Free Public Emergency Network - to be ready
by Hurricane Season
Supported by Midland Radio, REACT, DC Emergency Radio Network, and NationalSOS.com
The Midland Radio Corporation, REACT International, the DC Emergency
Radio Network, and NationalSOS.com have jointly announced their support
for the National SOS Radio Network - www.NationalSOS.com
- a free communications network based on the estimated 100 million FRS-compatible
radios already in the hands of the public... and growing by up to 12 million
radios per year.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it has become clear that a major
contributing factor to the tragic loss of life was the near total breakdown
of communication systems. Once electricity, telephone, and cell phone
services failed, people were unable to let rescuers know of their dire
situation - and died as a result.
A simple, instant, and virtually zero-cost solution:
A "National SOS" public emergency network - www.NationalSOS.com.
This free public network connects the estimated 100 million Family Radio
Service (FRS) and FRS / GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) combination
radios already in use by the public with 700,000 amateur "ham"
radio operators -- people renowned and prepared for emergency communications
-- plus over 70,000 licensed GMRS radio users who are also proficient
emergency communicators.
The National SOS Radio Network doesn't require new laws or any new legislation.
It could be effective immediately. Once the ham and GMRS radio communities
are made aware to listen for the public's emergency FRS broadcasts, the
national network will be up and running. The goal is to create initial
awareness before the upcoming hurricane season.
FRS radios and FRS / GMRS combination radios used strictly under FRS
regulations don't require an operator license, can be used by anyone of
any age, and are available for as little as $10 - $30 at many retailers
and online stores.
The National SOS initiative recommends that public use FRS Channel 1
as its primary emergency-communications channel. Channel 1 is easy to
remember and has previously been endorsed by radio manufacturers and by
REACT in 2000. For universal communication amongst radio users, it's important
that the FRS radio's "privacy tone" or "privacy code"
be turned off. During a crisis, ham radio, GMRS, and scanner operators
can easily monitor FRS Channel 1 by tuning to 462.5625 MHz. Other FRS
channels are being considered to create a "channel plan" for
overall emergency coordination. See www.NationalSOS.com for an endorsed
"channel plan" and related emergency-communication protocols.
Eric Knight, a ham-radio veteran and developer of www.NationalSOS.com
said, "We are honored to be teaming up with three fantastic organizations
in the field of communications." Knight continued, "Midland
Radio is a long-time pioneer in innovative radio technology. REACT
International, Inc. has been at the forefront of an all-citizen emergency
communications network for nearly 50 years and introduced FRS radio as
an important public communications tool in 2000. And the DC
Emergency Radio Network, DCERN, is a brilliant example of using FRS
radios to connect people and neighborhoods in an emergency."
Chris Oehlert, Marketing Communications Manager for Midland Radio, said
in regards to the National SOS Radio Network, "Midland is pleased
to support such an important effort. The importance of communication cannot
be over emphasized, particularly in times of crisis." Oehlert continued,
"Midland 2-way radios provide a reliable, inexpensive means of communication
-- even in situations where other technologies are disabled."
Since 1962, REACT -- Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams
-- has led major efforts in emergency communications and disaster-preparedness
programs. Ed Greany, Executive Vice-president of REACT International,
Inc., said, "REACT is pleased to lend support and encourage radio
users of the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service
(GMRS) to this important project." Greany added, "Both FRS and
GMRS radios have already proven their importance and effective use in
disaster communications in recent California wildfires."
Bill Adler, the founder of the DC Emergency Radio Network, DCERN, said,
"It's my vision to see that every household in American has an FRS
or GMRS radio. As we've learned from 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and other
disasters, without communications nothing else operates effectively."
Adler continued, "I envision a national network of ordinary Americans
with FRS and GMRS radios who can relay information in an emergency.
When a natural or manmade disaster strikes, the only good communications
system is one that will actually work. The idea behind this new emergency
network is to have a simple, reliable communications system that doesn't
depend on electricity or standing cell phone towers - and that anyone
of any age can use."
For more details regarding the National SOS Radio Network, please visit:
www.NationalSOS.com.
Contacts:
Chris Oehlert
Marketing Communications Manager
Midland Radio Corporation
816-241-8500, Ext. 245
Ed Greany
Executive Vice-President
REACT International, Inc
301-316-2900
Bill Adler
Founder
DCERN
202-986-9275
Eric Knight
Founder
NationalSOS.com
860-673-2502
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