Announcements
High Winds Safety Rules
The safest place to during high winds is indoors.
Postpone outdoor activities if a wind advisory or high wind warning has been issued.
If you are caught outside during high winds:
Take cover next to a building or under a shelter. Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Use handrails where available on outdoor walkways and avoid other elevated areas such as roofs without adequate railing. Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may become loose during strong wind gusts. Keep an eye toward nearby balconies for loose objects that may fall.
In the event of a downed power line:
Call for help. Report downed lines to your local utility emergency center and to the police. Do not try to free lines or to remove debris yourself. Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Puddles can conduct electricity in some cases. Warn others to stay away. If you see someone who has been shocked who may be in direct or indirect contact with a power line, do not try to touch them. You may become a second victim. Get medical attention as quickly as possible by calling 911. If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any of the metal frame of your vehicle. Honk your horn, roll down the window and warn anyone who may approach of the danger. Ask someone to call the police. Do not exit the car until help arrives, unless it catches on fire. To exit, open the door, but do not step out. Jump, without touching any of the metal portions of the car's exterior, to safe ground and get quickly away.
If you are driving:
Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path. Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel. Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, SUV, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts. If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, get onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle. Stay in the car and turn on the hazard lights until the wind subsides.
If your cell phone uses 3G- it WILL NOT work in the next few months.
Cell phone companies are shutting down 3G cell phone networks (Some already have) and older devices WILL NOT WORK!
This includes 911 calls, data service, text messages, and 911 calls from deactivated phones.
Chase Choate, Environmental Director at Quechan Indian Tribe, is recommending everyone to utilize the purpleair.com website as a tool to keep informed of the air quality.
You can go to purpleair.com and on the map select the circle near Ft. Yuma Hill you can see in real time the air quality. In the lower left box you can select for either PM (particulate matter) 10 or PM 2.5 EPA AQI (air quality index) to see the difference between finer and coarser particulate matter. The finer particulate matter as in 2.5, is more likely to reach deeper into your lungs.
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Articles included in this issue are:
- Serve on the Quechan Language Advisory Committee
- What is your knowledge of Kwatsan
- A new grant has been awarded to the Quechan Tribe to employ
The information below is great to have, not only because our area has the chance for some inclement weather this week, but because disasters can occur at any time. Please also download the Quechan Emergency Contact List and update with your personal and family emergency contacts. Keep this in your kit and update it regularly.
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In the video you will hear about updates related to Covid-19 from the Quechan Tribal Council, the Emergency Management and Covid-19 mitigation team.
Protect your health and read the label.
Top three pesticide safety tips:
1. Read the entire label
2. Only apply where the label says it should be applied
3. Keep all pesticides in their original containers
For more information please contact the Quechan Pesticide Control Office@ 760.572.0771
Antimicrobial products kill or slow the spread of microorganisms. Micro-organisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi such as mold and mildew. You may find antimicrobial products in your home, work-place, or school.
The Quechan offices of Animal Control, Pesticides, Vector Control and Emergency Management, are working with the University of California, Davis - Tick-borne Disease Surveillance Program at the US-Mexico Border.
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The Quechan offices of Pesticides, Animal Control, and Emergency Management, working with the Arizona Department of Health Services, are providing repellent to combat mosquito borne illnesses. The spray will be available for free with any purchase from Pipa Market until supplies run out.
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The #COVID19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on Native communities across #IndianCountry. U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland recently recorded a public service announcement on the importance of getting vaccinated so that we can gather again, get back to practicing our traditions, and enjoy time with those we love: https://youtu.be/KMRRouR9JWk.
On June 07, 2021 the Quechan Tribal Council issued a statement on our website informing the membership of the first installment of the American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $20,048,575.52. The United States Treasury issued the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) introduction identifying the eligible uses to support the immediate pandemic response and laying the groundwork for a strong and equitable recovery.
The COVID-19 public health emergency has caused a broad range of public health and economic challenges in tribal communities, families, small businesses and tribal enterprises; this funding will provide substantial aid to address the needs of the Quechan Indian Tribe and our families.
The funding installments will be utilized to serve as a catalyst to begin projects to address areas of need for individual households and the Quechan Indian reservation such as referenced in the U.S. Treasury guidelines. (see attached Reference Guide)
The Quechan Tribal Council continues to prioritize the need for assistance and response to the COVID-19 pandemic for the tribal membership and community, as well as developing plans for building our future, strengthening our sustainability and investing in our economic growth in response to all the hardships caused by this global pandemic.
The American Rescue Plan Assistance Program
On July 05, 2021, the Quechan Tribal Council has made the decision to address the economic hardship of the tribal membership by enacting the American Rescue Plan Assistance Program. A total amount of $7.1 million dollars has been allocated to the program to fund a one-time disbursement of $2,500.00. Checks will be automatically generated for all enrolled adult members (18 years & older), and will be mailed to the address on file. (see attached Reference Guide)
If you have turned 18 years of age, after October 30, 2020, and did not receive any of the Assistance Program funding in 2020; you will need to fill out the American Rescue Plan Assistance Program application and return to the Revenue Distribution Department in order to receive your one-time payment. Applications are available online at www.quechantribe.com or at the kiosk located outside of the Tribal Administration Office. The American Rescue Plan Assistance Program will only be accepting applications until August 31, 2021.
