KNNB Radio Gears Up for Emergency Preparedness

By Kyler Edsitty

[Whiteriver, AZ, July 18, 2024] –With its radio studio near the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, the KNNB staff are no strangers to annual severe weather situations like wildfire, snowstorms, and flooding. The White Mountain Apache Reservation is just two hours away from the San Carlos Apache Reservation where the Watch Fire burned hundreds of acres. In 2002, the White Mountain Apache Tribe suffered devastation from one of the largest fires in Arizona, the Rodeo-Cheseski Fire. Hundreds of Tribal citizens suffered from the this fire, an event that could happen in other tribal homelands.

"We take our role in the community very seriously, and being ready for emergencies is very important," remarked Ellen Clay, Station Manager at KNNB. "The Emergency Operations training was informative and eye-opening but also established job security during emergencies. My biggest fear is that the station will be gone, and our employees will need to find jobs elsewhere."  

In a significant step towards enhancing community safety and resilience, KNNB, a popular local radio station based in Whiteriver, AZ, on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, recently completed comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) training. Native Public Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Tribal broadcasters, developed the curriculum and provided this training to the station.

The training covered various crucial topics, including an overview of standard emergency management phases used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The EOP training also equips staff with essential skills to prevent, prepare, respond, and recover from natural and human-made disasters. It also helps stations to respond to human-made emergencies like vandalism and theft that could affect station operations. During crises, Tribal radio stations are the community's lifeline, providing crucial information to protect their community members. They must remain operational during disasters, a lesson covered by NPM's EOP training.

Looking ahead, KNNB plans to conduct regular drills and update its EOP to ensure ongoing readiness. The station is exploring partnerships with local emergency management agencies and first responders to enhance their capabilities and community outreach efforts.

As communities continue to face various challenges due to climate change, the proactive stance taken by KNNB serves as a shining example of how broadcasters can contribute to public safety and community resilience. With its staff members equipped with the latest emergency preparedness, KNNB stands ready to provide life-saving information and support in times of need.