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Emergency Management Services

Emergency Management Services

Mission Statement: To build strength and resiliency by enhancing sovereignty to be self-sufficient through education, preparedness and effective response efforts, while supporting the Burns Paiute Tribal Mission with cultural respect, dignity, and purpose.

Emergency Management Program

Objective: To prepare the Burns Paiute Community in the event of a natural or a man-made disasters and prepare for climate adaptation in our changing world.

Tribal Fire Services

Objective: Burns Paiute Public Safety – Fire Protection Services have initiated services to meet the responsibilities of fire protection for the Burns Paiute Indian Community, and mutual aid assistance to the surrounding communities. We will continue to work on Fire Mitigation efforts to prepare, prevent and recover from any event.

“Severe storms, freezing temperatures, hurricanes and heat waves are becoming more common throughout the world. In 2020, there were 457 weather-related fatalities in the United States. The leading cause of weather fatalities in the U.S. was extreme heat, followed by floods and tornadoes.

Seniors are at an especially high risk of experiencing injuries and illnesses related to natural disasters. An estimated 85% of older adults live with one or more chronic health conditions and reduced mobility These factors make dealing with power outages, extreme temperatures and emergency evacuations difficult.

Although we can’t prevent weather-related natural disasters, being prepared can make all the difference during an emergency. Being prepared means knowing what your personal risks are and the types of natural disasters that are likely to occur where you live.

In this guide, you’ll learn what you can do to stay safe during a disaster. You’ll discover helpful tips on preparing your home for extreme weather events and how to assess the risks in your region. You’ll also find disaster preparedness checklists for seniors and caregivers, as well as pet owners.”

Disaster Preparedness Guide

Wildfire Smoke Readiness & Response: Resources for Region 10 Tribes

Where to Find Real-Time Data

Fire & Smoke Map from EPA AirNow: Find PM2.5 levels, named fire locations, smoke plumes and links to Interagency Wildland Fire reports during wildfire events.Data from EPA and USFS.
AirNow – Air Quality Index: Current air quality data and recommendations for how to stay safe during different categories of air pollution
AirNow Wildfire Resources: Learn what to do before, during, and after smoke events
State Smoke Blogs: maintained by states and agencies to aggregate current smoke and air quality information and health recommendations

Washington Oregon Idaho Alaska

Current Burn Bans and Air Quality Advisories for Reservations in OR, ID, and WA
Smoke Sense App: smoke/fire data, safety tips, option to report symptoms

Tools for Outreach & Keeping People Safe

Wildfire Smoke and Personal Health: EPA factsheets and guidance on smoke’s health impacts
#SmokeReady Tools: Tailorable graphics and social media posts by NW Air Quality Communicators
Interagency Wildfire Air Quality Response Program: compilation of information on smoke readiness
FEMA Wildfire Safety Outreach Kit: safety and preparedness messages for social media
EPA’s wildfire and indoor air resources
EPA Guidance: how to create a room with cleaner indoor air
- EPA Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home: how to select an air cleaner for your space
- Videos on Do-It-Yourself Air Cleaners
  - WA Dept. of Ecology model one filter and a box fan
  - Colville Tribes model uses two filters and a box fan
  - Let’s Clear the Air – Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke: Video by Aleknagik Traditional Council and Alaska partners
- Wildfire Smoke – A Guide for Public Health Officials: Information on health effects of smoke, air quality impacts, and strategies for reducing exposure
- Smoke Ready Toolkits: A set of physical tools (box fan, filter, draft guards, etc.) to educate and prepare people to reduce exposure to smoke, created by Tribal Healthy Homes Network
- Coping with the Stress of Wildfire Smoke from AirNow/EPA
- Protect your pets and your large animals and livestock during smoke events

Schools & Children’s Health

Resources on smoke and children’s healthfor clinicians and communities from the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU): posters, fact sheets, trainings.
Factsheet on protecting children from wildfire smoke and ash
Air Pollution and School Activities Guide from Washington State

EPA Region 10 Contacts:

Erin McTigue, Smoke Management Coordinator: [email protected], 206-553-1254
Sandra Brozusky, Tribal Air Team Lead, [email protected], 206-553-5317
Althea Godfrey, FARR Compliance, Burn Ban Lead, [email protected], 206-553-1604

Wildfire and Smoke Season

Suzanne Settle, Emergency Manager

(Use the camera function on your smartphone to access the QR codes. If the links do not work, type the address in on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.)

QR Code for https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/

Air Now “Be Smoke Ready” message.

Plan Ahead: Stock up; Give yourself more time; Talk with Healthcare Provider; Prepare.

If you live in an area where the wildfire risk is high, take steps now to prepare for fire season. Being prepared for fire season is especially important for the health of children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.

For More information: