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Contact: Jeff Braun
Phone: (281) 342-6185, Fax: (281) 342-4798
307 Fort Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Fort Bend County Develops Largest Synchronized Emergency
Advisory Broadcast System in United States
Richmond, September 19, 2007: Fort
Bend County has developed the largest synchronized
advisory radio system in the country operating on
AM1670. According to Bill Baker, a representative of
Information System Specialists, Fort Bend County “has
the most synchronized stations of any county in the
United States. There are no other projects of larger
size within any single US county that we are aware of.”
As a result of lessons learned during Hurricane Rita,
the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management
realized that a faster, more effective means to
communicate with citizens was needed during times of
crisis. In response to this need, the County has built
and operates a radio station at AM 1670 whereby everyone
within the county‘s 875 square mile area can receive
up-to-date weather information, alerts, advice on major
street closures, and helpful instructions during times
of disaster.
“As a result of the gridlock Rita generated, staff at
the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
recognized the need for a better way to communicate with
all residents and evacuees using our evacuation routes,”
indicated Jeff Braun, Fort Bend County Emergency
Management Coordinator. “The solution was found when the
County was able to build the $400,000 emergency advisory
radio system using monies from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program, plus a twenty-five percent local match.”
County Judge Bob Hebert, the County’s Director of
Emergency Management suggests that “everyone preset one
station of their portable and car radios to AM1670. This
radio frequency will allow for the effective release of
accurate and timely warnings and other emergency
information to the public during dangerous times.”
The project included the construction of an 80-foot
tower at the County EOC. This tower provides support for
the broadcast antenna responsible for sending the audio
program to nine satellite repeater stations that repeat
the programming at various points around the County.
Though the system is currently broadcasting and
information was delivered during the threat of Hurricane
Dean, Braun indicates that there is still more to be
done. “Our project is not finished yet,” Braun states.
“Currently, we are looking at signage options to more
fully advertise the station--- so more citizens will be
aware of 1670 AM.”[this
document in PDF]
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