Gallatin County Emergency Management

Final Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan

2012-01-12T15:49:00.002-07:00

The Final Draft of the Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan for the county including the cities of Bozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone is now available for review at www.ReadyGallatin.com/mp.

Hazard Mitigation Public Meeting

2011-12-27T16:34:00.001-07:00

A public meeting has been scheduled for January 9th at 1:00 pm in the Bozeman Public Library to conduct ranking of mitigation projects as part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan revision. More information on this project can be located at www.ReadyGallatin.com/mp.

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act

2011-12-22T09:51:00.002-07:00

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was created as a result of the 1984 chemical plant incident in Bhopal, India to ensure proper planning was taking place in the United States in reagrds to hazardous materials. To ensure that local communities know what chemical risks are in their communities, people that have certain quantities of identified chemicals are required to submit paperwork annually to the Local Emergency Planning Committee, State Emergency Response Commission, and the fire protection agency that protects their facility. Gallatin County Emergency Management has recently added information to our website that provides information on this "Tier" reporting requirement at http://www.readygallatin.com/tier.php.

National EAS Test on November 9th

2011-11-03T21:59:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 12 p.m. mountain time and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio, television, and cable.

The National-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the Nationwide Test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wirelineproviders across all states and territories.

Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, State, local, tribal and territorial governments, EAS Participants, and others in the EAS Community have been working toward making this test a reality.

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kitand emergency planfor themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Anyone can visit www.ReadyGallatin.com or www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

Article outlines importance of earthquake insurance

2011-10-19T15:16:00.000-06:00

The following USA Today article is an interesting piece on the risks involved with not having earthquake insurance regardless of where you live...

Very few homeowners have earthquake insurance

By Keith Matheny, USA Today

Cary Mann knows a major earthquake in Southern California could be catastrophic. But Mann doesn't carry earthquake insurance on either his Cathedral City home about 115 miles east of Los Angeles or on the hair salon he co-owns there.

"None of my family has ever had it," he said. "They've always said that if there was ever going to be a 'Big One,' the damage would be so massive that the insurance would never be able to pay out to everyone." Many in the state feel the same way. According to the Insurance Information Network of California, fewer than 12% of the state's homeowners had earthquake insurance last year, and fewer than 10% of businesses had the coverage.

Conventional home and business insurance coverage does not cover the damage caused by ground-shaking in an earthquake, said Glenn Pomeroy, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority, a non-profit, whose mission is to provide affordable earthquake insurance in California. Add in the California homeowners without any insurance coverage at all, he said, and the percentage drops even further.

The low numbers stand in contrast to the potential earthquake threat, which will be highlighted Thursday in the fourth annual Great California ShakeOut, a statewide event to highlight the need to prepare for major earthquakes and practice how to respond when they happen. ShakeOut organizers say they expect more than 8 million to participate.

A 2007 study by Risk Management Solutions looked at the potential costs of a replay of the last major quake in Southern California — the 7.9-magnitude Fort Tejon quake, which hit near Bakersfield in 1857. It found a repeat of that quake would cause $150 billion in damage to homes, businesses and industries — more than the damage cost from Hurricane Katrina— with only about $15 billion to $25 billion covered by insurance.

Earthquake insurance is even more of an afterthought away from the Pacific Coast, but the magnitude-5.8 earthquake in Virginia on Aug. 23 showed that the rest of the country isn't immune from earthquakes. According to the American Insurance Association, about 90% of the U.S. population lives in areas that are seismically active.

Louisa, Va., resident Rick Waugh said his home developed cracks in its foundation and along door and window frames during the unusual quake. He estimates the damage to his home at up to $40,000 — and insurance isn't covering it.

"We didn't even know there was an earthquake policy available for Virginia," he said.
The median price for earthquake coverage in California is between $800 and $825 a year, said Insurance Information Network spokesman Pete Moraga. The earthquake authority offers a standard deductible of 15% of the insured value of the home, or a more expensive 10% deductible. A homeowner with an insured value of $200,000, for example, would pay a $30,000 deductible before insurance kicked in if the policyholder took the standard deductible.

