Secretary Perdue Hosts U.S. Senators for 2017 Fire Briefing
(Washington, D.C., September 26, 2017) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue hosted U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for a 2017 fire briefing to hear about this year’s efforts to contain wildfires out west as well as the way the USFS is funded. Currently, the agency has to borrow money from prevention programs to combat ongoing wildfires. Secretary Perdue believes Congress should treat major fires the same as other disasters and that those fires should be covered by emergency funds so prevention programs are not raided.
“This has been a tremendous fire season,” said Secretary Perdue. “As wildfire costs exceed $2 billion, I appreciate those in Congress who recognize this funding issue and are working to make a permanent fix that allows us to manage our forests preemptively. While we can’t stop these wildfires, we know we can be prepared in a much better way.”
You may click HERE or on the image above to watch the 2017 USFS Fire Briefing.
Background:
Recently, wildland fire suppression costs for the fiscal year exceeded $2 billion, making it the most expensive year on record. This summer, wildfires have ravaged states in the west, Pacific Northwest, and Northern Rockies regions of the United States. Currently, the fire suppression portion of the Forest Service budget is funded at a rolling ten-year average of appropriations, while the overall Forest Service budget has remained relatively flat. Because the fire seasons are longer and conditions are worse, the ten-year rolling fire suppression budget average keeps rising, consuming a greater percentage of the total Forest Service budget each year. This increase forces agency to take funds from prevention programs to cover fire suppression costs. Secretary Perdue’s proposal would ensure both fire suppression and prevention efforts receive the proper funding they need. Just last week, Secretary Perdue urged State Foresters to call on Congress to fix this fire funding problem. You may click HERE and HERE to listen to excerpts of his remarks.
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Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah Moves Race Dates to
Aug. 6-12 on 2018 International Cycling Calendar
“America’s Toughest Stage Race” Continues Growth with
Increased International Broadcast and Digital Media Reach
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 26, 2017) – The 2018 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah will continue for a 14th season in 2018, holding the professional men’s cycling stage race Monday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 12. This marks the first time in four years the Tour of Utah has moved race dates to later in August, approved this week by the Union Cycliste International (UCI), global governing body of cycling.
The UCI has released its 2018 events calendar for all sanctioned road races on its five global circuits. Recognized as “America’s Toughest Stage Race,” the Tour of Utah will remain a 2.HC-rated stage race on the UCI America Tour, making it one of the premier events for North America. The new dates will provide a full week for WorldTeams to travel to the U.S. following the Tour de France, which takes place July 7-29, 2018.
“The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah has earned prominence as a well-organized and challenging week of racing on the international cycling calendar. We seek to deliver another high-quality experience in 2018, as we work to confirm host cities and new routes for next summer to showcase our beautiful state and the best pro cycling teams in the world,” said John Kimball, who was recently named Managing Director of the Tour of Utah.
In addition to a new leadership role with the Tour of Utah, Kimball continues as the vice president of corporate sponsorships with Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment. Jenn Andrs remains as the executive director of the Tour of Utah and oversees day-to-day operations of the event.
Tour organizers have been pleased with solid growth for the event since 2011, when the race was first elevated as a UCI-sanctioned event. Television viewership continues to expand with international broadcast partners providing coverage in 193 markets, and FOX Sports Network providing coverage nationally. A full week of webcasting with Tour Tracker presented by Adobe engaged 136,000 fans across 109 countries through consumption on mobile devices and the Tour’s website. The Tour of Utah is the only North American stage race that offers start-to-finish online coverage. In addition, the earned media coverage for the Tour of Utah generated $18 million in publicity value for the cycling event, as well as host communities and corporate partners.
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah continues to be free to all spectators, making professional cycling one of the most unique professional sports in the world today. The Tour of Utah is a sanctioned by the UCI and is part of the USA Cycling Professional Road Tour. More information about the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah can be found by visiting www.tourofutah.com, as well as social channels Facebook (tourofutah), Twitter (tourofutah), Instagram (thetourofutah) and YouTube (Tour of Utah).
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About the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah
The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, referred to as "America's Toughest Stage RaceTM," is a week-long, professional cycling stage race for the best men’s teams in the world. The 2017 event was held July 31-Aug. 6. The event was elevated in 2011 as a UCI stage race, making it one of the premier events in North America. The 2017 Tour of Utah covered 605 miles of racing and 36,525 feet of climbing. A total of 16 professional men’s teams competed, bringing 126 riders from 26 countries. The Tour of Utah is owned by Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment. More information about the Tour of Utah, host venues and professional teams can be found by visiting www.tourofutah.com.
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SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
The infrastructure damage in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria have significantly impacted residents’ ability to get vital health and safety information. As there is a significant number of residents in your area from Puerto Rico (map can be provided if requested), and your audience could share this critical information with their friends and relatives who live in Puerto Rico. Please share this information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services via news stories, your web site and social media so your audiences can get vital health information to Puerto Rico residents. Thank you!
Protecting health following hurricanes:
People living outside of the area affected by Hurricane Maria can help keep their family and friends safe after a hurricane has made landfall. There may be a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and there is danger from downed power lines, flood water, and mold, among other hazards. For tips on how you can help your loved ones be safe after a hurricane visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/after.html. Below are a few key recommendations that you can share with your loved ones in affected areas:
· Avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning after a disaster. Only use a portable generator outdoors in a dry area at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to come indoors.
· Avoid injuries when you return to your home after the storm.
· Protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area.
· Take steps to cope with feelings of fear, grief and depression after a traumatic event.
§ The Disaster Distress Helpline (disasterdistress.samhsa.gov) provides 24/7, year-round crisis counseling and support. Call 1-800-985-5990 (TTY for deaf/hearing impaired: 1-800-846-8517) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Be safe after flooding
· Avoid driving through flooded areas, especially when the water is fast moving.
§ As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
§ Return to your flooded home only after local authorities have told you it is safe to do so.
· Use bleach to clean mold off of hard things like floors, stoves, sinks, countertops, plates, and tools.
§ Dilute bleach to the proper concentration.
· Throw out items that cannot be washed and cleaned with bleach, such as mattresses, pillows, carpeting, carpet padding, and stuffed toys.
· Remove and throw out drywall and insulation contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
· Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces, such as concrete, wood, and metal furniture, countertops, and appliances, with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
Keep food safe
· Throw away any food and bottled water that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Learn how to save undamaged food packages exposed to flood.
· When it comes to the safety of your food, when in doubt, throw it out.
· Learn more at foodsafety.gov.
Use Safe Water
· Listen for water advisories from local authorities to find out if your water is safe for drinking and bathing.
· Keeping your hands clean during an emergency helps prevent the spread of germs. If your tap water is not safe to use, wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.
· Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
· If you don’t have clean, safe, bottled water, boil water to make it safe. If boiling is not possible, you often can make water safer to drink by using a disinfectant, such as unscented household chlorine bleach, iodine, or chlorine dioxide tablets.
Public Service Announcements
HHS has hurricane public service announcements (PSAs), including some in Spanish and American Sign Language:
· Cleanup
· Food and Water Safety
· Injury and Disease Safety
· Medication Safety
· Stay Safe at Home After a Tropical Storm or Hurricane
· Stay Safe Outside After a Tropical Storm or Hurricane
