Partial burn ban begins Aug. 5
Due to rising fire danger, the Suquamish Tribe, in cooperation with the Kitsap fire Marshal office, is imposing a Phase I Partial ban on most outdoor burning starting at midnight Aug 5, 2022, until further notice.
Under the Phase I – Partial Burn Ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited except for small recreational fires, cooking, or ceremonial fires within approved devices and safe locations.
Approved devices for open fires include fire pits made with non-combustible material, placed on a fire-resistant surface, and not to exceed 36 inches in diameter. Barbecue grills fueled with charcoal are also permitted.
Open recreational fires must be located at least 25 feet from any structures and contained within a designated fire pit. Fires shall not exceed 2 feet and may not be used as a substitute for burning yard debris.
Local fire districts have seen recent increases in fire responses with an early start to the wildfire season throughout Western Washington. Higher than normal temperatures are likely to continue and lower than normal amounts of rain are predicted over the next few weeks, worsening fire risk in a landscape that’s already dry. Escaped outdoor fires are the leading cause of wildfires, sparking nearly 85% of all blazes.
We’re asking the community to be aware of the sharp increase in fire danger with fireworks and other sources and work with us to prevent dangerous vegetation fires by ensuring open burning is only in a clear area with a water source and/or fire extinguisher(s) readily available.
For further information regarding the burn ban please contact Eric Quitslund, Office of Emergency Management Operations officer at equitslund@suquamish.nsn.us.
Emergency responders deploy new communications gear
Suquamish Tribe Police and Emergency Management staff are now using new cell phones and a service provider that will allow them to communicate better during emergencies.
Part of the FirstNet platform, the service gives public safety officials encrypted front-of-the-line access to cell phone networks during high network congestion.
“That means our calls, texts, and data will still get through even when cell coverage is overwhelmed by other traffic,” said Cherrie May, the Tribe’s Emergency Management Director “It also means we’ll be able to communicate with other local, state, and federal agencies during major disasters as well.”
The new service also provides enhanced coverage in urban and rural areas, as well as stronger signal strength, with greater penetration into buildings.
FirstNet is part of a partnership between AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority, a nationwide program developed in the wake of the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks when phone lines were quickly overwhelmed and first responders struggled to communicate with each other.
“When considering the transfer to this service, we conducted extensive field testing in collaboration with the Police Department to verify adequate coverage and service reliability,” said Emergency Management Operations Officer Eric Quitslund. “We found the FirstNet service to have broader coverage, stronger signal strength, and much more reliable service throughout the Reservation, as well as all the areas patrolled by the Police Department’s Marine Division.”
COVID-19 Surge Update: When to get tested, what do if you get sick
Suquamish Tribe’s Community Health Manager Dr. Barbara Hoffman provides an update on the latest COVID-19 surge now hitting the community, with details on when you should get tested and what to do if you or a family member gets sick.
Suquamish Tribe COVID-19 Response Update
Tribal Council and Suquamish government leaders are closely tracking the spike in Omicron infections that is sweeping the entire country and is sickening people here on the Port Madison Indian Reservation.
We are taking action, and we are asking that you do also. Please take these steps to protect yourself and those who are unable to get vaccinated, especially our youngest children:
- If you aren’t well, please get tested and isolate yourself from others.
- If you are a close contact with someone who has COVID, please wait five days and then get tested.
- Testing is available free to all Tribal members and their households, as well as government staff and PME employees, at the Tribal Center, every weekday from 8:30am to noon.
- The ELC tested staff and students and will reopen Jan. 5 with limited hours, 9am – 4pm. CKA tested all staff and students and has reopened.
- All Tribal services are by appointment only or via curbside pick-up this week. Non-essential Tribal government staff are asked to work from home.
- Vaccinations and boosters are our best protection. Please make sure you and all family members are fully vaccinated and boosted if eligible. Make a vaccination appointment at: https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov
- Children age 12 and up are eligible for vaccinations and can get boosters if their second dose was at least 6 months ago.
- Children age 5 and up should get vaccinated. Please check with your health care provider if you have concerns about getting your child vaccinated.
- Avoid gathering indoors with anyone outside your household. Keep your “bubble” small.
- Wear N-95 masks, or two layers of other masks, when outside your bubble.
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
- Tribe Emergency Management has ordered additional home test kits. We will notify you via SUN alert when they are available.
These steps worked to help reduce the impact on the Tribal community so far. Now we need to put these steps to work again while Omicron burns through the community.
Acting together we can protect vulnerable members of our family and community.
More background information
The Omicron variant is much more catching, and the numbers infected are doubling every few days. We’ll have information on the number of positive cases tested by Tribal Community Health later this week.
Some people are less concerned about Omicron because it is said to be less deadly. Still, hospitals around the state are filling up with very sick people. In most cases, but not all cases, those getting very ill or dying are people who are not vaccinated.