John Bratton, a professor of insurance and risk management at the University of Central Arkansas, who has earthquake insurance on his home, said even in his state, the New Madrid fault system provides the potential for a significant earthquake.

"I remember thinking when I bought earthquake insurance the first time that if I put an amount equal to the earthquake premium away each year it would take 2,000 years to save enough to replace my home if it were destroyed," he said.

Contributing: Matheny also reports for The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, Calif

Original article published at http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/insurance/story/2011-10-18/earthquake-insurance/50818456/1 on 10/19/11 @ 15:14 MST.

Gallatin River forecast to hit highest level this year

2011-06-23T17:40:00.000-06:00

Bozeman, MT – Residents along the Gallatin River are encouraged to closely monitor the Gallatin River through this weekend. The current forecast for the Gallatin River is predicting that the river will reach its highest level so far this year by the middle of the weekend. Water over the road is already present in Gallatin Gateway and everyone is reminded to take the necessary actions to protect their property before flooding occurs. Once flooding occurs it is to late to prevent damage.

Additional information is available at www.ReadyGallatin.com/flooding.php.

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Big Sky Natural Resource Council joins FireSafe Montana and holds FREE Community BBQ to recognize June as Wildfire Preparedness Month.

2011-06-08T21:14:00.000-06:00

Thursday June 23, 2011 community event will allow Big Sky residents to learn how they can prepare their property for wildland fires, review the completed Big Sky Forest Stewardship Plan, meet local foresters, and much more.

What: The Big Sky Natural Resource Council is hosting a FREE community BBQ for Big Sky residents. The event will include: a wildland fire preparedness message, unveiling of the Big Sky Forest Stewardship Plan, a forestry trade show, Smokey Bear, fire trucks, and much more… All community members and public are welcome to attend. The goal of this event is to help landowners learn how they can prepare their property for wildland fires, hear what the Big Sky Natural Resource Council is doing and review the Forest Stewardship Plan.

When: Thursday June 23, 2011, 5:00 – 8:00pm

Where: Big Sky Town Center Park, Big Sky, MT 59716

Who: Big Sky Natural Resource Council, FireSafe Montana, MSU Extension, Northern Rocky Mountain RC&D, Men@Work, Big Sky Tree Removal, US Forest Service, Big Sky Fire Department, Yellowstone Club, Moonlight Basin, Big Sky Town Center, Big Sky Community Corporation, Big Sky Owners Association, Merrill Lynch-Bank of America Corporation, Big Sky Institute, and Jack Creek Preserve Foundation.

Visit http://foresthealth.wikispaces.com/ for more information on the Healthy Forest Initiative or contact Crystal Hagerman at (406) 209-0344 or crystal.hagerman@montana.edu

Spring Flooding is not Over With

2011-05-27T10:51:00.000-06:00

Bozeman, MT - Gallatin County is reminding citizens that flood season is not over with. While we have seen the water receed from earlier this week, we are still primed for significant flooding this spring. With the amont of water held in the mountain snowpack Gallatin County could very easily see signifcantly worse flooding this spring than what we saw this week.

The community is encouraged to take the necessary precautions to prepare their property for flooding. If someone thinks their property could flood, then they should assume that it will this flood spring and prepare for flooding. Once flooding has occured, it is too late to protect your property. Residents are often caught off guard by flooding occuring during the night while they are asleep. Spring flooding often has a peak height each night due to the freezing and thawing of snow in the mountains. So while everything may be fine when you go to bed, water levels will often continue to rise late into the night resulting in people waking up to flooded houses. Please visit www.ReadyGallatin.com/flooding.php for more information on flooding.

