CRST 2010 Disaster Relief
For Immediate Release
Eagle Butte, SD (January 30, 2010) - The Cheyenne River Reservation located in the State of South Dakota, homeland of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is currently facing an emergency situation due to an ice storm that crippled the electrical and water infrastructure. Though the ice storm has passed, the water and power system remains challenged and several Reservation communities have been without power for over ten (10) days. Moreover, a bitterly cold weather system is expected to come in by Sunday evening.
Therefore, the Tribe continues to operate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate communications, relief efforts, and resource distribution. The phone numbers for the EOC have been changed to (605) 964-1313 and (605) 964-1314 and the location has moved to the Cheyenne River Sioux Cable Television office on Main St. in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.
Though some communities have a water supply, please be advised to boil all water before drinking. The Tribe has organized an emergency water distribution to the East End of the Reservation today. Tomorrow, an emergency water distribution will be coming into the West End communities. More information will be forthcoming regarding emergency water distribution to the communities outside of Eagle Butte over the next week. Any resulting sewage or pipe damage from the breakdown in the water system should be reported to the Emergency Operations Center.
Emergency shelters in Eagle Butte, Cherry Creek, La Plant, Swiftbird, Red Scaffold, Takini, Bear Creek, Timber Lake, and Whitehorse have been converted into Emergency Shelter/Distribution Centers. These Centers will distribute goods and supplies that are essential to surviving the winter and the impending cold front. A large amount of supplies will be delivered to these Centers tomorrow.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been opened up for business for all qualifying residents of the Reservation. Please call the office directly to address your energy needs.
As of Sunday, January 31, 2010, the (605) 964-7711 and (605) 964-7712 telephone numbers will revert to their regular use for the Indian Health Service Ambulance Service and will direct callers to the new phone number for the EOC. For all other emergencies such as medical or law enforcement emergencies, please call 911.
Contact:
Natalie Stites
Information Officer
Incident Command
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
(605) 964-1313
(715) 896-0158 (c)
Anita Thompson
LIHEAP Director
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
(605) 964-8384 office
For Immediate Release:
Eagle Butte, SD- The Cheyenne River Reservation located in the State of South Dakota, homeland of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is currently facing an emergency situation due to an ice storm that has crippled the electrical and water infrastructure. The Tribe is coordinating with state and federal agencies to address the needs of individuals on the reservation being impacted by this crisis. Emergency shelters have been established at Eagle Butte, Cherry Creek, La Plant, Swiftbird, Red Scaffold, Takini, Timber Lake, and Whitehorse . Due to the possibility of prolonged power outages and bitterly cold temperatures, all people in need of warmth, food, and water should move to their nearest shelter. Although the reservation water delivery has been damaged, the water left in the system is still safe to drink and use. Tribal Chairman Joe Brings Plenty has imposed an 8 PM curfew. In order to best coordinate communications, relief efforts, and resource distribution, the Tribe has established an Emergency Operations Center. If you are in need of assistance or have important information please call (605) 964-7711 or (605) 964-7712. For all other emergencies such as medical or law enforcement emergencies please call 911.
XXX
Press Release - January 27, 2010
DISASTER DECLARED ON THE CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX INDIAN RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Severe Ice Storms and Freezing Temperatures Have Knocked Down 3,000 Utility Poles - Tribal Residents Have Been without Electricity, Heat, and Running Water for Six Days The Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has declared a state of emergency in central South Dakota, an Indian reservation approximately the size of Connecticut with nearly 15,000 Tribal members. The Tribe is still awaiting a Presidential disaster declaration. Days of ice storms and strong winds have downed over 3,000 utility poles across the reservation. Thousands of already impoverished tribal residents have been without electricity or heat for five days, with wind chill factors well below zero. Experts estimate it may be as long as a month before all areas have electricity restored. "Making matters much worse" said Tribal Chairman Joe Brings Plenty, "the loss of electricity has also knocked out the Reservation's aging water system. We have no running water on the entire Reservation, it is also affecting off Reservation communities such Faith, whose water is supplied from pipes running through the Reservation." The Tribe is working hard to bring families in out of the cold into shelters. The South Dakota National Guard, the State's Department of Public Safety as well as the Army Corps of Engineers have come to the reservation and supplied some emergency generators. The Tribe would especially like to thank Wal-Mart for providing emergency food and supplies, and the Navajo Nation for sending up a tribal utility crew to help with the downed electrical lines. However, much more assistance is still needed. No one facility can host a shelter large enough for all the Tribal residents; additional generators are needed to set up additional shelters. The Tribe's one and only grocery store has lost all its perishables, additional food is needed. And dialysis patients have had to be evacuated to Rapid City. As electricity is restored and immediate safety and survival needs are met, the Chairman worries perhaps the most about the long term effects of having lost their water system in this crisis. The water intake and distribution system has already been at capacity for decades. In addition to the severe health and safety issues the Tribe now faces, it remains one of the biggest impediments to economic development on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. "For years we have had a complete ban on any new housing or business building because we don't have the water infrastructure to support it. This crisis has exacerbated an already impossible situation."
