The Chehalis Tribal Emergency Management Team demonstrated its Deployed Logic (DLX) ASAP Shelter system at the Tribal Administration Center in Oakville on Friday, Aug. 22, according to a recent news release from the tribe.
According to the tribe, the demonstration highlights a broader commitment to “all-hazards” readiness, ensuring the community has the tools and resources needed to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters, public health emergencies and other crises.
Tribal Emergency Manager Clint Davis and Emergency Management Coordinator Cal Bray led the demonstration. Mark Punzel from DLX provided support and helped coordinate the event.
“This system is designed to give us rapid capability in almost any environment,” Davis said. “It allows us to establish a secure, comfortable, and functional space within minutes, which is invaluable during emergencies.”
The 18-by-12-foot portable, climate-controlled shelter is equipped with a built-in HVAC unit and provides flexible space for use as a temporary Emergency Operations Center, medical triage site or community shelter.
According to the release, Chief Carlton Rhodes of Grays Harbor Fire District 1 and Chief Nathan Drake of West Thurston Regional Fire Authority both praised the Chehalis Tribe’s investment in advanced response technology, noting that regional coordination is becoming increasingly critical as wildfire risk, severe weather and infrastructure challenges grow.
“This is a prime example of forward-thinking preparedness,” Drake said. “Having partners like the Chehalis Tribe equipped with systems like this strengthens the resilience of the entire region.”
Daniel Ravenel, emergency manager for the Quinault Nation, and Jackie LaVerne, Emergency Management Program manager at The Evergreen State College, also attended the event.
Members of the Tribal Public Safety team supported the setup and later hosted a community gathering, serving hot dogs, chips and cookies while distributing fire blankets to tribal members.
