1/16/2008 12:06:00 PM Navajo Reservation on standby due to impending conditions from snow melt
Submitted by Navajo Nation Division of Health Special to the Observer
ST. MICHAELS - Eight Navajo Nation chapters have declared an emergency: Klagetoh, Inscription House, Wide Ruins, Belabito, Crystal, Sawmill, Black Mesa and Navajo Mountain. Apache County has also declared an emergency. Department of Emergency Management and other resources are on standby while these chapters are mitigating recovery issues related to snowmelt and using chapter emergency finds.
The Navajo Department of Transportation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, chapters, and Apache County have all been plowing snow-packed paved roads over the past week. Some county roads have been plowed including bus routes, and residential roads upon request.
All chapter communities in the weather impacted areas should report needs through the assessment forms that were faxed to them and return completed forms to Department of Emergency Management. All chapters in the weather impacted areas are encouraged to assess their communities, do visits, and use emergency funds to assist people in need.
Department of Emergency Management Program Director Jimson Joe, encouraged safety practices to avoid injuries. Joe also stressed that record keeping be enforced as to work schedules, how much road was plowed, how much assistance was given as well as damages from last week's snowstorm.
Communication is important for people in remote areas, for hunters and for all who leave the home site to get wood or just to travel.
There is a briefing with all Navajo Nation Departments every morning at 9 a.m. at Department of Emergency Management in Window Rock. They will continue to monitor conditions across the Navajo Nation. Resources that have been contacted will also be on standby.
The Department of Emergency Management's phone number is (928) 871?6892 and the fax number is (928) 871?7569.
