Prepare Early for Spring Storms during “Severe Weather Preparedness Week” Weather Notification Technologies Available to Residents Amite City- February 1 7, 2014- This week as part of “Severe Weather Preparedness Week,” the Tangipahoa Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (“OHSEP”) encourages residents to prepare early for spring storm season. Residents need to make sure that they have access to a weather notification technology including ALERT FM receivers, the ALERT FM App, weather radios, or other notification devices that will keep them informed during severe weather. “Staying abreast of changing weather conditions is the best way for residents to prepare for severe weather,” said Dawson Primes, OHSEP director. “Knowing when to seek shelter, evacuate, or avoid flood roads can help residents better protect themselves and their families.’ Last year, the parish began using ALERT FM as a means of keeping schools, business, and residents informed of impending severe weather conditions and post weather instructions. Residents can receive this important information on ALERT FM receivers and the ALERT FM App. ALERT FM receivers are small, light-weight, and easy-to-program and are available for around $40 with no recurring usage fees at alertfm. The ALERT FM App is available for both Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod) and Android devices. The App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store (imap.tv/2k) or the Google Play Store (imap.tv/fmgp). The initial download is free with the option to upgrade to a full weather radio. “The ALERT FM receivers and the ALERT FM App are a great way for residents to stay informed of severe weather no matter where they travel in the parish or state,” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM). (more) Residents can purchase NOAA all hazard radios at a variety of electronic and outdoor stores including Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Lowe’s, and Bestbuy. All hazard radios cost between $20-50 depending on make and model. Brown also encourages residents to prepare for spring storm season by having an emergency plan and disaster supply kit, practicing drills, and knowing your location in relation to the impending storm. ### About ALERT FM ALERT FM is owned and operated by Global Security Systems, LLC (GSS) of Jackson, Miss. It is a personal alert and messaging system that enables state and local government and private sector officials to create and send emergency information to targeted recipients. Potential information includes severe weather warnings, homeland security notices, hurricane evacuation instructions, utility notices, plant or school closings, employee notifications and traffic alerts. First responders, school officials, citizens, and businesses can receive this information based on geographic or organizational groupings through specially designed ALERT FM receivers or any device equipped with a standard FM chip. The ALERT FM App allows residents to receive this same information on the device that they carry with them every day. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 80 million people in 17 states have access to ALERT FM technology.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:08:29 +0000