While the use of sandbags is a very good tool against flooding, sandbags must be properly installed to be most affective. Sandbags often get stacked in a vertical wall which results in the wall being weak and not holding up against the water. To be most affective sandbags should be stacked in a pyramid shaped wall to add stability. Residents are encouraged to view the US Army Corps of Engineer’s Flood Fight handbook at www.ReadyGallatin.com/flooding.php for proper sandbag usage.

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Rivers at Capacity

2011-05-24T19:25:00.003-06:00

Bozeman, MT - Residents in Gallatin County are reminded that flooding could occur at any time. Many of the streams and rivers around Gallatin County are at capacity and do not have room to accomodate additional water. If too much water is added, from either rain or snow melt, flooding will occur.
Residents who’s property is at risk of flooding and have not taken any action to protect their property, should do so now. Sandbags are known to be available at the following locations:

Bozeman Brick and Kenyon Noble
Belgrade True Value
Lowe's
Owenhouse
Big Sky True Value

While sandbags are an effective tool, they must be properly setup to be effective. Please read the following information from the Army Corps of Engineers on proper sandbag use.
Additional information on flooding is available at: http://www.ReadyGallatin.com/flooding.php.

What is a Watch, Warning, or Statement?

2011-05-20T20:05:00.001-06:00

With all the information being issued by the National Weather Service in regards to flooding, many people wonder what the different weather terms mean. The common flood terms utilized by the National Weather Service are listed below with definitions:

Flood Watch	The potential exists for a river to exceed flood stage in the next 12 to 72 hours.
Flood Warning	The river is expected to exceed flood stage in the next 48 hours. Loss of life or property is possible with this type of event.
Small Stream Flood Advisory	This is used for minor flooding in towns, or small creeks, or areas where roads may have running water over them.
Small Stream Flood Warning	This is used for significant flooding within a town, or on creeks and streams that are tributaries to mainstem rivers. Loss of life or property is possible during this type of event.
Flood or River Statement	This is just a statement that gives you information on a creek or river that is rising, but isn’t expected to reach flood stage.

For current weather related information on Gallatin County, please visit www.weather.gov/greatfalls.

High Water Expected Throughout June

2011-05-17T10:07:00.000-06:00

Bozeman, MT – Residents in Gallatin County should expect high water to be present in the county through the end of June. Current forecasts for the National Weather Service are predicting that peak runoff in the Gallatin River Basin will not occur until mid June with water levels beginning to drop off at the end of the month. This means that as the water levels increase, they will likely remain at a high level until the end of June. In recent history most of the flooding problems in Gallatin County have developed quickly and the water levels have dropped in a matter of days. Residents should be aware that this year we may have flooding conditions present for an extended period of time. This means that once an area becomes flooded, it may remain flooded for quite a while. Residents are encouraged to take this into consideration when deciding what measures to take in preparing their property for flooding.

Updated Sandbag Use Information

2011-05-10T09:13:00.000-06:00

The following Flood-Fighting Handbook from the Army Corps of Engineers provides details of calculating needed sandbags and usage of them. Click here for the document.

Potential for Spring Flooding is Here

2011-05-09T12:45:00.004-06:00

Gallatin County wishes to remind residents that the potential for spring flooding is present and could occur at any time. The current and predicted weather, combined with the snow pack, has setup Gallatin County to be susceptible to flooding in the immediate future. Property that is susceptible to flooding (flooding has occured in the past or looks like it could occur) should be preparing now to protect their property. Once flooding occurs it is usually too late to do much good in protecting property.

Sandbags are available for purchase from several local hardware stores. Stores that have indicated having sandbags in stock include; Bozeman Brick and Tile (Kenyon Noble), Belgrade True Value, Lowe's, Owenhouse, and Big Sky True Value. Straw bales wrapped in plastic can also be an effective tool in controlling flood waters. Information on using sandbags is available here.

