"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Offering Tetanus Shots to Flood Victims

"The Cherokee Nation will be providing tetanus shots to victims of the recent flooding in South Coffeyville. The tribe will also have family assistance advocates stationed in the area as well as in Miami."

S. COFFEYVILLE, OK - As part of an ongoing community partnership, the Cherokee Nation is stepping in to assist victims of the recent floods in northern Oklahoma. On Friday, July 6, Cherokee Nation officials will be on hand at the Cherokee Nation Community Building to offer free tetanus shots to residents living in the community. In addition, family advocates for the tribe will be on hand in South Coffeyville and in Miami to help Cherokee citizens apply for assistance and possible home repair.

“The Cherokee Nation continues to be ready to assist our citizens and our neighbors living in these areas,” said Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief. “We are in constant contact with local officials and are glad we are able to work together to help those affected by this natural disaster.”

Cherokee health officials will be providing the shots to residents in the area beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Cherokee Community Building, located on Oklahoma Street in South Coffeyville. Family advocates from the tribe’s Human Services division will also be on hand to assist Cherokee citizens with basic needs, and representatives from the tribe’s Housing Rehabilitation Program will be available to assist potential applicants in need of home repair assistance. Cherokee Nation Family Advocates and Housing Rehabilitation officials will also be stationed at the conference room of the Peroria Tribal Administration Building, located at 118 South Eight Tribes Trail in Miami.

Cherokee citizens requesting basic needs or home repair assistance will need to provide both CDIB and their blue tribal citizenship cards, proof of residency within the Cherokee Nation, social security numbers, and proof of income. Those needing housing assistance will also need to provide proof of home ownership and a copy of their homeowners insurance policy.

Area law enforcement officials are also receiving some needed assistance from the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, who will be patrolling to help ensure the safety of residents in the area.

On Tuesday, the tribe delivered several hundred gallons of bottled water to the South Coffeyville Fire Department to provide to residents. The area continues to be under a boil order from the Cherokee Nation Medical Director and the USEPA.

Cherokee Nation Emergency Management officials are recommending that residents returning to their flooded homes take the following precautions:

* Ensure there is no structural damage and power is turned off before entering the home

* Upon re-entering, open windows and doors. If a gas odor is present or the sound of gas is heard, leave the building immediately and notify emergency officials.

* Protect yourself from mold and chemicals by wearing goggles, rubber gloves and boots, and a mask that filters out airborne particles.

* Discard wet materials that cannot be cleaned such as carpet, stuffed animals and baby toys.