Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE. With warm temperatures expected to arrive in the Akwesasne community on Thursday, February 17th; the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Management and Safety Office is notifying households located in flood areas of the potential for flooding. Households located in these areas are asked to monitor conditions and to plan accordingly.

It is important to remember that flooding often happens quickly and without much warning, so now is the time to take precautions and to prepare. Affected households should gather needed medication, several changes of clothing, as well as valuable documents or irreplaceable items.

For more information prior to any flooding, please visit the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s website.

Get Your ‘GO’ Bag Ready

A GO bag is a packed case that you grab on your way out the door that will help keep you safe and comfortable in the coming hours and days. Stopping to hunt for your medications or other important needs can cost you critical seconds in an evacuation. Pack a separate GO bag for yourself and every member of your household.

Basic Electronics

Pack an extra phone charger in case you’re fortunate enough to have electricity, and a portable battery pack in case you’re not. Also stash a long-lasting LED flashlight. Pack a small hand-cranked or battery operated AM/FM radio (with extra batteries).

Personal Needs

Personal toiletries, preferably travelsize versions of each. Pack backup eyeglasses, as well as a first-aid kit, baby wipes and a multipurpose tool with a knife and can opener.

Clothing

Pack at least 3 days’ worth. Include layers you can add or remove, plus lightweight rain gear and waterproof boots.

Your Meds

Pack about three days’ worth of each of your prescriptions, which should last until you can get to a pharmacy that’s open. If you need larger items, such as an oxygen tank, make sure you have a portable version.

The Perfect Bag

Think small and portable. A backpack is ideal, but a lightweight suitcase with wheels will also do. Just remember, you may literally be running with it.

Paperwork

Fill a zip-top waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate; driver’s license; Social Security and Medicare cards; power of attorney and will; any marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates; proof of address; insurance, medical and immunization records; and information about your credit and ATM cards.

Food and drink

Bottled water is essential. Granola or energy bars are great because they are small and filling, and they come in a variety of flavors.

Cash

In addition to enough money for a few days, include small bills and a roll of quarters. If you need to buy something out of a vending machine, you don’t want to start asking equally desperate strangers for change.

Pets

Bring a sufficient amount of food for your pets, any medications and other essential items they may need.

Please listen for further information and instructions on our local radio station 97.3fm CKON, as well as the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Facebook page.

We appreciate your cooperation and encourage effected residents to be proactive as we continue to monitor the situation.

If you require assistance, please call the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police at (518) 358-9200.