GSS Doubles ALERT FM Network with Addition of K-LOVE and Air1

The Radio Show, Washington D.C. – September 28, 2010 -- Global Security Systems (GSS) has entered into an agreement with K-LOVE and Air1, Educational Media Foundation’s nationwide group of radio stations, to implement ALERT FM in a scheduled rollout that will double the number of locations where the FM-based personal alerting and messaging system is operational to over 450 radio stations across the country.

K-LOVE and Air1 join Commonwealth Broadcasting and The Cromwell Group in support of ALERT FM, which uses Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) FM-subcarrier technology to deliver emergency alert messages to any receiver equipped with an FM radio chip and Alert FM software.

“The ability to save lives in a disaster is a significant part of the public trust that we seek to fulfill at all of our radio stations,” said Sam Wallington, Vice President of Engineering for Educational Media Foundation. “Because ALERT FM ensures real-time concurrent distribution of emergency alerts to all devices equipped with an FM receiver and ALERT FM software, it is far superior to cellular transmission which is not designed for simultaneous multiple-point distribution.”

“By putting ALERT FM into action, K-LOVE and Air1 serve and protect their listeners and secure their station’s relevancy in public service in the local communities where they have radio stations,” noted Robert L. Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSS.  “By facilitating the dissemination of emergency text-message alerts over the RBDS pathway to all FM-enabled devices and ALERT FM software, ALERT FM expands the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and allows broadcasters to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of FM-delivered alerts and warnings.”

The ALERT FM technology will be demonstrated at the NAB/GSS Radio-Ready Cell Phone Showcase at the RAB/NAB Radio Show in Washington DC from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 (www.radioshowweb.com) at Booth numbers L17 and 37, and at the FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning (IPAWS) Booth, number 28.
For more information, please contact ALERT FM at 866-869-5180 or visit www.alertfm.com.

About Global Security Systems and ALERT FM:
Global Security Systems (GSS) is a systems integrator, service provider, and manufacturer of the ALERT FM and GSSNet satellite delivery system.  Global Security Systems has participated in the development of IPAWS-based systems, is a member of the Commercial Mobile Alert Service systems committee, and is actively involved with several EAS and CAP committees.  The Global Security Systems nationwide GSSNet satellite delivery system for emergency alerts currently is in operation now at over 450 locations and growing daily.  It includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), in a joint statement with GSS, has advocated availability of FM radio in fixed and mobile consumer electronic devices:
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Global Security Systems (GSS), and other radio industry stakeholders continue to pursue multiple avenues for expanding the availability of FM radio service in cellular handsets, including direct discussions with cellular operators regarding market-based steps. NAB also works to educate Capitol Hill, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the public benefits of deploying FM radio in cell phones, such as expanding the reach of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to mobile devices, and furthering the goals of the WARN Act of 2006, which directed commercial mobile service providers to voluntarily participate in an emergency warning system.

The advent of new technologies (i.e., integrated FM antennas, power-saving and low profile chipsets) has made inclusion of an FM radio in cell phones, MP3 players, emergency alert receivers such as GSS ALERT FM, and other fixed/mobile consumer electronics devices, a technically feasible solution that will benefit consumers.  For alerting purposes in particular, FM radio’s nationwide and redundant coverage provides the ideal vehicle for delivery of the in-depth, critical information needed by the public during times of emergency or disaster which only broadcasters can provide.  The more targeted, data-based alerting services provided by GSS and other providers which make use of Radio Data System (RDS) FM subcarrier technology likewise benefit from the ubiquitous nature of FM radio.

K-Love Announcement for Press Kit.pdf (92.55 kb)

ALERT FM Implementation Complete in 9 West Central Alabama Counties

 Clanton, Ala.- September 30, 2010- Alabama Emergency Management Agency announced today that ALERT FM has been successfully implemented in 9 west central Alabama counties.  Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox counties are the first counties in the State using this new emergency notification technology. AEMA purchased this system for these counties using National Weather Service grant funding obtained for this project.

ALERT FM is an FM radio-based emergency notification system that allows county officials to send targeted messages to residents, schools, businesses, and first responders who are equipped with an ALERT FM receiver. Types of messages that might be received include weather warnings, school closings, and evacuation notices and instructions. Receivers will be available for purchase at local hardware or electronics retailers in the area for around $40.

“We are excited that ALERT FM has come to Alabama. This new technology will help these counties better notify their residents and businesses of critical information,” said Charles Williams, AEMA preparedness section chief. “We are committed to helping our counties stay better prepared.”

