Calhoun County - The New Year brings a new opportunity to enhance public safety in Calhoun County. More than 50,000 emergency alert radios will be distributed to homes, churches, schools, businesses and other locations in Anniston, Bynum, Oxford, Hobson City, Ohatchee, Weaver and other nearby communities.

 

Beginning in mid-January, Phase II of the emergency alert radio distribution will get underway. Warning Systems Inc. will deliver First Alert WX-150 radios throughout Calhoun County's Immediate Response Zones and Pink Zones. It will not be necessary to request a radio. Distribution will be completed in April 2010.

 

The First Alert WX-150 will be delivered pre-programmed to receive emergency alerts for Calhoun County. The radio is capable of receiving more than 80 emergency alerts about hazards such as severe weather or a hazardous material spill. Alerts are broadcast through the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards network which is part of the traditional Emergency Alert and Notification System.

 

When the radio is delivered, residents should review the simple set-up sheet that is enclosed with the radio. Alerts for other counties can be programmed in the radio. A detailed user manual also will be enclosed with the radio.

 

The emergency alert radio distribution program is a two-phase initiative. In 2009, more than 108,000 radios were distributed in Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair and Talladega counties and Calhoun County's Protective Action Zones. The program is funded through the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.

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