If people find themselves in flooded areas, they are encouraged to follow these safety practices:

Do Not Walk Through Flowing Water
Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most occur during flash floods. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure that the ground is still there before you go through an area where the water is not flowing.
Do Not Drive Through a Flooded Area
Most people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
Stay Away From Power Lines and Electrical Wires
Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.
Turn Off Your Electricity When You Return Home
Some appliances, such as television sets, can shock you even after they have been unplugged. Don't use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and dried.
Watch for Animals, Especially Snakes
Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn items over and scare away small animals.
Look Before You Step
After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
Be Alert for Gas Leaks
Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don't smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.
Carbon Monoxide Exhaust Kills
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly — cook with charcoal only outdoors.
Clean Everything That Get Wet
Floodwaters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food and flooded cosmetics and medicines are health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.
Take Good Care of Yourself
Recovering from a flood is a big job. It is tough on both the body and the spirit. And the effects a disaster has on you and your family may last a long time. Learn how to recognize and care for anxiety, stress, and fatigue.

For more information on flooding (including current river levels and forecasts) please visit http://www.readygallatin.com/flooding.php .

Spring Runoff is Approaching

2011-03-24T21:18:00.000-06:00

Bozeman, MT - With spring approaching the possibility of spring runoff, and associated flooding, exists anytime over the next several months. With mountain snowpack at or above average in many locations the potential for above average runoff is very likely this spring. Residents of Gallatin County that are at risk for flooding are encouraged to ensure that their property is prepared for potential flooding by taking the following steps before it occurs:

Ensure that drainage ditches and culverts are clear of debris before runoff begins.
If significant work is needed in a waterway to mitigate potential future damage to your property, a permit is likely needed. Start the permiting process now.
Homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Flood insurance has a 30 day waiting period to take effect, so talk to your insurance agent now.
Floodfighting material such as sandbags and plastic wrapped straw bales are difficult to obtain once flooding occurs, so obtain them now.

River levels during spring runoff can often change from no problem to flooding very quickly with peak flows often occur in the middle of the night when people are asleep. This often results in residents being behind the curve in protecting their property. Residents are highly encouraged to prepare ahead of time and pay close attention to river levels during peak runoff.

Additional information on flooding is available at http://www.readygallatin.com/flooding.php.

Open Burning Begins March 1st

2011-02-16T13:46:00.002-07:00

Bozeman, MT - Open burning in the State of Montana begins March 1^st. Starting on the 1^st residents of Gallatin County will be able to activate the required $15 Gallatin County Burn Permit to conduct burning. Permits can be purchased online at http://burnpermits.mt.gov/ or in person at:

-Gallatin County Treasurer's Office, 311 West Main-Room 103 in Bozeman

-Bozeman Fire Station 1, 34 North Rouse in Bozeman

-Central Valley Fire District Station 1, 205 East Main in Belgrade

-Manhattan Fire Department, 222 Main in Manhattan

-Three Forks Public Library, 607 North Main in Three Forks

-Hebgen Basin Fire District Station 1, 400 Yellowstone in West Yellowstone

After permits are purchased, or renewed, the permit is good until November 30, 2011 when burn season closes. These permits need to be activated each day a permit holder burns either online at http://burnpermits.mt.gov/, or by automated telephone at 1-877-306-2876.

Citizens can obtain additional information on burning and current burn locations in Gallatin County at http://burnpermits.mt.gov/.

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Maps for Trooper DeLaittre's Funeral

2010-12-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Click on Maps below for enlargements

Parking Map
Procession Map

Media Release from PPL Montana

2010-09-03T10:46:00.002-06:00

Contact: David Hoffman, 406-431-6783

ENNIS, Mont. (Sept. 3, 2010) - PPL Montana will reopen the road that provides access to its Madison Dam and public recreation areas immediately downstream in the Bear Trap Canyon for the Labor Day weekend.

"Safety of the public and employees continues to be the top priority as we move forward with plans to repair Madison Dam,” said David Hoffman, director of External Affairs for PPL Montana. “In consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, state and federal regulatory agencies, geologists and other experts, PPL Montana has determined that conditions are safe for public use of the road, and that’s good news for the Labor Day weekend."

