Winter Is Here

The National Weather Service forecasted a “Polar Invasion”, which arrived with a roar in Oklahoma on Monday night, November 10.

“Winter Survival” tips from Bobby Tallchief, Emergency Management Director for the Osage Nation.

• Ensure all smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are operational.
• Furnaces should be checked annually for good working condition and clean filters installed, as needed.
• If auxiliary heaters are used, a MINIMUM three (3) foot radius clearance area is needed. Extra clearance may be needed if pillows or bedding could possibly fall near or on the heater.
• Have chimneys checked and/or cleaned to prevent fires.
• Dispose of ash from fireplaces in a non-combustible container outside of your home.
• Kitchen fires are the most frequent home fires in America. In cases of emergencies, have an approved fire extinguisher ready, and if cooking with grease, have a lid handy to cover and smother any fires.
• It is suggested that kitchen ovens NOT be used for heating purposes.
• Close foundation vents or crawl space entrances to your home.
• In cases when temperatures reach below freezing, remove water hoses from hydrants and leave water dripping from any indoor faucets.

A reminder to Osage Nation Employees: Office closings will no longer be dependent on local school closings. All closings will be announced thru the Osage Alerts program, which will be sent via text, email, or phone call to the specified contact number. This emergency alert system, known as Regroup, is available to the general public. Interested persons may sign up by going to the Osage Alerts webpage, which is on Osagenation-nsn.gov website. For people unable to use the Osage Alert program, office closing information may be received by calling 918-287-5555.