By Michael Shanks, Director, Business Development, Genasys Inc.
Facing complex challenges both in physical layout and dispersed population centers, tribal nations benefit when they have strong and effective emergency communications systems. Without this valuable resource, tribal officials are unable to disseminate lifesaving emergency information across vast reservation lands that may include housing, businesses, health and social centers, and guest hospitality services, like casinos and campgrounds.
Without adequate funding and up-to-date solutions, tribal communities remain vulnerable to emergency situations, underscoring the urgent need for tailored communication strategies that are reliable, inclusive, and accessible. By addressing these issues, tribal nations can enhance public safety for both residents and visitors, safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
The Challenges Created by the Unique Physical Layout of Many Tribal Reservations
Many reservations are located in remote or rural areas, where infrastructure is limited, making it difficult to quickly disseminate critical information during weather-related emergencies, such as wildfires, floods, and severe storms.
Additionally, the coordination between tribal governments, federal agencies, and neighboring communities can be complicated, leading to potential delays in response times. Cultural and linguistic diversity within tribal nations can also impact the effectiveness of traditional communication methods.
Consider these factors that make mass notifications and communications challenging in a fast-moving emergency event:
- Diverse infrastructure – Tribal nations feature a mix of housing, retail, schools, health services, casinos, and hotel/campgrounds, often spread over large geographic areas.
- Specific emergency scenarios – Communication systems must be versatile to handle a range of emergencies (e.g., public health, security, weather), as well as coordinating with surrounding agencies and first responders when necessary.
- Resident and visitor demographics – High volumes of visitors (tourists, event attendees) along with residents require comprehensive, multi-faceted communication systems.
- Challenging geography – Some reservations are located in remote, mountainous, or forested areas, complicating the deployment of traditional communication technologies.
Grant Opportunities and Support for Emergency Communications on Tribal Lands
There are federal and state grant programs designed to improve emergency communications and promote tribal government collaboration and partnership with regional and state agencies (e.g., Councils of Governments, state and local law enforcement). Genasys, partnering with Lexipol, enthusiastically supports state, county, and tribal nations in obtaining grant opportunities for emergency communications projects. Some opportunities include:
Genasys-Lexipol GrantFinder Partnership
Lexipol’s GrantFinder is a powerful tool designed to help local governments, tribal nations, and public safety agencies find and secure grant funding. Genasys partners with Lexipol to provide a real-time, online database of federal, state, and private grants, and the support required to identify opportunities and streamline the application process.
Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP)
This FEMA grant program provides funding to tribal governments to help them prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, including severe weather-related events.
Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
This FEMA grant helps state, local, tribal, and territorial governments enhance and sustain all-hazards emergency management capabilities, including communications.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov, an official U.S. government website, provides grant information on the full spectrum of federal grants, plus education on the process and system to access federal grant funds.
Challenges in Navigating the Grant Landscape
Negotiating the world of grant funding can be a logistical nightmare. Technical support from a company like Lexipol, partnering with Genasys, can help tribal nations apply for and manage grant funding. Genasys’s seasoned experts support clients in working through Lexipol when researching and applying for the grant funds that are available to enhance or establish a comprehensive emergency communications system on tribal lands.
Case Study: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe in Texas Adds Genasys ACOUSTICS
Working with Genasys, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas secured grant funding to enhance safety for tribal residents, businesses, and visitors, by building a resilient emergency communication infrastructure. This project was a collaborative success integrating the Tribe’s existing Genasys ALERT and overall emergency system with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments’ multi-county alerting systems, including the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
Genasys ACOUSTICS was deployed to provide clear and highly audible voice messaging through strategically located outdoor acoustics towers. During weather-related emergencies and other crises, these well-positioned devices reliably communicate information across 4,500 acres and are solar powered when network connectivity is unavailable.
Along with the previously deployed Genasys ALERT multi-channel mass notification software solution, the tribe created a wide spectrum emergency notification system that is fully integrated with surrounding county and state agencies.
This project serves as an excellent blueprint or model for other tribes seeking similar grant-funded emergency communications solutions to keep their citizens safe.
Conclusion
With the increasing frequency of weather-related emergencies from severe thunderstorms, flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, and more, tribal nations must build resilient, state-of-the-art communication systems where every message is delivered clearly. By enhancing crisis planning and readiness and collaborating with nearby agencies, tribes can protect their communities as well as the visitors they attract to their gaming and hospitality venues.
Additionally, accessing federal and state grant funding opportunities can make tech-forward communication systems more attainable for tribal nations. Take advantage of grant funding solutions and contact Genasys for expert support in emergency communications solutions and grant funding opportunities.