In order to expedite the process and release of this payment, please ensure your mailing information is accurate and up to date no later than July 20, 2021.
Please contact Kaylee Alonzo, Assistant Tribal Secretary to update address:
Phone: (760) 919-3600 Ext. 215
Email: assttribalsecretary@quechantribe.com
*ALL CHECKS WILL BE MAILED OUT THROUGH THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE BY JULY 30, 2021.
*Note: If you have not updated your information with the Local Post Office, we urge you to do so. The Quechan Indian Tribe is not responsible for incorrect mailing addresses. Only Checks returned from mail discrepancies can be available for pick up if arranged with the Revenue Distribution Department.
The Quechan Tribal Council and Emergency Management Team are committed to ensure our families, our communities, and that our government service can continue the important work of rebuilding the great Quechan Indian Tribe; and with your help we can become even stronger than we were before.
Please call Indian Health Services at (760) 572-4711 to make an appointment to be vaccinated, or anywhere in your local area that vaccinations are provided, this is imperative to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and could ultimately save your life.
Stay safe and be well,
Quechan Tribal Council
Firework Safety
Tips for keeping animals safe during 4th of July weekend:
- Keep pets indoors
- Give them a safe place to hide
- Give them distractions: toys, treats, soothing music
- Microchip & ID your pets
- Walk you dog earlier in the day
- Secure your fences and exit doors
- Be aware of hot weather hazards
- Clean up firework debris
Lost your pet? Contact Quechan Animal Control at (928)920-9336 or (928)919-5132.
The desert monsoon season begins in June and continues through September. With it comes higher humidity, which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, flash flooding, dust storms and extreme heat.
The Office of Emergency Management urges drivers to be prepared for summer storms. Please follow these safety tips and make sure to check and replace your windshield wiper blades if needed.
Local officials announce availability of local hydration stations / cool centers.
IMPERIAL COUNTY – The County of Imperial is asking residents to take appropriate precautions this summer in order to prevent heat-related illnesses. hydration stations will be available to offer water to individuals during extreme heat events this summer. Locally, eleven hydration stations/ cool centers sites have been identified by the County where individuals can access water or cool off during the hottest parts of the day. Given that the County hydration stations will be primarily located at County fire stations and libraries, individuals are asked to call the sites before their visit to assure staff will be available. Individuals visiting cool centers will be required to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status according to California Department of Public Health Guidelines. In addition, the public is asked to contact their city officials for information related to cool centers / hydration stations within city limits.
As the recent Quechan Tribal Council’s decision to rescind the Stay At Home Order, The Ft. Yuma ADAPP Department office will be Opening for In-Person Assessment and Clinical Assessment as of June 15th, 2021 by APPOINTMENT ONLY.
We do ask potential clients or visitor’s cooperation to continue the necessary Covid-19 precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. Such as:
- Face Coverings
- Social Distancing
- Proper Sanitizing (handwashing)
If you are experiencing any of the Covid-19 symptoms; please call the office to conduct a remote assessment or to reschedule.
If you need to schedule an appointment or have any questions, please contact the Ft. Yuma ADAPP Office at (760) 572-4838.
Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (MST)
Please Note: All Group Sessions are conducted remotely until further notice.
Beginning June 7, 2021, Vendors Square is reopening, due to the stay-at-home order being
rescinded on June 3, 2021.
Please visit EDA in order to reserve and use a space at Vendors Square. All vendors must have a current Business Permit, and all food vendors also must have a current food handler’s certificate.
Questions? Contact EDA @ (760) 572-5270 or
Suite 4, Quechan Community Center, 604 Picacho Road
Vaccination is important and recommended for people with underlying health conditions because they are at an increased risk for severe illness from #COVID19.
People shouldn’t get a specific COVID-19 vaccine if they’ve had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any ingredients in that vaccine.
Get more information for certain conditions, including those that cause weakened immune systems, autoimmune conditions, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Bell’s palsy: Vaccination Considerations for Persons with Underlying Medical Conditions | CDC
Attending gatherings to celebrate events and holidays increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The safest way to celebrate this year is virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet apart from others. For information on what fully vaccinated people can do, see the CDC’s When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated page.
- Decorate your home with holiday themed items and banners.
- Host a video chat party with family and friends to share in the celebration.
- Plan a special meal inspired by the holiday or event.
- Have an outdoor celebration with everyone at least 6 feet apart and wearing masks.
- Watch virtual events and celebrations.
If you plan to celebrate with others, outdoors is safer than indoors.
Below is a link to the Quechan Utility Company’s customer portal, as well as the number to make payments via telephonically, The web link allows customers to view their account as well as making online payments.
Customer Portal Access link: https://QuechanUtilityCompany.secure.munibilling.com
This link will be available at the Quechan Utility Company department tab located here.
For questions or concerns about your Bill please call the Quechan Utility Company Billing Office 760.572.0667. To pay your Bill by phone call: 877-556-3169
