Just in time for the 2022 severe storm season, the Osage Reservation has seven new storm sirens and five digital control boxes to support severe weather safety and alerts.
Osage Nation Emergency Management identified several areas on the reservation disadvantaged by inadequate storm siren coverage, according to a news release. The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) provided funding to address these issues.
In a statement, Emergency Management Director Bobby Tallchief said: “We want to recognize the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board for the grant opportunity as well as former Public Health Nurse Jaime Clark for initiating and pursuing this wonderful gift. We are blessed to be able to provide this extra layer of protection for our communities.”
The SPTHB is focused on eradicating environmental health issues within the Nation. According to its website, the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit’s approach is: “We address tribal public health at its core through a multi-component system, striving to improve public health issues through three key strategies: partnerships, advocacy and training & education. We are honored to foster and support all three strategies which come together to provide guidance and resources to our member tribes within Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.”
The grant was initiated by concerns arising from the 2018 and 2019 tornadoes and floods. ON Emergency Management conducted a needs assessment utilizing historical data, subject matter experts, and actual real-world participation, according to the release. Their findings revealed that populated areas within the Osage Reservation possessed outdated, inoperable, or absent devices.
New sirens have been installed and tested in Barnsdall, Shidler, Fairfax, Pawhuska, and at the Hominy Industrial Park. Each siren was placed at strategic spots throughout the individual towns to optimize coverage. Decisions for placement were determined by Emergency Management and city personnel.
Osage Nation Emergency Management reduces the effects of man-made and natural disasters through planning, preparation, mitigation, and response to emergency events. More information can be found at https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services/emergency-management