Weather Spotter Training at Otter Creek Park

Weather Spotter Training at Otter Creek Park had a great attendance. Representatives of several departments and the public received a lot of great information. Thanks to all who attended.

 

 

EDIE awards ceremony last night at the Reining Center in Toledo

EDIE awards ceremony last night at the Reining Center in Toledo

Tama County EMA was nominated for and awarded the EDIE for the "Strategic Partnerships" catagory for the Department's work during and after teh July 2011 windstorm.

 

 

three employees celebrating their 15th service anniversary

Tama County 911 Services is proud to announce that in 2012 it has three employees celebrating their 15^th service anniversary.

The three employees are; 911 Deputy Director & Tama County Emergency Management Agency Assistant Coordinator Julie Vokoun, Dispatcher Jackie Lasley and Dispatcher Cheryl Pansegrau. All three are certified dispatchers, each one having handled thousands of calls over the last fifteen years.

Pictured above – (Left to Right) Dispatcher Jackie Lasley, 911 Service Board Chairman Chief Joe Boll, Deputy 911 Director Julie Vokoun, Dispatcher Cheryl Pansegrau and 911 Director Ryan Currens . Boll and Currens presenting 15 year service recognition awards to the employees celebrating their 15^th service anniversary.

WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE-NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
725 AM CST THU FEB 23 2012

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED OVER PORTIONS CENTRAL TO NORTHWEST IOWA
TODAY...

.A STRONG AREA OF LOW PRESSURE LOCATED OVER NORTHEAST KANSAS AND
SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK EASTWARD ACROSS NORTHERN
MISSOURI THROUGHOUT THE DAY TODAY. RAIN WILL TRANSITION TO ALL SNOW
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF THE MORNING INTO THE
AFTERNOON HOURS. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL WILL BE ACROSS NORTH
CENTRAL TO NORTHWEST PORTIONS OF IOWA. STRONG NORTH TO NORTHEAST
WINDS WILL DEVELOP BY THIS AFTERNOON AND LEAD TO BLOWING SNOW AND
REDUCED VISIBILITY AT TIMES INTO THIS EVENING.

IAZ016-025>027-036>039-047>050-232130-
/O.CON.KDMX.WS.W.0003.120223T1500Z-120224T0600Z/
HANCOCK-WRIGHT-FRANKLIN-BUTLER-HAMILTON-HARDIN-GRUNDY-BLACK HAWK-
BOONE-STORY-MARSHALL-TAMA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...GARNER...CLARION...HAMPTON...ALLISON...
WEBSTER CITY...ELDORA...GRUNDY CENTER...WATERLOO...BOONE...AMES...
MARSHALLTOWN...TOLEDO
725 AM CST THU FEB 23 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...

* TIMING...RAIN WILL QUICKLY TRANSITION TO SNOW BY THE LATE
  MORNING HOURS. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL IS ANTICIPATED TO OCCUR
  FROM AROUND MIDDAY INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS...WHERE SNOWFALL
  RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR CAN BE EXPECTED. THE HEAVIEST
  SNOW IS FORECAST TO BEGIN TO TAPER OFF BY MID EVENING.

* STORM TOTAL SNOW...TOTAL SNOW AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES...WITH
  LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO SHIFT FROM EAST THIS
  MORNING TO NORTH NORTHEAST BY THE AFTERNOON AND INCREASE TO 15
  TO 30 MPH. THESE GUSTY WINDS ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE VISIBILITY
  RESTRICTIONS OF ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS DURING THE HEAVIEST
  SNOWFALL THIS AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...WITH THE GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS DEVELOPING LATE THIS
  AFTERNOON...AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED
  BY THE EVENING HOURS. TRAVEL WILL BECOME QUITE DIFFICULT AS
  CONDITIONS WORSEN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.  SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

Training Opportunity Calendar

The below is the newest version of the Tama County Emergency Management Agency Training Opportunity Calendar (please note the change of the Confined Space Training date):