The Tribe has an adequate supply of PCR tests, but is asking those who are not ill or a close contact, to hold off on testing during this time.
tix̌ix̌dubut čəxʷ (take care of yourself)
Tribe Strengthens COVID-19 Quarantine & Isolation Guidelines
NEW COVID-19 Quarantine & Isolation Guidelines
Effective, 12/23/21
The Suquamish Tribe has updated COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation guidelines in light of recent updates to CDC criteria, increased local positivity rates, and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, please contact your health care provider.
COVID Testing – Testing is closed during the Tribe’s Winter Break, through Jan. 3, 2022. Please click here for alternative testing sites.
Testing through Community Health staff will resume Jan. 4, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12 noon without an appointment. Results are typically known within 48 hours. For more information, contact Community Health at 360-394-8469.
What to do while you Quarantine (When you are exposed but have no symptoms of COVID-19)
- Fully vaccinated/unvaccinated individuals exposed to a close contact event and who are asymptomatic (no symptoms), must quarantine for 14 days and should complete a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test 3-5 days following.
- Fully vaccinated/unvaccinated individuals who remain asymptomatic throughout the duration of their quarantine may leave quarantine on day seven (7) or later at the discretion of the local health jurisdiction, if they:
- Have received a negative PCR test on day five (5) or later and remain symptom free;
- Monitor for symptoms and wear a mask when within any indoor setting for the full 14 days;
- Immediately self-isolate if symptoms develop and get tested with a PCR test;
- They may leave quarantine on day 10 if no PCR test is performed.
- Continue to follow all travel, masking, and physical distancing recommendations. Residents of health care on congregate settings will follow agency policy.
- Fully vaccinated/unvaccinated individuals who become symptomatic, should complete a PCR test and immediately self-isolate following the onset of symptoms. Next steps will be determined based on the testing outcome.Fully vaccinated individuals who do not quarantine should wear a mask indoors and when in public spaces for 14 days following Close Contact exposure.
While in Quarantine
- Monitor for symptoms, fever greater than 100.4° F, cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms. CDC COVID-19 Self-Checker (Scroll ½ way down page)
- If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
After Quarantine
- Monitor for symptoms for an additional 14 days following exposure.
- If symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider.
What to do while in Isolation (When you separate from others because you are infected and/or have symptoms of COVID-19)
Those in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area, and use a separate bathroom (if available).
- Monitor for symptoms. If experiencing an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
- Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Wear a mask when around other people if able.
Reference: What to do if you are sick and How to notify your contacts.
Definitions
Asymptomatic – Refers to an individual who is infected by the disease but does not display any of the clinical symptoms know to be associated with the disease.
Standard Terminology
Close Contact – Exposure occurs when someone has been within 6 feet of an individual infected with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Indirect contact without the combination of close proximity and duration does not constitute close contact exposure.
Fully Vaccinated – Defines an individual who has received their full regiment of vaccine dosages and is at least two weeks post completion of their final vaccination. Though booster vaccinations are not yet considered part of the full vaccination definition, boosters are strongly encouraged.
Infected – An individual who is sick with and/or has tested positive for COVID-19; they may or may not be symptomatic.
Isolation – To physically separate a person infected with COVID-19 from people not infected to prevent the spread of disease; a person need not be symptomatic to warrant isolation.
Quarantine – To separate and restrict the movement of persons who are not symptomatic but may have been exposed to a communicable disease, to prevent close contacts that will spread disease.
Reference
CEMP: Appendix I.2, Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines CDC Quarantine and Isolation Recommendations
Home COVID-19 test kits available to Suquamish Tribe members
COVID-19 home test kits are now available to Suquamish Tribal member households.
This QuickVue home test is authorized for nonprescription home use for individuals aged 2 years or older. The test can be used within 6-days of symptom onset. Or, for those without symptoms or other medical reasons to suspect COVID-19 infection, it can be used when tested twice over three days with at least 24 hours (and no more than 48 hours) between tests.
Kits may be picked up at Wellness, Tribal Child Welfare, Human Services, Chief Kitsap Academy, Early Learning Center, Suquamish Police Department, and through the Elders Program.
You can learn more about the home test kit here.
Meanwhile, Suquamish Tribe’s Community Health COVID-19 testing station is open M-F 8:30-12:00. This free drive-thru clinic is open to all Tribal members and their households, as well as Tribal government staff and enterprise employees.
The Community Health testing station will be closed during the government holiday beginning Dec. 24 and will reopen on Jan. 4.
During that time, testing is available at a variety of locations in the area, including those listed here.
Tribal Government Inclement Weather Guidelines
Purpose – Employee safety is a priority for the Suquamish Tribe. Work closures, delays and early dismissals due to weather, road conditions and power outages are always a possibility during periods of inclement weather. These guidelines outline when closures and or delays will be implemented and outline how the Tribe will notify employees and the community when this occurs.
