Ever wondered what goes into true emergency preparedness? The Chehalis Tribe is setting a new standard! They recently demonstrated a state-of-the-art, rapid-deployment shelter system designed to protect their community from any crisis. This isn’t just a tent; it’s a mobile command center, triage unit, or safe haven. Are other communities ready to follow suit?
The Chehalis Tribal Emergency Management Team recently showcased an innovative rapid-deployment shelter system, marking a significant stride in enhancing the community’s disaster readiness and resilience against a spectrum of potential crises. This demonstration underscored the tribe’s proactive approach to ensuring robust protective measures are in place for its members and the wider region.
Held at the Tribal Administration Center in Oakville on Friday, August 22, the event featured the Deployed Logic (DLX) ASAP Shelter system. This cutting-edge, portable unit is specifically engineered to provide immediate, secure, and climate-controlled refuge, capable of being erected within minutes, a crucial advantage during unfolding emergencies and central to effective **emergency preparedness**.
The demonstration was expertly led by Tribal Emergency Manager Clint Davis and Emergency Management Coordinator Cal Bray, with invaluable support from Mark Punzel of Deployed Logic. Their collaborative effort highlighted the strategic partnership essential for integrating advanced technologies into tribal emergency protocols, fostering a culture of readiness for the **Chehalis Tribe**.
Measuring 18 by 12 feet, the **ASAP Shelter System** boasts an integrated HVAC unit, ensuring a comfortable environment regardless of external conditions. Its flexible design allows for diverse applications, serving as a temporary Emergency Operations Center, a vital medical triage site, or a much-needed community shelter during various disaster scenarios. This versatility is paramount for comprehensive **disaster response**.
As articulated by Tribal Emergency Manager Clint Davis, the system is fundamentally designed to provide “rapid capability in almost any environment,” emphasizing its role in establishing a “secure, comfortable, and functional space within minutes.” This commitment extends to an “all-hazards” readiness, equipping the community with necessary tools for natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other critical events, showcasing strong tribal initiatives in safety.
The Chehalis Tribe’s investment in this advanced response technology garnered significant praise from regional leaders, including Chief Carlton Rhodes of Grays Harbor Fire District 1 and Chief Nathan Drake of West Thurston Regional Fire Authority. They emphasized the increasing criticality of regional coordination amid growing wildfire risks, severe weather patterns, and infrastructure challenges, recognizing the tribe as a vital partner in regional resilience.
Chief Drake specifically lauded the initiative as a “prime example of forward-thinking preparedness,” asserting that such systems “strengthens the resilience of the entire region.” The event also saw attendance from key emergency management figures like Daniel Ravenel from the Quinault Nation and Jackie LaVerne from The Evergreen State College, further solidifying inter-agency collaboration. The Tribal Public Safety team reinforced **community safety** and engagement by hosting a gathering, distributing fire blankets alongside refreshments, embodying a holistic approach to preparedness.
