense against the extreme temperatures is to stay indoors, but if you must head outside, remember to bundle up with multiple layers of clothing. In addition to wearing a tightly woven winter coat, a scarf, hat and gloves will go a long way toward keeping you safe against the elements. In temperatures this severe, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in fewer than 30 minutes, so adding those extra layers of protection is your best defense against the wind and cold. If you notice a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in your fingers, toes, ears or the tip of your nose, you may need to seek medical help right away. Hypothermia, a deadly condition, occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Cold weather also puts an added strain on your body. Activities like shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or worsen an existing condition.
Lastly, remember that pets need special attention during this cold spell. Limit your dog’s
exposure to the cold temperatures, and wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when coming
inside from a walk. Pay attention to your dog’s paws as they may bleed from snow or
encrusted ice. Be sure to clean their feet when they return to the house, as dogs can digest
salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws. | |
| Wisconsin Emergency Management 2010 Annual Report 1/18/2011 The Wisconsin Emergency Management 2010 Annual Report is now available on line. Read Full Story | |
| Wisconsin's National Weather Service Offices Looking for Storm Stories 1/12/2011 Have you been saved from harm by a tone-alerted tornado warning on a weather radio?
The five National Weather Service (NWS) offices that serve Wisconsin are looking to gather a collection of stories about weather warnings saving lives and minimizing injuries. Click here to visit the NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan website and to learn more about this opportunity to have your voice heard! | |
| Registration Open for 2011 Governor’s Conference! 1/10/2011 Online registration is now available for the 2011 Governor’s Conference, taking place on March 3 & 4 (Pre-Conference Training Day on March 2) at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton. To download the full conference brochure as a .PDF file, click here. To register for the conference as an attendee, click here. To register as an exhibitor, click here. To register for the Pre-Conference Training Day courses, please download the documentation for each applicable seminar (below), complete the form and return it to your county director by February 1:
Read Full Story | |
| 2010 was a busy year for tornadoes in Wisconsin 12/30/2010 During the calendar year of 2010, 46 tornadoes were documented in Wisconsin, which makes 2010 the 2nd busiest year on record. In 2005, 62 tornadoes occurred in the Badger state. Read Full Story | |
| Don't Drop the Ball - Resolve to be Ready in 2011!!! 12/15/2010 ReadyWisconsin wants you and your family to be ready in 2011. Simple tips from putting together an emergency kit, developing an emergency family plan, and learn about hazards in Wisconsin are available at ReadyWisconsin. Read Full Story | |
| Update on Hurricane Irene For the latest information - please check FEMA's website
Watch for Donations Scams Following Hurricane Irene |
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