February 4- Ammonia Response at 0900 in Lincoln by New Century FS

February 4- Burn Trailer at 1300 hours in Lincoln

February 9- Pipeline Safety Awareness- at 5:30pm at Reining Center

February 11- Ag Rescue at 0900 in Toledo by PRI

February 25- FSTB Fire School in Ames (Attendees can easily get a full day or more from Fire School. If you have no other means of getting to Fire School and need to line up a carpool please let the Tama County Emergency Management Agency know and we will try to assist with needs)

February 28- NWS Weather Spotter at 7pm in Tama Nature Center at Otter Creek Park (this is a change from the originally stated Board of Supervisors Chambers)

March 3- FEMA PER 280- at Tama County Board of Supervisors Chambers (8a-5p)

March 10- EMS Haz Mat Ops at 9am at Toledo Fire Station

March 11- EMS Haz Mat Ops at 9am at Toledo Fire Station

March-12  Haz Mat Recertification at 6pm at Traer Fire Station

March-21  Haz Mat Recertification at 6pm at Vining Fire Station

March-23  CERT training 7p-9p at Toledo Fire Station

March-24  CERT 9a-5:30p at Toledo Fire Station

March-28  Haz Mat Recertification at 6pm at Garwin Fire Station

March-30  CERT training 7p-9p at Traer Fire Station

March-31  CERT training 9a-5:30p at Traer Fire Station

March 31- Quad County Fire School in Waterloo (9a-4p)

April 4- Iowa Statewide Tornado Drill at 10am

April 10- ICS402 at 1730 hours at the Tama County Board of Supervisors Chambers.

April 12- Haz Mat Recertification at 6pm at Toledo Fire Station

April 21 – Search and Rescue Drill at Otter Creek Park at 9am, muster at Nature Center

April 28 - Confined Space Awareness in Traer by NIRG Haz Mat at 0900 hours

May 4 – Terrorism in Iowa:  Problems and Prospects at 9am at Otter Creek Nature Center

May 14- Haz Mat Awareness at 1600 hours at the Tama County Emergency Management Agency office.

Lastly, all responders are invited to attend the Tama County LEPC meetings:

The next meeting of the LEPC will be 16 January 2012 at the Toledo Fire Station, start time 12:00 (Noon).

The first “rotating” LEPC meeting will be 19 March 2012, and will be held at the Traer Fire Station, start time 12:00 (Noon).

A quick couple of notes / amendments / changes and additions to the previous training schedule.

Regarding – Weather Spotter Class

Due to anticipated heavy attendance the Weather spotter class has been moved to the Nature Center at Tama County’s Otter Creek Park (

148 Nature Center Road

).

Regarding – CERT Training   

There will be two free CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) Trainings held in Tama County.

The First Class will be held at the Toledo Fire Station on March 23 from 7:00pm till 9:00pm and March 24 from 9:00am till 5:30pm.

.

The Second Class will be held at the Traer Fire Station on March 30 from 7:00pm till 9:00p and March 31 from 9:00am till 5:30pm.

.

All participants will be automatically enrolled into the Tama County CERT group.

Both sections will provide the same information; the only difference will be location.

Training materials required will be provided by the Tama County Emergency Management Agency.

Requirements for CERT team members:

*Attend CERT training (online and in person, online information below)

                IS-317: Introduction to CERTs

IS-317 can be taken by anyone interested in CERT. However, to become a CERT volunteer, one must complete the classroom training offered by a local government agency such as the emergency management agency, fire or police department. Contact your local emergency manager to learn about the local education and training opportunities available to you. Let this person know about your interest in taking CERT training.

http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/IS317/

*Attain certification in NIMS 700a and ICS 100 through FEMA (online)

http://training.fema.gov/is/nims.asp

*Pass a criminal history / background check

*Sign a letter of understanding and waiver from Tama County and be at least 18 years old

winter storm safety

http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/511758/Tama-Co--Emergency-Management-offers-winter-storm-safety-advice.html?nav=5006

Tama Co. Emergency Management offers winter storm safety advice

February 13, 2012

Toledo Chronicle, Tama News-Herald

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Alternativeheating devices, downed power lines, portable generators, and damaged appliances are all potential hazards during and after a winter storm.
The Tama County Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your family, and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a winter storm.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
Never refuel a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow and debris for easy access by the fire department.
Always use a flashlight - not a candle - for emergency lighting.
Do not use the kitchen oven or range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Remember to keep fresh batteries on hand for essential tools (flashlights, etc)
Keep vehicles in good working condition with emergency preparedness equipment in the trunk
Keep an emergency preparedness kit in the home, winter is a great time to rotate water and food in the kit (remember 3 days of supplies per person)
Keep an emergency preparedness kit at your school or office
Remember your four way flashers if you do have a winter driving accident

Tama Firefighter I&II

There will be a free Firefighter 1 Certification Class available to any interested Tama County area responders / civil employees.

