Office of Emergency Management's Operational Status Levels explained in brief

Operational Status Levels explained in brief

The GREEN OEM Operational level is implemented at times when there is only the slightest chance of a significant emergency or disaster occurring which would have a direct and significant impact on the Western Cherokee Nation. At this level, OEM's operations are routine and no special or additional measures are being taken while continuing with the normal work day.

The BLUE OEM Operational level is implemented when there may be a slight chance of a major emergency or disaster occurring which would have a direct and significant impact on the Western Cherokee Nation. At this level, OEM's operations are routine and no special or additional measures are being taken other than maintaining 100% communications with other departments of the government and staff while continuing with the normal work day. Triggers for this level include, but are not limited to; US National Threat Advisory at YELLOW, significant weather threats and civil unrest within nominal driving distance of tribal lands. In the absence of reliable information delineating a demonstrable risk or complete absence thereof, this shall be the default level of operational readiness for OEM.

The YELLOW OEM Operational level is implemented when there is a demonstrable risk of a major emergency or disaster occurring which would have a direct and significant impact on the Western Cherokee Nation. At this level, OEM's routine operations are suspended. The OEM focuses on maintaining 100% communications with other departments of the government and staff, checking on the availability of tribal government assets and supplies, coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions on a regular basis and reviewing emergency management plans and procedures. Triggers for this level include, but are not limited to; US National Threat Advisory at ORANGE or RED, immanent weather threats, the threat or likelihood of military action within or terrorist attack upon the United States.

The ORANGE OEM Operational level is implemented when there is a near certain risk of a major emergency or disaster occurring in the immediate future which will have a direct and significant impact on the Western Cherokee Nation. At this level, OEM's Operational environment and mission change from preparedness to prophylactic mitigation in a myriad of areas. For example, all staff and DPS officials are notified that they are in an "on call" status, mandatory tribal government department head meeting every 12 hours, and the Emergency Control Center is activated. Triggers for this level include, but are not limited to; US National Threat Advisory at RED, immanent weather threats such as blizzards or ice storms, wildfire(s) effecting tribal lands, the threat or likelihood of military action or terrorist attack near or upon tribal lands, etc.

The RED OEM Operational level is implemented when there is a declared major emergency or disaster occurring which will have a direct and significant impact on the Western Cherokee Nation. At this level, OEM's Operational environment and mission are purely dedicated to smooth and efficient operation of all tribal assets in the interest of preserving life and property. For example, all staff and DPS supervisory personnel are on 24 hour duty, mandatory tribal government department head meeting every six hours, all tribal DPS and Public Works assets under the direct management of OEM, and the Emergency Control Center is fully activated. Triggers for this level include, but are not limited to; immanent severe weather threats such as blizzards or severe ice storms, military action or terrorist attack near or upon tribal lands, detonation/use of weapons of mass destruction within the region, etc.