Working to safeguard life and property from all hazards and threats, and to protect the culture and economy of the Chickasaw Nation, emergency management is committed to serving citizens who need emergency assistance. Through planning, preparation and a variety of resources, the emergency management team is ready to respond and protect citizens during times of natural disasters and other catastrophic, unexpected events. The CNEM team coordinates with local, state and federal disaster relief and public safety entities, both within and outside the Chickasaw Nation.
History and Description
Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management (CNEM) was established July 31, 2017, with the goal to provide a comprehensive and integrated system to help save lives, prevent injuries, protect property and preserve the Chickasaw Nation’s invaluable cultural and economic resources in the event of a major emergency or disaster.
Unique in design, it is a “department without walls.” CNEM coordinates with other tribal departments, surrounding jurisdictions, state and federal agencies and volunteer and community groups to help ensure all available resources and personnel are identified and coordinated during major emergency situations.
Service Area
The Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management service area includes the Chickasaw Nation’s treaty territory of 7,648 square miles and encompasses 13 counties: Bryan, Carter, Coal, Garvin, Grady, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, McClain, Murray, Pontotoc and Stephens. CNEM is divided into three regions: central, northern and southern, with an emergency manager in each region. Additional administration and planning staff is located in the central region.
Programs
Search and rescue/canine (K-9) program includes one wilderness search detection canine and one human remains detection canine.
Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program includes licensed 107 drone pilots along with three unmanned aircrafts.
Links
National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/oun
Weather Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety
Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security: https://www.ok.gov/homeland/
Oklahoma Department of Health: https://www.ok.gov/health/
Related Documents
Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management Annual Report - FY2022
CNEM Precincts Map