Equipment atop the west side of the dam was damaged by a falling boulder from the wall of Bear Trap Canyon early Monday (8/30).

The road will be opened at 7 a.m. Saturday (9/4) and remain open until sunset on Monday (9/6). The road will remain closed on weekdays to allow construction equipment to access the dam. It may reopen on weekends after Labor Day, depending on the status of the work being done at the dam.

Hoffman said PPL Montana is sensitive to the importance of the fisheries, angling and boating on this popular section of the Madison River, and to the local economy.

"We're pleased that we can open the road for the holiday weekend," Hoffman said. "We ask the public to be mindful, however, that that road will be closed during the week so we can bring equipment to the dam. We plan to post signs by the Trail Creek trailhead with information about the status of the road."

Meanwhile, PPL Montana will complete a 5-foot drawdown of Ennis Lake by Friday night as the first step in the company’s plans to remove the boulder and repair the damaged equipment on the dam. To reduce pressure on the dam and the boulder, PPL Montana began to draw down Ennis Lake behind the dam on Monday evening.

The current flow rate of 3,300 cubic feet per second should limit effects on fishing and recreation on the lower Madison River, but the drawdown will affect boat docks and public launch sites on Ennis Lake. Flows will be reduced even further over the weekend — to near 1,400 cubic feet per second — once the drawdown is complete.

"Working with geologists and other experts, we’ve also determined that another large rock above the dam is anchored to the canyon wall,” Hoffman said. “That will allow us safe access to make repairs.”"

Damaged equipment on the dam includes three spill gates, walkways and wooden flashboards that sit atop the dam to raise the level of water it is able to hold back.

PPL Montana is coordinating its efforts at Madison Dam with regulatory agencies and law enforcement officials from the state and local level up to FERC, which is responsible for oversight of hydroelectric facilities.

Madison Dam is a four-unit hydroelectric plant on the Madison River at the head of Bear Trap Canyon about 10 miles north of Ennis. The units have a total generating capacity of 9 megawatts. Madison Dam is 257 feet long and 35 feet high.

PPL has 500 employees in Montana who generate and sell electricity. PPL Montana operates coal-fired power plants at Colstrip and Billings, as well as 11 hydroelectric power plants along Rosebud Creek and the Missouri, Madison, Clark Fork and Flathead rivers. It has a combined generating capacity of about 1,200 megawatts and has offices in Billings, Butte and Helena. PPL EnergyPlus operates a trading floor in Butte that markets and sells power in the wholesale and retail energy market. PPL Montana and PPL EnergyPlus are subsidiaries of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). More information about PPL Montana is available at http://www.pplmontana.com/.

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Weather Service Report on West Yellowstone Wind Event

2010-09-01T14:59:00.000-06:00

Overview

At approximately 300pm on Saturday August 28, 2010 a severe thunderstorm moved into the southwestern portions of West Yellowstone. The storm moved through the town over the next 5 to 10 minutes producing localized structural damage and downed or snapped trees across the town in a southwest to northeast line through the town due to straight-line winds, possibly associated with a microburst. The path of the damage was close to 1 mile in length, and extended from the far southwest corner of the town to near the USFS station on the northeast edge of town. Wind speeds were estimated near 85 mph.

Details of the Survey

The survey team consisted of Michael Mercer, Meteorologist in Charge; and Benjamin Schott, Warning Coordination Meteorologist. The survey team was dispatched to West Yellowstone after receiving reports of significant structural damage in the town, and many trees down, snapped and uprooted shortly after the event. The survey team reached the town the following morning at 9am and met with Robert Glenn, West Yellowstone Public Works to survey the damage together. The team started just southwest of town and noticed a scattering of trees down, approximately 10 trees. The survey team worked northeast across the town investigating structural damage at a few private residences where the corners of roofs were peeled off, each had significant eaves which may have helped the wind provide greater forcing on the roof, and a church had its brick/stone covered entry displaced from the wind gusts. A few trees were down near the church as well. The survey team then stopped in the city park where many trees were downed, and a few snapped, a portable tarp-covered stage had been pushed off its jacks and the 2 inch diameter supports bent. Next to the park is where the majority of the structural damage occurred with three hotels receiving significant damage to their roofs. The Best Western -Weston had most of the roof blown back behind the building, with some of the metal roof material in trees 50 to 100 feet behind the hotel. The roof had large eaves and that may have contributed to the loss of the structure, no other damage was noticed and as a note of interest the many flower pots still hung neatly all along the front of the hotel that was open to the strong winds. The debris from the roof did considerable damage to a few automobiles behind the hotel. The last of the damage was spotted just north of the hotel with some scattered trees down between the hotel and the USFS station.