The Chairman further stated "We have been trying to get this water system replaced for decades. It is a public shame for any community in America to be without safe drinking water. I hope our friends in Washington, DC are listening; this is a life and death situation here. Help us protect our families, and help us create jobs and open up our stifled economy for tomorrow." For further information: Joe Brings Plenty, Tribal Chairman (605) 964-4155 Leo Fischer, Tri-County/Mni Waste Water System (605) 365-6940
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Incident Command System Public Information Officer: Natalie Stites
(715) 896-0158 cell
natalie.stites@gmail.com
CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE EMERGENCY WATER DISTRIBUTION ON JANUARY 28, 2010
Eagle Butte, South Dakota (January 27, 2010)
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is coordinating an emergency water distribution system throughout the entire Cheyenne River Reservation on January 28, 2010. Each household is advised to bring their own sanitary water containers to the water distribution sites, and larger containers are recommended but not required. The following communities will have emergency water distribution according to the following schedule (approximate times):
West End East End
Lantry 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Green Grass 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Bear Creek 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. On the Tree Church 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Thunder Butte 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. White Horse 11:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Iron Lightening 1:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Promise Day School 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Red Scaffold 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Blackfoot 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Takini 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Swift Bird 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Bridger 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Ridgeview 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Currently, there are water tanks available in Eagle Butte. Additional water tanks will be placed in the communities of Cherry Creek, La Plant and Isabel. The town of Dupree has secured water supply through the state and is water secure. Though the water system is expected to be restored by the evening of January 28th, the water is not suitable for drinking and should be boiled, according to the Tri-County Water Association/Mni Waste', which is local water supply system for the Reservation.
For Immediate Release
Eagle Butte, SD (January 30, 2010) - The Cheyenne River Reservation located in the State of South Dakota, homeland of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is currently facing an emergency situation due to an ice storm that crippled the electrical and water infrastructure. Though the ice storm has passed, the water and power system remains challenged and several Reservation communities have been without power for over ten (10) days. Moreover, a bitterly cold weather system is expected to come in by Sunday evening.
Therefore, the Tribe continues to operate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate communications, relief efforts, and resource distribution. The phone numbers for the EOC have been changed to (605) 964-1313 and (605) 964-1314 and the location has moved to the Cheyenne River Sioux Cable Television office on Main St. in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.
Though some communities have a water supply, please be advised to boil all water before drinking. The Tribe has organized an emergency water distribution to the East End of the Reservation today. Tomorrow, an emergency water distribution will be coming into the West End communities. More information will be forthcoming regarding emergency water distribution to the communities outside of Eagle Butte over the next week. Any resulting sewage or pipe damage from the breakdown in the water system should be reported to the Emergency Operations Center.
Emergency shelters in Eagle Butte, Cherry Creek, La Plant, Swiftbird, Red Scaffold, Takini, Bear Creek, Timber Lake, and Whitehorse have been converted into Emergency Shelter/Distribution Centers. These Centers will distribute goods and supplies that are essential to surviving the winter and the impending cold front. A large amount of supplies will be delivered to these Centers tomorrow.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been opened up for business for all qualifying residents of the Reservation. Please call the office directly to address your energy needs.
As of Sunday, January 31, 2010, the (605) 964-7711 and (605) 964-7712 telephone numbers will revert to their regular use for the Indian Health Service Ambulance Service and will direct callers to the new phone number for the EOC. For all other emergencies such as medical or law enforcement emergencies, please call 911.
