Lincoln and Tangipahoa Parishes’ residents benefit from tornado, thunderstorm and flood warning notification
LAKE CHARLES, La., May 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Louisiana Emergency Management Conference
Global Security Systems, LLC (“GSS”), of Lafayette, LA, is pleased to announce that their emergency notification system, ALERT FM, successfully notified residents of tornadic, severe thunderstorm, and flood activity in Lincoln and Tangipahoa Parishes between April 25- May 8, 2019. The ALERT FM receivers and the ALERT FM app received and notified residents of the tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings and flood warnings in these areas.
“I was very pleased with quick dissemination of the automatic tornado warnings as well as alerts sent manually using the Alert Studio web portal that were relayed via the ALERT FM system during the April 25, 2019 early morning tornado. My residents received these warning on both their ALERT FM receivers and on the ALERT FM App,” said Kip Franklin, director of the Lincoln Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (“OHSEP). “A second round of storms occurred just two weeks later and in that time frame, ALERT app downloads in my parish increased by over 400.”
In 2011, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (“GOHSEP”) via a federal grant purchased ALERT FM for all 64 parishes in Louisiana. This emergency notification system uses the Radio Data System “RDS” of local FM radio stations to relay weather warnings and local emergency information to ALERT FM receivers. The system also relays information to smartphones via the ALERT FM app available on both Apple iOS and Android.
“Over the last few weeks, several severe storms pummeled Tangipahoa Parish,” said Dawson Primes, director of Tangipahoa Parish OHSEP. “ALERT FM kept our residents thoroughly notified of tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flood warnings that affected our area.”
The lifesaving information provide by ALERT FM to the residents of both Lincoln and Tangipahoa Parishes during these weather outbreaks is made possible by the support of the local FM radio stations in these areas. KLPI-FM and KGRM-FM provide the main FM signal that covers Lincoln Parish. WTGG-FM, KSLU-FM, and WHMD-FM provide the main FM signal that covers Tangipahoa Parish.
“Without the support of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and our local FM stations, ALERT FM could not be successful in our emergency notification efforts in Louisiana,” said Robert L Adams, CEO of GSS. “We greatly appreciate their participation in our FM RDS network.”
Last week under the direction of Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana participated in Hurricane Preparedness Week. As part of the events of the week, citizens were encouraged to “Get A Game Plan” which includes a hurricane/ evacuation supply kit, evacuation route plan, and gaining access to a form of emergency notification device, including but not limited to, weather radios, ALERT FM receivers, and the ALERT FM app. Not only will these hurricane “Get a Game Plan” suggestions help citizens during hurricane/ tropical storm events but also during other weather events including flooding, severe thunderstorms, and tornados. Preparation is key when planning for unpredictable and unexpected events.
“Recent weather events have reminded us that Governor Edwards should be commended for encouraging citizen readiness before, during, and after any weather event,” Adams said.
About Global Security Systems, LLC (“GSS”)
Global Security Systems is a systems integrator, service provider and manufacturer of the ALERT FM, Alert Studio and GSSNet, a satellite data delivery system. GSS has participated in the development of IPAWS based systems, is a member of the Commercial Mobile Alert Service systems committee (now called Wireless Emergency Alerts) and is actively involved with several EAS and CAP committees. They are also closely working with the United States Geological Survey and the United States National Weather Service to provide rapid emergency alerts for earthquakes, active shooters, and tornadic events in less than five seconds. The GSS nationwide GSSNet satellite data delivery system for emergency alerts currently is in operation on approximately 1000 radio stations in 17 states, Canada and BVI; is growing daily and includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages. The network receives support from radio broadcast associations including the National Association of Broadcasters and state broadcast associations across the country. Corporate website: www.alertfm.com
Media Contact:
Michelle Thiac
601-709-4240, ext 700
mthiac@gssnet.us