The damage was consistent with straight-line wind damage with the trees downed in the same direction throughout the town. All debris from the hotels was sent in the same relative direction as the downed trees. Witnesses, nearly 20, reported funnel clouds but no one ever witnessed seeing the funnel cloud reaching the ground. A video taken as the storm entered town did show some elevated rotation, yet not a tornado. Aerial photos were taken through the Civil Air Patrol (photos below), in coordination with Gallatin County DES, and showed the scattered and localized nature of the damage in West Yellowstone. A big thanks to both West Yellowstone Public Works, and Gallatin County DES for a well coordinated effort in gathering information and support for the survey.

Click here for PDF Version.

Bozeman Water Restrictions Removed

2010-08-02T08:34:00.000-06:00

AUGUST 2, 2010 8:20 AM

Due to a major water main break on July 31, 2010, the City of Bozeman Director of Public Services issued an immediate prohibition on the use of outside water, which included lawn irrigation and car washing (from a hose). This restriction was needed to ensure adequate water for domestic, inside use.

The water restriction emergency has been resolved, and the restriction is now lifted. No water restrictions are currently in effect. The City of Bozeman offers its thanks to the citizens who abided with the restriction.

Media questions can be directed to Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Services, 581-0091.

Water Restriction Release for 8/1/10 7:00 am

2010-08-01T07:28:00.000-06:00

OUTSIDE WATER RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

AUGUST 1, 2010 7:00 AM

Due to a major water main break last night, the City of Bozeman Director of Public Services issued a prohibition on the use of outside water. This includes lawn irrigation and car washing (from a hose). This restriction is needed to ensure adequate water for domestic, inside use.

The water restriction emergency continues. It is imperative that residents and business owners with automated sprinkler systems turn their systems to off.

The Bozeman Municipal Code authorizes the restriction of outdoor water use with the penalty for violations being the disconnection of water service. Again, it is imperative that citizens follow the outdoor water use prohibition to ensure adequate water is available for domestic use.

Media questions can be directed to Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Services, 581-0091.

Bozeman Water Main Break

2010-07-31T19:38:00.000-06:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 31, 2010 – 7:30 PM

The City of Bozeman has experienced a large water main break in the 900 block of South Black Avenue. Due to the large volume of water lost over a short period of time, Public Services Director Debbie Arkell is asking residents and business owners to restrict the use of water to domestic use until the water main can be repaired and the water tanks can be re-filled. Effective immediately, outside water use is prohibited.
The Bozeman Municipal Code authorizes the restriction of outdoor water use with the penalty for violations being the disconnection of water service. It is imperative that citizens follow the outdoor water use prohibition to ensure adequate water is available for domestic use.

The break will cause water to be colored in certain areas of town – it will look dirty. The chlorine residual makes the water safe to drink.
An area in the southeast part of the city will be without water during the period of the repair, and residents will be notified as soon as the area is known.
The city will update residents when the restriction is lifted.

