ROSEBUD – Emergency personnel responded to numerous calls from tribal citizens requesting assistance for help during several days of dangerous subzero temperatures and life-threatening wind chill warnings.
The Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) is activated by the tribe in response to severe weather. EPP has a plan in place to respond to calls. The public was notified on January 9 that EPP had been activated. Several public buildings invited local residents to shelter if needed. The Antelope, St. Francis and Parmelee community halls were open to the public. Hot meals and drinks were provided.
Robert Oliver was appointed to oversee the Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) to help the tribe get ready for inclement winter weather. He shared EPP plans with the tribal council at a meeting last week. Oliver reported a command center was set up at the Water Resources building and volunteers answered phone calls and completed request forms for local residents requesting assistance. Two lines were available for citizens to call (605) 747-2444 and (605) 747-2445.
EPP volunteers delivered wood to homes across the reservation. The staff also distributed a limited number of electric space heaters. The tribal council also authorized the purchase of additional electric heaters to assist citizens. In addition, the tribal council also approved action to provide one hundred gallons to homes that were completely out of propane.
The Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also distributed electric space heaters to homes on the Rosebud. An issue with housing units under the Sicangu Wicoti Awayankape (SWA) did not have adequate pipes and could not use their woodstoves. Many residents reported furnace problems when the cold arrived and the tribe assigned staff to investigate those heating issues.
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Highway Safety officers shared a Facebook post urging residents to stay home. The frigid temperatures and wind chills of up to minus fifty-one degrees resulted in motorists becoming stranded due to their vehicles being unable to function during the cold. Officers responded to stranded motorists on the highways.
On January 13, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire at the PaulMart Convenience Store in Rosebud. Fire personnel located the source of the fire and moved quickly to put it out. A subsequent Facebook post by a PaulMart employee, relayed a message from owner Paul H. Paulhamus stating the smoldering fire in the attic of the store was out and the store would reopen after cleaning.
The tribal council discussion on the EPP program is available for viewing on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s YouTube channel.
Sicangu News 
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