By Annette Baird, The Houston Chronicle
Original publication date: June 2, 2011

Pasadena, Texas — Residents in Pasadena now have another option to keep abreast of news during an emergency event should telephone, television and internet services be interrupted. Pasadena’s Office of Emergency Management recently installed an AM radio station capable of broadcasting up-to-date information in response to any local disaster that may affect residents.

Robert Hemminger, the city’s emergency management coordinator, said such AM broadcasts are regarded as a last line of emergency communications defense because of the nature of their transmission and public reception.

“This is what has been identified as a best practice in the emergency management world,” said Hemminger.

The 830 AM band radio service is available all day, every day, enabling Pasadena public safety officials to provide timely and possibly lifesaving information to the public. Should a crisis develop, messages can be programmed from the city’s emergency operations center or even called in remotely, if necessary.

During normal operations, a series of messages provides routine information about household preparedness and safety tips in case of such events as hurricanes and chemical spills. The station also is a source for information about upcoming community events.

In addition to being tied in to the city’s dispatch center, the station is linked to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for news of weather events. In addition, text alerts can be sent out to those who have signed up. Text alerts in Harris County automatically interrupt radio signals.

Funded by a $100,000 Department of Homeland Security grant, the service will cost the city only for upkeep and maintenance, expected to be in the $2,000 range each year, according to Hemminger. Hemminger said the two newly installed transmitters in the city, along with two existing ones in Deer Park and La Porte combine to provide full coverage for the residents of Pasadena. Each transmitter provides about a five mile radius coverage.

Hemminger said the partnership allows for messages specific to Pasadena to be broadcast as well as messages in common with the other two nearby cities.

“With the Ship Channel and petrochemical companies around here, this has played well into a good partnership,” said Hemminger.

Hemminger urged residents to familiarize themselves with the system before an emergency hits. In addition, he said they will evaluate the service during these first few months to find balance of good coverage for residents.

For more information, visit the city’s website at www.ci.pasadena.tx.us. 

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