This class is provided free of charge by Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau and the Tama County Emergency Management Agency. Any responder or public employee is welcome to attend.

The Class will be held primarily at the Tama Fire Station. (

305 Siegel St, Tama, IA 52339

phone- (641) 484-2425)

The Class will be held Thursday nights, starting 1 March 2012.

The Class will begin at 1800 hours (6:00 pm) and end at approximately 2200 hours (10:00 pm).

Participants will need their own set of Full NFPA rated Structural Firefighting PPE, SCBA, CPR license card and Training Materials.

Students wishing to join the class who are not affiliated with the Tama Fire Department need to contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency to register BEFORE attending.

Students who are already Firefighter 1 Certified who wish to register only for Firefighter 2 may also register for the later half of this class by contacting the Tama County Emergency Management Agency.

Follow-up on your New Years resolution to be prepared in 2012.

Several weeks ago we all started on our 2012 new years resolutions. Have you completed or made progress on your most important new years resolution, the goal of preparedness in 2012?

If not, there is still plenty of time in 2012.

If so, are you completely satisfied with your progress?

Households can look ahead and determine how to deal with disasters, whether it be a fire in the home, or something that affects their entire neighborhood or county. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen in their area. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes can make a difference for everyone in the household, and for the community. To be prepared, you should:
1. Get a kit. If you’ve ever had to search for your flashlight when the power goes out, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. The Red Cross has a downloadable checklist to help you assemble your emergency preparedness kit. It should include the following (at a minimum):

Ready-To-Go Emergency Preparedness Kit

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water—one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit, medications and medical items
• Copies of all important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Extra cash

2. Make a plan. Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case everyone is separated, and choose two places to meet—one right outside the home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside the neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Other tips on how you should formulate your emergency plan are:

• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. All household members should have this person’s phone number and email address. It may be easier to call long distance or text if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
• Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable.
• Plan ahead for your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. Keep a phone list of “pet friendly” motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.
• Keep wallet cards with emergency meeting locations and emergency phone numbers current (and remember to carry them).

3. Be informed. Know what situations may occur where you live, where you work, where you go to school.

• If you live or travel often to areas near a fault line, learn how to prepare and what to do during an earthquake. If summer includes a trip to the beach, know what to do in case you are faced with a tropical storm or hurricane. Remember that emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them.
• Find out how local officials inform the public in the event of an emergency.
• Learn first aid and CPR/AED so that you have the skills to respond in an emergency before help arrives, especially during a disaster when emergency responders may not be as available. Contact your local Red Cross chapter to get trained.
• Contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency with any questions on preparedness you may have. There staff of trained professionals are happy to assist Tama County citizens.

As you look forward to the new year and what you would like to change, add getting prepared to your list of resolutions for 2012. Visit the Tama County web site (www.tamacounty.org) to know what to do to stay safe in all kinds of emergencies.

Cybersecurity: Make it a Habit

Cybersecurity is the responsibility of everyone that uses the Internet.  To remind us of this important issue, October has been designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The National Cyber Security Division of Homeland Security is responsible for helping the protection of the cyber infrastructure.  Each citizen uses this cyber infrastructure each time we use the Internet.  By proactively educating everyone about Cybersecurity, it will lower our nation's vulnerabilities on the Internet and lower our collective risk. Securing cyberspace is a difficult strategic challenge that requires coordinated and focused effort from our entire society—the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, and the American people.
By protecting yourself on the Internet, you also protect others.

How Do I Make Cybersecurity a Habit?

