| TranStar Press Release | |
News Release: Houston TranStar's Amateur Radio Operators |
Sep 14th, 2006 |
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| Amateur Radio Operators are Houston TranStar’s Safety Net
Certified volunteers offer last resort for communications Media Contact Dinah Massie Martinez Office 713.881.3244 Cell 713.591.6856 HOUSTON (Sept. 14, 2006) – If regional telephone networks fail, Houston TranStar must continue its emergency communications with the outside world. So the nationally recognized traffic and emergency management organization calls on its communications aces - amateur (HAM) radio operators. This dedicated group of nationally certified volunteers takes its place at Houston TranStar alongside law enforcement, first responders and emergency management personnel. In a disaster, amateur radio operators could become the lifeline for continued operations at Houston TranStar. WHAT: Amateur Radio Awareness Day WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006 WHERE: Houston TranStar 6922 Old Katy Road Houston, TX 77024 Interviews with amateur radio operators and a tour of their area at Houston TranStar are available. To recognize this invaluable core of volunteers, Houston TranStar honors these unselfish heroes on Saturday, Sept. 16, during National Amateur Radio Operators Day. Amateur radio operators have been using their wireless form of communication since the early 1900s. Wireless messages can span the globe, using ten basic "bands" (groups of radio frequencies) ranging from High Frequency (HF) between 1800 and 29,700 kilohertz to Super High Frequency (SHF) bands. “If all other systems were to fail, we are the means to keep Houston TranStar communicating with the public and other agencies,” said Alan Issachsen, volunteer amateur radio operator. “That’s a huge responsibility that all amateur radio operators take very seriously.” Joe Gadus, 53, of Houston, and his son Joseph, 14, are volunteers at Houston TranStar. Houston TranStar relies so heavily on these volunteers that space is provided for them in the Emergency Operations Center. During emergencies such as hurricanes, evacuations, major sheltering events or communication system outages, these operators are a vital resource to bridge the communications gap between government and private agencies, as well as the public. Houston TranStar is a collaboration between four government agencies that coordinate and enhance transportation and emergency management services, responding to incidents and emergencies in Harris County and beyond. Sharing their resources to serve area residents, the agencies are the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Harris County, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro) and the City of Houston. 30 |
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