Edited, 1/20 August 5th is "National Night Out Against Crime" and 30 neighborhoods in Redmond will be participating this Tuesday. Most will celebrate with a Neighborhood Block Watch party.So what's the deal about Redmond's big secret? The secret is 1650 AM radio! Redmond Community Radio 1650 AM is our "new" 24/7 emergency advisory radio service. Redmond's emergency radio band will be announced and celebrated in neighborhoods on "National Night Out."
1650 AM was first launched -but never took off - during the Ives Administration following the severe December 2006 windstorm (and earthquake of 2002). Power was out for an average of 4-5 days on Education Hill. Pat Vache', Vice President of Council, moderated a study session last night shedding light on 1650 AM. Mayor John Marchione came prepared with a six-minute video presentation (click the story title to watch it), multiple staff presentations, and marketing tools. 1650 AM was the first digital audio radio station west of the Mississippi but up until last night, no one had ever heard of it!!
1650 AM broadcasts can only be heard from vehicles. In emergencies, the city will update their website and I'll be posting updates from my home or from the library - as long as power is available.
It's only a matter of time for another local natural disaster. Last time I heard, the Eastside was about 10 years overdue for a 30-year subduction earthquake. Check the local ongoing seismic activity reports here. We've had two severe flood storms in the last 2 years. Serious windstorms with power outages happen and with climate change, probably more so. 1650 AM will be there for us when we need it? (City events are announced in between disasters)
The city video describes Redmond's bustling Emergency Coordinating Center and the Redmond Community Radio. Besides emergency alerts, the radio station broadcasts: city events, Amber Alerts, road repairs and construction, and someday it may broadcast traffic accidents.
Thanks go to council's awareness and the John Marchione Administration for taking the wraps off of 1650 AM!
The city installed signage announcing the Radio station - on RED-WOOD. 9/2012
Thanks for the tip Bob. I'm sure everyone in the area remembers how long it took to get electricity restored over in our neck of the woods during the last windstorm. With the complete power loss, which affected radio/cell phones towers and gas stations, it certainly makes sense to have an open and accessible channel of communication.
ReplyDeleteDear Coffeenet -
ReplyDeleteI remember the last windstorm when our number one "need" besides heat was COFFEE! I've got a gas camp stove and drip funnel on my Top 12 List for emergencies so am now fully ready for the next one!
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