Pickens own weather warning replaces lost signal

http://www.abc3340.com/Global/story.asp?S=14088182

Posted: Feb 23, 2011 6:45 PM CST
Updated: Feb 23, 2011 6:48 PM CST

Until now, some people in Pickens County have kept ears to a NOAA weather radio during severe weather.   "We've never been able to get any weather reports or alert," says Sherry Cusanelli.

      What she didn't know is the NOAA broadcast of the National Weather Service warning doesn't reach many areas of the state, including most of Pickens County where she lives.  "Oh, that's the reason why.  So we should have saved our money!"  Cusanelli exclaimed.

     Not many people are aware of the lost NOAA signal issue which is why county officials have been searching for an alternative.  In about a month, they'll launch the Alert FM system.   Using small handheld or larger wall mounted receivers...people will be able to receive the NWS alerts.

     Basically, Alert FM receives the weather alerts from NOAA then bounces it across radio towers throughout the county.  "Then sent back to those particular receivers,"says Ken Gibson Director of Emergency Management for Pickens county.  "If something happens to that [one] particular station, it can go to another station's tower and you can still get those particular warnings."

    The system can also be used to send out other types of information such as road conditions, hazards or even an evacuation.

    "We've had some big super cells to come over our county that didn't put any tornadoes down on the ground."  Fortunately, the county has been spared.

     The Alert FM receivers will go on sale in about a month at Central Hardware in Aliceville.  The small will average about 40 dollars...the bigger one 250 dollars.

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Dresden, Tennessee- February 24, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Weakley County Emergency Management Agency director, Jamison Peevyhouse, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“To prepare for this year’s spring storm season, residents should make sure that they are well informed,” Peevyhouse said. “We offer a variety of programs that residents can belong to get up-to-date information including ALERT FM.”

In 2009, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from Bradford Bestway in Bradford, Rutherford Grocery in Rutherford, or www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Peevyhouse 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

weakly AFM severe weather press release.pdf (75.60 kb)

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Paris, Tennessee- February 23, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Henry County Emergency Management Agency director, Ronald Watkins, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“Staying informed is the best way to prepare for any form of severe weather,” Watkins said. “The county offers many ways for residents to stay informed including ALERT FM.”

Last year, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program. Any businesses interested in retailing receivers should contact Global Security Systems at 1-866-869-5180.

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Griffin 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

Henry AFM severe weather press release.pdf (68.14 kb)

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Waynesboro, Mississippi- February 23, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Wayne County Emergency Management Agency director, Todd Cleary, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“Spring storms can be quite severe and staying up-to-date with the latest information is important,” Cleary said. “The best way for residents to get up-to-date information is through ALERT FM.”

Last year, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from the Emergency Management Office or www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Cleary 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

Wayne AFM severe weather press release.pdf (70.00 kb)

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Alamo, Tennessee- February 23, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Crockett County Emergency Management Agency director, Joe Jones, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“The most important method of staying prepared for severe weather is making sure that you stay informed,” said Jones. “The county utilizes several communication tools to keep residents informed including ALERT FM.”

Last year, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from All City Radio Shack in Selmer, GE Williams Furniture in Lexington, or www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Jones 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

Crockett AFM severe weather press release.pdf (71.69 kb)

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
Receivers available for purchase

Hernando, Mississippi- February 23, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, DeSoto County Emergency Management Agency director, Bobby Storey, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“It is important for residents to stay informed during severe weather,” Storey said. “The county uses a variety means by which weather information can be garnered including ALERT FM and NOAA weather radios.”

In 2008, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from Home Appliance Store or www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and can be programmed for county specific National Weather Service weather warnings.

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

The NOAA weather radio will also allow residents to get weather information. The weather radio will alert individuals of local watches and warnings when they are issued. NOAA weather radios are available at a variety of local retailers for $30-70.

Storey 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.

Desoto AFM severe weather press release.pdf (95.55 kb)

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Starkville, Mississippi- February 23, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency director, Jim Britt, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“The best way for residents to prepare for this year’s spring storm season is to make sure that they are able to stay informed during a severe storm,” Britt said. “The county actively uses ALERT FM as a means of helping residents stay informed.”

In 2008, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from Starkville Computers or www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Britt 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

Oktibbeha AFM severe weather press release.pdf (69.39 kb)

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Senatobia, Mississippi- February 22, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Tate County Emergency Management Agency director, Kenny Kopf, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“Staying informed is very important during spring storms season,” Kopf said. “Residents can stay informed in lots of ways including ALERT FM.’

Last year, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from the District 1 Volunteer Fire Department and Senatobia Fire and Rescue. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Kopf 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

Tate AFM severe weather press release.pdf (68.02 kb)

 EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Decaturville, Tennessee- February 22, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Decatur County Emergency Management Agency director, Kevin Cagle, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“Staying informed is the best way to prepare for spring storm season,” Cagle said. “The county has several means notifying residents regarding severe weather including ALERT FM.”

Last year, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from Radio Shack on Tennessee Avenue in Parsons or www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Cagle 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

Decatur AFM severe weather press release.pdf (81.85 kb)

EMA Encourages Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Season
ALERT FM Receivers available for purchase

Houston, Mississippi- February 22, 2011- With “Severe Weather Awareness Week” upon us, Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency director, Linda Griffin, is encouraging residents to begin preparing for severe weather that could move across the county in the upcoming spring months.

“Staying informed is the best way residents can prepare for this year’s spring storm season,” Griffin said. “The county has several means of communicating with the public regarding severe weather including ALERT FM.”

In 2009, the county 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 by purchasing an ALERT FM receiver for around $40 with no recurring usage fees from Nabors Home Center or www.alertfm.com. Receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program

“During a severe weather event, ALERT FM receivers have ability to provide residents with critical information, directly from the National Weather Service, and state and county officials.” said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems (manufacturer of ALERT FM).

Griffin 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. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county and multi-county levels. More than 50 million people in 14 states have access to ALERT FM technology.

Chickasaw AFM severe weather press release.pdf (114.75 kb)