Start with the Basics: Three Core Practices

• Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and keep them up to date.
• Install a firewall and keep it properly configured
• Regularly install updates for your computer's operating system

Make Ongoing Learning Easy with US-CERT Tips

Cybersecurity is an evolving issue. The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) Security Tips provide advice on common security topics, such as privacy, email spam, and wireless protection.  The tips are sent to your e-mail once a month so that you can continuously stay up to date with changing technologies and threats. You can sign up to receive this information by visiting: http://www.dhs.gov/ or http://www.us-cert.gov/

Check Your Updates: Make it a Habit

Making Cybersecurity a habit will help you protect your information and prevent your computer from being used to launch an attack.  Remind yourself and those around you about cyber protection measures with posters and booklets:

How Do I Fight Phishing Scams?

Sick of e-mail scams? Phishing is a scam where scammers send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Take these steps to avoid getting swindled:

• Stay safe: Don't reply to e-mail or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information. Don't click on links in the message. Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser. Scammers can make links look as though they go to a safe site, but will actually send you to a dangerous Web site.

Why are these warnings important?

Like the real world, technology and the internet present dangers as well as benefits. Equipment fails, attackers may target you, and mistakes and poor judgment happen. Just as you take precautions to protect yourself in the real world, you need to take precautions to protect yourself online. For many users, computers and the internet are unfamiliar and intimidating, so it is appropriate to approach them the same way we urge children to approach the real world.

What are some warnings to remember?

• Don't trust candy from strangers - Finding something on the internet does not guarantee that it is true. Anyone can publish information online, so before accepting a statement as fact or taking action, verify that the source is reliable. It is also easy for attackers to "spoof" email addresses, so verify that an email is legitimate before opening an unexpected email attachment or responding to a request for personal information.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - You have probably seen many emails promising fantastic rewards or monetary gifts. However, regardless of what the email claims, there are not any wealthy strangers desperate to send you money. Beware of grand promises—they are most likely spam, hoaxes, or phishing schemes. Also be wary of pop-up windows and advertisements for free downloadable software—they may be disguising spyware.
• Don't advertise that you are away from home - Some email accounts, especially within an organization, offer a feature (called an autoresponder) that allows you to create an "away" message if you are going to be away from your email for an extended period of time. The message is automatically sent to anyone who emails you while the autoresponder is enabled. While this is a helpful feature for letting your contacts know that you will not be able to respond right away, be careful how you phrase your message. You do not want to let potential attackers know that you are not home, or, worse, give specific details about your location and itinerary. Safer options include phrases such as "I will not have access to email between [date] and [date]." If possible, also restrict the recipients of the message to people within your organization or in your address book. If your away message replies to spam, it only confirms that your email account is active. This may increase the amount of spam you receive.
• Lock up your valuables - If an attacker is able to access your personal data, he or she may be able to compromise or steal the information. Take steps to protect this information by following good security practices. Some of the most basic precautions include locking your computer when you step away; using firewalls, anti-virus software, and strong passwords; installing appropriate software updates; and taking precautions when browsing or using email.
• Have a backup plan - Since your information could be lost or compromised (due to an equipment malfunction, an error, or an attack), make regular backups of your information so that you still have clean, complete copies. Backups also help you identify what has been changed or lost. If your computer has been infected, it is important to remove the infection before resuming your work. Keep in mind that if you did not realize that your computer was infected, your backups may also be compromised.

---

Report a computer or network vulnerability to the

U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team

Incident Hotline: 1-888-282-0870

Or if you have general questions about Cybersecurity you can contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency at: 641-484-6261

Educate Yourself - flood season

With spring rapidly approaching we are entering possible flood season. The Tama County Emergency Management Agency would like to pass on the following information for Tama County citizens:

Educate Yourself

After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family's safety.  (Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov)
1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

• A copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
• Conduct a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visit http://www.knowyourstuff.org/.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

• First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
• Have a plan to protect your pets.

Protect Yourself and Your Home

Here's what you can do to stay safe during a flood:

• If flooding occurs, go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.
• Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.
• If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
• If you've come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.

The Road to Recovery

As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it's time to start the recovery process. Here's what you can do to begin restoring your home.

• If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
• Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
• Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
• Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

Dealing with the Aftermath

If you have experienced a flood, you can file your flood insurance claim by following these three steps:
STEP ONE:
After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, you can contact your insurance agent or company again. Make sure you have the following information handy:

• The name of your insurance company
• Your policy number
• A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

STEP TWO:
Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.

• Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.
• Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.

STEP THREE:
Your adjuster will provide you a Proof of Loss form for your official claim for damages. You'll need to file this claim with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.
You'll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss form. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.

For more information on flooding and flood insurance contact either the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (at http://www.floodsmart.gov/) or the Tama County Emergency Management Agency (at 641-484-6261).

Community Preparedness Webinar Series

The Community Preparedness Webinar Series provides up-to-date information on community preparedness topics and resources available to citizens, community organizations, and Citizen Corps Councils. A webinar is a web-based informational or training seminar (a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar) that is transmitted over the internet. These webinars will feature new community preparedness topics several times each month and are free to the public. Each webinar will accommodate the first 500 visitors that enter the website at the time of the webinar. In addition to airing live, each webinar will be recorded and viewable after it completes at your convenience.

http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm

Human Trafficking Information

Due to several recent high profile news incidents involving human trafficking the Tama County Emergency Management Agency & Tama County 911 Services would like to pass on the following information:

Human trafficking is a crime and a human rights abuse involving commercial sexual exploitation of a child or the use of force, coercion or fraud to compel someone into labor servitude or commercial sexual exploitation. Thousands of men, women, and children are trafficked in the United States every year. Human trafficking can occur in any state and can involve any income level.
Victims often find themselves in a foreign country and cannot speak the language. Traffickers often take away the victims’ travel and identity documents and tell victims that if they attempt to escape, the victims or their families back home will be harmed or that the vic-tims’ families will assume the debt. We recognize that men, women and children that are encountered in brothels, sweat shops, massage parlors, agricultural fields and other labor markets may be forced or coerced into those situations and potentially are trafficking victims.

Report Human Trafficking, 24 Hours

• To report suspicious activity to law enforcement:
  866-347-2423
• To reach a non-governmental organization:
  National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
  888-3737-888
• To report any suspicious activity of any kind in Tama County (non-emergency):
• 641-484-3760

Trafficking Indicators

• Is the victim in possession of identification and travel documents; if not, who has control of the documents?
• Was the victim coached on what to say to law enforcement and immigration officials?
• Was the victim recruited for one purpose and forced to engage in some other job?
• Is the victim’s salary being garnished to pay off a smuggling fee? (Paying off a smuggling fee alone is not considered trafficking.)
• Was the victim forced to perform sexual acts?
• Does the victim have freedom of movement?
• Has the victim or family been threatened with harm if the victim attempts to escape?
• Has the victim been threatened with deportation or law enforcement action?
• Has the victim been harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities?
• Can the victim freely contact friends or family?
• Is the victim a juvenile engaged in commercial sex?
• Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services?

Anti-Trafficking Successes

Sex Traffickers Sentenced to 40 years

In Los Angeles, 15 women and girls were forced by a family-run human trafficking organization into prostitution. As a result of the investigation, seven Guatemalan and two Mexican nationals were found guilty of conspiracy, sex trafficking of children by force, and importation and harboring of illegal aliens for purposes of prostitution and sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from two to 40 years depending on their level of involvement.

Traffickers Arrested in Hair Braiding Salon

In Newark, 20 young women and girls from Togo and Ghana were brought to the United States through a visa scheme, forced to work in hair braiding salons under appalling conditions, and subject to physical abuse and threats. Six traffickers from Togo entered guilty pleas or were convicted by a jury for offenses involving forced labor, conspiracy, document servitude, visa fraud, transportation of a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity, and alien smuggling.

Domestic Servitude Victim Rescued on Long Island

On Long Island, ICE agents arrested a husband and wife as a result of a domestic servitude investigation. The couple was alleged to have held two Indonesian females in their residence where they were forced to perform domestic services. They were found guilty by a jury of forced labor, peonage, document servitude, harboring aliens and conspiracy. The wife was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment and her husband was sentenced to three years. The jury ordered that their residence, valued at $1.5 million, be criminally forfeited in order to assist with victim restitution.

For more information on human trafficking or on any crime please contact Tama County Dispatch at: 641-484-3760

For more information on emergency preparedness or training please contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency at: 641-484-6261