This system is unique compared to other notification systems because it delivers geo-targeted digital information via the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) of local radio stations to thousands of ALERT FM receivers simultaneously. Radio stations currently participating in the ALERT FM network for these 9 counties include WALX (100.9), WSLY (104.9), WINL (98.5), WNPT (102.9), WYVC (102.3), WBFZ (105.3), WZNJ (106.5), WALN (89.3), WJEC (106.5), and WTUG (92.9).
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 “ALERT FM allows broadcasters across the State to strengthen their commitment to keeping their communities safe. It allows them to participate in a network that provides targeted, potentially life-saving information to first responders, businesses, and citizens,” said Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.
The county-wide system being used in each of the 9 counties is fully compatible with the state-wide ALERT FM system being used in Mississippi and in other locations around the United States.

“ALERT FM provides valuable information to the residents and businesses of these 9 counties no matter if they are at home or work or traveling throughout the counties,” Jim Lowery, General Manager of Global Security Systems, LLC.

For more information visit www.alertfm.com.
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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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 35 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

ALERT FM and AEMA press release.pdf (74.22 kb)

Excerpt from WLOX September 29, 2010- http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=13237620

Biloxi fire stations, Hancock Co. generators receive FEMA funding

Copyright 2010 WLOX. All rights reserved.

from Senator Roger Wicker office http://wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=5dfbe602-d6bf-376f-2532-2e5875ccbb70

COCHRAN & WICKER NOTE $3.18 MILLION FROM FEMA FOR THREE KATRINA RECOVERY PROJECTS IN MISSISSIPPI
Biloxi Fire Stations, Hancock Co. Generators & Statewide Warning System Receive Funding

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced the approval of more than $3.18 million for three hazard mitigation projects in Mississippi, including more than $1.0 million to continue wind retrofit work on three Biloxi fire stations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved requests from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for three projects.

In addition to the Biloxi fire station project, FEMA has approved a $1.16 million grant for a Hancock County generator project and another $1.0 million grant to compensate the state for its ALERT FM Statewide Warning System.

“I am pleased this hazard mitigation funding is going to Mississippi to continue preparing the state to handle emergency and disaster situations.  These projects are designed to allow first responders and Mississippians to be better prepared for crises,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations panel that provides funding for FEMA.   

“As we continue to build back stronger from Hurricane Katrina, we need to ensure that Mississippi is well prepared for any future natural or man-made disasters,” said Wicker. “I am glad this funding is heading to Mississippi to help improve our emergency response efforts.”

The Lee Chinn, Bay Vista and Popp’s Ferry fire stations in Biloxi are undergoing wind retrofit projects that would move toward completion with this FEMA funding.  The retrofit work involves installing metal roofs attached with hurricane fasteners, in addition to mounting door and window panels designed to withstand 155+ mph winds.  FEMA is providing 95 percent of the total costs of this project or $1,072,034, leaving $52,602 to be provided in nonfederal funding.

FEMA is providing 100 percent of the grant for the Hancock County generator project, $1,165,320.  This project involves the purchase of nine trailer-mounted generators and connectors and transfer switches for 85 lift stations and water well sites throughout Hancock County.  The generators are intended to provide backup power to service unincorporated areas of Hancock County, the Hancock Water and Sewer District, and the cities of Waveland and Bay St. Louis.

FEMA has released $1.0 million to reimburse MEMA for implementing the Mississippi ALERT FM Statewide Warning System.  MEMA announced in April that it had finished expanding its alert system to include an FM radio-based emergency notification system to send targeted information to county emergency managers, schools or citizens.  More than 80 FM radio stations throughout the state are linked to the state’s ALERT FM system.

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(excerpt from NAB Pulse, September,27 2010- a monthly electronic publication of the National Association of Broadcasters- http://www.nab.org/xert/Marcomm/Newsletters/Pulse/2010/092710/radiocell.html) 

Radio Show Showcases Radio Ready Cell Phones and Emergency Alerting Capabilities

Washington D.C. is buzzing with talk of ensuring cell phones are radio ready to provide listeners with the music, news and information they want on the device they can't live without! Come see what the buzz is about at NAB's Radio Ready Cell Phone Showcase during the Radio Show at booth L18 on the Constitution Level. Beyond the availability of entertaining local radio programming, the exhibit will showcase radio’s emergency alerting capabilities, including FM-based RBDS text-messaging and audio alerts, that demonstrate the power of radio to keep citizens informed in times of crisis. Even when cellular networks are overloaded, radio's reach can provide lifesaving information on the proven and effective broadcast network when a mobile phone is equipped with a functioning radio chip. Demonstrations are provided courtesy of Global Security Systems' Alert FM.

For more information about the Radio Show, visit www.RadioShowWeb.com.

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Radio Enabled Cell Phones NAB Radio Show 2010.pdf (251.82 kb)

excerpt from Radio magazine website- September 20, 2010 3:15p.m. (http://radiomagonline.com/studio_audio/EAS/gss-sage-eas-0920/)

GSS and Sage Alerting Advance EAS