Click here to download this guide as a PDF.
Inclement Weather Planning – Emergency Management staff will monitor National Weather Service advisories for possible changes in conditions and weather-related events. When inclement weather is forecast, the following factors will be considered to determine if the predicted impacts to Tribal Government Operations will warrant the need for closures, delays, or early dismissals:
- Type of weather event;
- Strength of wind;
- Temperatures;
- Amount of rain or snowfall, and
- Potential for power outages.
Emergency Management with Executive Director (s) will review the North Kitsap School District delay/closure determination with the on-duty Public Safety Officer(s) recommendation of Port Madison Indian Reservation roadway conditions to determine safe government opening or delay/closures during Inclement Weather Incidents.
Operational Decision & Notification – Upon determining the need to modify schedules or close Tribal offices and services, all efforts will be made to notify employees. Examples of communication mediums include: A Weather Information Line that will include an outgoing message modified to reflect the closure or delay, the Suquamish Tribe website, and other electronic platforms endorsed by the Tribe for conveying such information. Department Directors will be expected to notify their team members.
In the event of weather-related closures, delays, or early dismissals, notifications will be initiated by 5:45 am when possible using the following mediums:
- Website – When posted, government office closures and delay information may be found via an alert on the Tribe’s website at suquamish.nsn.us.
- Email –An “All Staff” message may also be sent via the Tribe’s email system. If your email is not listed with the Suquamish Tribe, notify the Human Resources Department to have it added.
- Text Alerts – Sign up for test alerts at the link https://suquamish.nsn.us/suqumaihs-updates-now/. NOTE: All government employees should sign up for the SUN as it is the most reliable way to reach you in the event of any emergency.
- Weather Information Line –When activated, call (360) 394-8670 for the latest information on Tribal Government closures and delays.
- Media –Inclement weather notifications will be posted on the Suquamish Tribe’s Facebook page. For government office and school closures, Radio stations such as KITZ 1400 AM, KIRO 710 AM, KRPM 1090, KOMO 1000 AM, KPLU 88.5, KUOW 94.5, KJR 95.7, and KLSY 92.5 and local television stations KOMO TV 4, KING TV 5, KIRO TV 7, and KCPQ TV 13 will be announcing schedule changes after 6 am. Schools will be operating on normal schedules when no announcement has been made.
Employees should not call individual office or school phones since staff will not likely be available to answer. The above communication modes will be the most reliable means to obtain the status of government offices, schools, and Tribal services.
Types of Closures or Delays
When Trial government offices are open and operating as they normally would, no announcement will be made and employees are expected to report to work at their normally scheduled time.
- Office Closure – If Tribal Government Offices close due to inclement weather, employees capable of working remotely are required to do so. Upon reopening, all employees are expected to return to work. If an employee needs time off to tend to repairs or damage beyond the norm, normal leave of absence policies will apply. In these cases, employees should stay in close communication with their supervisor to ensure the time off is properly accounted for. Some departments or services are considered essential, and are not subject to office closure guidelines i.e., Public Safety and Tribal Gaming. Check with your Department Director, or Supervisor to determine if your position is required to report to work during inclement weather conditions.
- School Closure– If Chief Kitsap Academy or the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center is closed due to inclement weather, all school transportation, meetings, field trips, after-school activities, practices will be canceled for the day unless otherwise specifically announced. All evening meetings/functions scheduled to take place in facilities will also be canceled.
- Two-Hour Delay– If there is a two-hour delayed start, employees are expected to report to their work shift accordingly.
If employed by Chief Kitsap Academy, or Early Learning Center, the following schedule changes may apply:
- In the case of a two-hour delay, the ELC will open at 9:30am, and all ELC staff will work 9:30am to 5pm.
- Transportation will run 2 hours late
- No breakfast programs (ELC Children will be fed upon arrival, regardless of start time)
- No out-of-reservation boundaries transportation
- No before school activities
In extreme conditions, the Chief Kitsap Academy or Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center may be closed after the Tribal government has announced a two-hour delay due to further deterioration of the weather or students may be released early. Parents should have a back-up plan if this happens. Release and transportation impacts including modified snow routes, or alternate bus stop impacts will be communicated to parents by CKA or ELC.
When snow routes are activated, official notification will be sent out with a link to Snow Routes. Snow Routes are posted by November 1st each year on the Snow Routes (insert link) page of the Transportation Department website. Transportation Services will send out a phone alert when only a few bus stops have been changed.
You may reach Transportation Services at (360) 394-8578 for ELC services beginning November 2021, The ELC is not providing bus transportation OR for CKA Services (360) 394-8566 for questions regarding alternate bus stops or delays in service.
- Early Release– Should inclement weather occur during the workday; Tribal leadership will make the determination regarding what time the government will close. The Tribe may use discretion when determining closure leave eligibility.
Map of CKA Snow Route Stops
