USA: Sierra Madre official launches emergency radio station

Hank Landsberg, project manager, installs a backup radio transmitter for Sierra Madre's WQKW561, "Emergency and Public Radio Station," at the public works maintenance yard in Sierra Madre on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. (SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda)

SIERRA MADRE - WQKW561 is on the air.

Officials on Thursday launched the city's first-ever emergency radio station, broadcasting on AM-1630 on the dial, which will issue alerts and other vital communications during floods, fires, quakes and other emergencies.

Resident Hank Landsberg, winner of the city's 2010 Public Safety Award, spearheaded the project and helped cut the ribbon at the new radio station inside City Hall.

The new AM radio station is licensed and regulated by the Federal Communications Commission as a "Travelers Information Station."

In times of emergency, AM-1630 will broadcast important emergency information to residents, even during power outages, officials said. During a fire,

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Sierra Madre official launches emergency radio station

Shown is the radio transmitter for Sierra Madre's WQKW561, "Emergency and Public Radio Station," at the public works maintenance yard in Sierra Madre on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010. The new station covers the city of Sirra Madre and surrounding areas at 1630 on the AM dial, and will be used to broadcast emergency.
(SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda)

earthquake, flood, or mudslide, the station will provide information residents will need.

Sierra Madre also is bringing back its famous warning horn. Three blasts from the horn will notify residents to tune into AM-1630 for up-to-date emergency information.

The Sierra Madre Fire and Public Works departments will be conducting intermittent testing of the horn during the next few weeks. Beginning in November, the horn will again sound daily at 5 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year.

In non-emergency times, AM-1630 will broadcast information about non-commercial community events, including the city's annual Wistaria Festival, the Art Fair, Fourth of July event, etc.

Residents also can publicize an event on the station. For information on how to publicize an event on AM-1630, visitwww.cityofsierramadre.com.

The city spent about $23,900 to help create the station, with residents and local businesses contributing another $13,000 to make the project a reality.

Event Details:

Date:

9/9/10

5:00:PM A

Location:

City Hall 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre  91024  626-355-7135

Source:Sierra Madre official launches emergency radio station http://bit.ly/cSN9fB

(Yimber Gaviria, Colombia)