Damage Reporting

2010-06-30T16:58:00.000-06:00

Individuals and businesses are encouraged to report their damage that they incurred during the June 30th hail storm. While it is unknown what assistance may, or may not, be available, people are encouraged to report the damage that ocurred. Determining an estimate on the damage incurred is important for us in determining if we may be eligible for any assistance programs. People are encouraged to submit the following:

Name
Address
Contact Info
Do you rent or own?
Do you have insurance?
What is your deductible?
What do you estimate the cost of your damage is? (This does not need to be exact, just a guess)
What was the value of your property before the damage? (This does not need to be exact, just a guess)
A brief description of the damage

Please email this information to damage@gcem.us. If assistance programs do become available, people who have submitted their information will be contacted with what programs are available.

Information on the federal assistance programs are available here.

Big Sky Wildfire Preparedness Event

2010-06-14T09:11:00.000-06:00

Big Sky Wildfire Preparedness Event

Monday June 21, 2010 at 5:00 PM

Ousel Falls Trailhead

Free BBQ, Smokey Bear, and Emergency Services vehicles will be present.

Learn how you can be prepared for wildfires and what funding is available to help you!

Information on assessing your wildfire risk and mitigation strategies will also be available.

Click here for flyer

Gallatin County Wildfire Preparedness Website

Spring Runoff in Gallatin County

2010-06-05T20:17:00.000-06:00

Many rivers in Gallatin County are currently experiencing increased flows due to the normal spring runoff. Residents are reminded that water levels can change quickly this time of year presenting life safety and property hazards. People, and their children, who are around moving water should use caution and exercise flood safety practices (available here). The current and debris carried in these waterways can present unexpected hazards.

Residents that feel their property may be at risk for flooding should take the necessary precautions ahead of time to protect their property. The change between high water, and water flooding your property, can often occur extremely fast and frequently during the night. It is often to late to protect your property after the flooding has occurred, this should be done before the flooding occurs. If your property is prone to flooding, or you think it might be flooded, you should act before flooding occurs to protect it.

The two most common methods of building dikes to protect from flooding include sandbags or hay bales wrapped in plastic. Sandbags can be obtained from several local hardware/ gravel suppliers in the Bozeman and Belgrade areas. Information on using sandbags is available here.

Information on flooding in Gallatin County, including current river levels, is available at http://www.readygallatin.com/flooding.php.

Informational Meeting on EIA Set for Gallatin County Horse Owners

2010-05-12T13:58:00.000-06:00

Montana Department of Livestock

301 N. Roberts/PO Box 202001
Helena MT 59620-2001
http://liv.mt.gov/

May 19, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steve Merritt
Public Information Officer
Montana Department of Livestock
406/444-9431

Informational Meeting on EIA Set for Gallatin County Horse Owners

The Montana Department of Livestock's Animal Health Division has scheduled a meeting to update Gallatin County horse owners on its epidemiological investigation of two horses recently infected with equine infectious anemia (EIA). The meeting is set for 10 a.m. on Monday, May 17, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds (Building #4).

EIA in Gallatin County was first reported on April 26 after a Coggins test – a screening test for EIA required for movement into or out of Montana – performed by the department's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory identified the disease in one of three horses at a premises near Gallatin Gateway. The disease was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, and subsequent testing identified and confirmed the disease in a second horse at the premises.

The two horses are currently quarantined pending transfer to the NVSL later this month.

Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, a staff veterinarian for the department, said the news about EIA created quite a stir among Gallatin County horse owners.

"We've had a lot of calls from horse owners," she said. "They are understandably concerned, and our goal is providing accurate, up to date information on the disease as well as our investigation."

Szymanski added that horse owners concerned about EIA "can buy some piece of mind" by having their horses Coggins tested.

"We recommend annual testing, and like to see horses that travel for equine-related events tested twice a year," she said.

Also known as swamp fever, EIA is potentially fatal viral disease of equines spread by biting insects like horse and deer flies that feed on blood. No vaccine or treatment exists for the disease, which is characterized by intermittent fever, depression, progressive weakness, weight loss, edema (fluid under the skin or in body cavities) and anemia. The disease is not contagious, and cannot be passed to humans.

For additional information about EIA or the meeting, please contact Dr. Szymanski or public information officer Steve Merritt at 406/444-2043.

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