Contact:
Natalie Stites
Information Officer
Incident Command
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
(605) 964-1313
(715) 896-0158 (c)
Anita Thompson
LIHEAP Director
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
(605) 964-8384 office
For Immediate Release:
Eagle Butte, SD- The Cheyenne River Reservation located in the State of South Dakota, homeland of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is currently facing an emergency situation due to an ice storm that has crippled the electrical and water infrastructure. The Tribe is coordinating with state and federal agencies to address the needs of individuals on the reservation being impacted by this crisis. Emergency shelters have been established at Eagle Butte, Cherry Creek, La Plant, Swiftbird, Red Scaffold, Takini, Timber Lake, and Whitehorse . Due to the possibility of prolonged power outages and bitterly cold temperatures, all people in need of warmth, food, and water should move to their nearest shelter. Although the reservation water delivery has been damaged, the water left in the system is still safe to drink and use. Tribal Chairman Joe Brings Plenty has imposed an 8 PM curfew. In order to best coordinate communications, relief efforts, and resource distribution, the Tribe has established an Emergency Operations Center. If you are in need of assistance or have important information please call (605) 964-7711 or (605) 964-7712. For all other emergencies such as medical or law enforcement emergencies please call 911.
XXX
Press Release - January 27, 2010
DISASTER DECLARED ON THE CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX INDIAN RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Severe Ice Storms and Freezing Temperatures Have Knocked Down 3,000 Utility Poles - Tribal Residents Have Been without Electricity, Heat, and Running Water for Six Days The Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has declared a state of emergency in central South Dakota, an Indian reservation approximately the size of Connecticut with nearly 15,000 Tribal members. The Tribe is still awaiting a Presidential disaster declaration. Days of ice storms and strong winds have downed over 3,000 utility poles across the reservation. Thousands of already impoverished tribal residents have been without electricity or heat for five days, with wind chill factors well below zero. Experts estimate it may be as long as a month before all areas have electricity restored. "Making matters much worse" said Tribal Chairman Joe Brings Plenty, "the loss of electricity has also knocked out the Reservation's aging water system. We have no running water on the entire Reservation, it is also affecting off Reservation communities such Faith, whose water is supplied from pipes running through the Reservation." The Tribe is working hard to bring families in out of the cold into shelters. The South Dakota National Guard, the State's Department of Public Safety as well as the Army Corps of Engineers have come to the reservation and supplied some emergency generators. The Tribe would especially like to thank Wal-Mart for providing emergency food and supplies, and the Navajo Nation for sending up a tribal utility crew to help with the downed electrical lines. However, much more assistance is still needed. No one facility can host a shelter large enough for all the Tribal residents; additional generators are needed to set up additional shelters. The Tribe's one and only grocery store has lost all its perishables, additional food is needed. And dialysis patients have had to be evacuated to Rapid City. As electricity is restored and immediate safety and survival needs are met, the Chairman worries perhaps the most about the long term effects of having lost their water system in this crisis. The water intake and distribution system has already been at capacity for decades. In addition to the severe health and safety issues the Tribe now faces, it remains one of the biggest impediments to economic development on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. "For years we have had a complete ban on any new housing or business building because we don't have the water infrastructure to support it. This crisis has exacerbated an already impossible situation."
The Chairman further stated "We have been trying to get this water system replaced for decades. It is a public shame for any community in America to be without safe drinking water. I hope our friends in Washington, DC are listening; this is a life and death situation here. Help us protect our families, and help us create jobs and open up our stifled economy for tomorrow." For further information: Joe Brings Plenty, Tribal Chairman (605) 964-4155 Leo Fischer, Tri-County/Mni Waste Water System (605) 365-6940
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Incident Command System Public Information Officer: Natalie Stites
(715) 896-0158 cell
natalie.stites@gmail.com
CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE EMERGENCY WATER DISTRIBUTION ON JANUARY 28, 2010
Eagle Butte, South Dakota (January 27, 2010)
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is coordinating an emergency water distribution system throughout the entire Cheyenne River Reservation on January 28, 2010. Each household is advised to bring their own sanitary water containers to the water distribution sites, and larger containers are recommended but not required. The following communities will have emergency water distribution according to the following schedule (approximate times):
West End East End
Lantry 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Green Grass 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Bear Creek 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. On the Tree Church 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Thunder Butte 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. White Horse 11:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Iron Lightening 1:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Promise Day School 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Red Scaffold 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Blackfoot 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Takini 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Swift Bird 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Bridger 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Ridgeview 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Currently, there are water tanks available in Eagle Butte. Additional water tanks will be placed in the communities of Cherry Creek, La Plant and Isabel. The town of Dupree has secured water supply through the state and is water secure. Though the water system is expected to be restored by the evening of January 28th, the water is not suitable for drinking and should be boiled, according to the Tri-County Water Association/Mni Waste', which is local water supply system for the Reservation.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has set up an online account on Piryx.com and all monetary donations can be made there. THANK YOU!
https://secure.piryx.com/donate/0oFFsK8c/Cheyenn-River-Sioux-Tribe/
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