Bannock County

Here are some tips to stay safe during excessive heat like we're experiencing now. 🌡 Find air conditioning 🌡 Avoid strenuous activity 🌡 Wear light clothing 🌡 Drink plenty of water 🌡 Watch for signs of heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke 🌡 Never leave people or pets in a car Remember to check on family members, friends, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat. Stay safe, everyone! #idwx

Stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible to avoid heat-related illnesses, but if you have to work outside, there are precautions you can take. #idwx

Heat over the next several days will affect anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. The Bannock County Office of Emergency Management is compiling a list of cooling locations/centers/shelters available in the area. Pocatello City Hall – Cooling Location 911 N 7th Ave, Pocatello ID 83201 Portneuf District Library – Cooling Location 5210 Stuart Ave, Chubbuck ID 83202 Marshall Public Library – Cooling Location 113 S Garfield St, Pocatello ID 83204 Southeastern Idaho Public Health – Cooling Center 1901 Alvin Ricken Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201 For hours the cooling locations are available, please visit buff.ly/4bJblwe Transportation to the Cooling Center in Pocatello will be offered by Pocatello Regional Transit via its E Bus Route for those without transportation. Pick-up locations can be found at pocatellotransit.com. Patrons just need to inform the bus driver that they need to stop at SIPH. Return services need to be arranged on-demand via phone by calling (208)234-ABUS. Seniors over the age of 60 can call direct (208)232-0111 for door-to-door service with some limitations within Pocatello/Chubbuck, the cost is a $2.00 donation request. #idwx

Know the warning signs and what to do if you or someone else begins experiencing heat-related illnesses. #idwx

A minute with your Bannock County Commissioner, Ernie Moser: https://buff.ly/3XP85fv This month, Commissioner Moser tells us about three major projects happening in Bannock County this year: upgrades happening at the Fairgrounds in Downey, the improvements to our ADA entrance at the courthouse, and a new facility for the children involved in the Youth Development Center. "My fellow Commissioners and I, along with our other Bannock County Elected Officials, have been hard at work identifying projects that would be generational and provide added value for Bannock County residents for years to come, ensuring the long-term needs of our community." Don't want to miss the next letter from your elected official? Sign up now to receive our monthly email newsletter in your inbox: https://buff.ly/4cD8RR0

SEEKING RESPONSE: Bannock County is requesting sealed proposals for the purpose of removing the VCT tiles and grinding/polishing cement to a smooth seal finish at the Detention Center in Pocatello, Idaho. Bids must be received by Monday, August 5, 2024, at 5 p.m. MST. View more here: https://buff.ly/4cNQdpu For questions, contact Shanda Crystal, Chief Procurement Officer, at (208)236-7214 or shandac@bannockcounty.gov

PRESS RELEASE: Local agencies participate in fire season training exercise BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho – With fire season upon us, local fire and emergency response agencies led a successful training exercise last weekend. On Saturday, June 29, 2024, local fire departments from the Greater Interagency Fire Front (GIFF) conducted a Wildland Fire Exercise at Century High School. The training reviewed activation, notification, coordination, communication, and logistical processes for response in preparation for the 2024 fire season in Bannock County. The exercise was led by Brian O’Donnell with the Bureau of Land Management. Members of the Pocatello FD, Pocatello Valley FD, North Bannock FD, Chubbuck FD, Bureau of Land Management FD, Bureau of Indian Affairs FD, McCammon FD, and Inkom FD participated in the exercise. The Bannock County Office of Emergency Management Director, Bannock County 911 Director, and Bannock County Sheriff’s Office Captain of Support Services also participated. As part of the exercise, a test Wireless Emergency Alert Notification was sent to people in a small area south of Pocatello. The alert was coordinated with Pocatello Fire and sent by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch. ��The exercise was a great opportunity to train across departments. The review is very helpful for our teams and we learned what areas we need to focus on this summer,” said Wes Jones, Bannock County’s Emergency Director. “We appreciate everyone for taking the time on a beautiful Saturday to prepare for fire season.” The 2024 Fire Season has already begun, with four fires within the last two weeks. All agencies encourage adherence to the 2024 Bannock County Burn Ban (in effect NOW through Oct. 1, 2024) and hope everyone has a safe and fire-free Fourth of July holiday.

SEEKING RESPONSE: Bannock County is requesting sealed bids for the purchase and installation of security cameras and associated equipment. Bids must be received by Monday, July 29 2024, at 5 p.m. MST. View more here: https://buff.ly/3XOeqIg For questions, contact Shanda Crystal, Chief Procurement Officer, at (208)236-7214 or shandac@bannockcounty.gov

Bannock County offices will be CLOSED Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Regular business hours will resume Friday, July 5. Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

PRESS RELEASE: Open Burn Ban Begins July 1st for Bannock County Wildland-Urban Interface Areas Starting July 1, 2024, certain types of fires will be banned in most parts of Bannock County: Inkom, Downey, Arimo, McCammon, Lava Hot Springs, the Pocatello Valley, Chubbuck, Pocatello, and the North Bannock Fire District. Fire officials throughout Bannock County worked together to create a unified burn ban with the intent of reducing the risk of wildfires. No open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks are allowed within the Wildland-Urban Interface Areas of Bannock County because of current fire danger and fuel moisture levels. Commercial gas fire pits and appliances designed for food prep, such as gas grills and/or charcoal briquettes, are exempt from the ban when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Only non-aerial fireworks are allowed in non-wildland urban interface areas. Per Idaho State Code, no aerial fireworks are allowed anywhere except for approved professional fireworks displays. The ban will remain in place until Oct. 1, 2024, or until conditions allow it to be lifted. Residents with questions about the burn ban or fireworks are encouraged to contact their local fire department or district.