KGHR Radio Takes a Crash Course in Emergency Planning

by Kyler Edsitty

Navajo Nation Police Officers, Greyhill Academy High School Administrative staff, KGHR Radio Staff, and Native Public Media staff pose after completing the Emergency Management Plan Training.

Tuba City – June 26, 2025 – At the end of June, the Navajo Nation was affected by the Oak Ridge Fire, burning more than ten thousand acres, causing many Tribal members to evacuate their homes. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren posted on Facebook:

Due to the severity of the Oak Ridge Fire, ongoing drought, and current fire restrictions…All Navajo Nation entities are directed to coordinate emergency response efforts, allocate resources, and work with federal, state, and tribal partners. Emergency resources, including funding for personnel and equipment, will be activated to help restore and maintain essential community infrastructure.

The real threat of this natural disaster is a stark reminder for Tribal nations of the importance of emergency management planning. On June 26, KGHR Radio staff, Greyhill Academy High School Administrative staff, Navajo Nation Police Officers, and other local emergency responders participated in Native Public Media’s (NPM) Emergency Management Plan Training in Tuba City, AZ. Participants are doing their part to ensure they are prepared for emergencies while keeping their communities and student body safe and informed.

This curriculum, under NPM’s training and education program, was designed using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards to provide Tribal radio stations with the tools to create an Emergency Management Plan.  The plan ensures the station and its facilities prevent, mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover from natural and human-made disasters. The plan also includes input from local first emergency responders and the community, which provides a holistic, community-driven plan. The training not only ensures the station is protected, but also ensures the station is able to relay vital information during emergencies that potentially affect the entire community.

KGHR Radio Technician, Keri Blackrock, spoke to the importance of emergency planning in a rural community:

I am getting used to being the voice of those who tune into my usual ON-AIR schedule because clear communication and quick thinking are becoming a large part of my daily routine. Going through the Emergency Management Plan gave me a whole new level and appreciation for structured preparedness. It highlighted everyone’s role and provided me with the importance of a Radio Technician to help ensure public safety and continuity.

Navajo Nation Police Officers, Greyhill Academy High School Administrative staff, and KGHR Radio Staff share a potential response protocol for a wildfire affecting their community.

During the training, participants learned FEMA’s standardized approach to emergency planning. Participants also assessed the station’s capabilities in responding to various emergencies. The diverse backgrounds of the participants sparked dynamic dialogue on the emergency management planning process, and new connections were made between the Greyhills Academy High School and the Navajo Nation Police Department.  First responders provided input on what emergencies are likely to affect the community and provided protocols to follow using the community’s resources. By the end of the training, KGHR was closer to establishing an Emergency Management Plan, had completed a capabilities assessment of the station, had a better understanding of the emergency planning process, and had a better working relationship with first responders.

Blackrock went on further to state:

My biggest takeaway was understanding how vital it is to stay calm, follow the chain of command, and stick to the plan, especially when broadcasting information during an emergency. Having a step-by-step guide gave me confidence that I can help keep my listeners informed and safe. Overall, if you work in radio or media, we all should have a plan like this in place. Having a plan at KGHR will make all the difference in teamwork, readiness, and ensure we’re not just talking about emergencies; we will be ready for them.

Although KGHR Radio has not had to endure the hardships of an emergency, such as the Oak Ridge Fire, the radio station is better equipped to respond to an emergency and provide effective life-saving communication to its community.

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