Osage Nation Emergency Management Adds Seven Storm Sirens on Osage Reservation

As severe storm season rolls into Oklahoma, the Osage Reservation has seven additional storm sirens and five digital control boxes to support severe weather safety and alerts. Osage Nation Emergency Management identified several areas on the Osage Reservation disadvantaged by inadequate storm siren coverage. The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) provided funding to address these issues. 

Emergency Management Director Bobby Tallchief commented, “We want to recognize the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board for the grant opportunity as well as former Public Health Nurse Jamie 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. The grant was initiated by concerns arising from the 2018 and 2019 tornadoes and floods. Emergency Management conducted a “Needs Assessment” utilizing historical data, subject matter experts, and actual real-world participation. Their findings revealed that populated areas within the reservation possessed outdated, inoperable, or absent devices. New sirens have been installed and tested in Barnsdall, Shidler, Fairfax, Pawhuska, and 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 osagenation-nsn.gov/services.