From: "Martin Brooks" <mbrooks@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: New Nationwide Public Emergency Communications Network
Launched
Date: Fri, 05 May 2006 19:58:22 -0700
Dear Esther ,
Please see announcement below.
If you have questions, please contact -- Eric Knight,
NationalSOS.com, 860-673-2502,
inquiry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Emergency Volunteer Organizations Participate in New Public
Emergency Communications
Network
-- "National SOS" based on the millions of FRS (Family Radio
Service) and GMRS
(General Mobile Radio Service) radios already in use for camping,
boating, hiking,
etc. -- and the nationwide network of 700,000 ham radio operators
and 70,000
licensed GMRS users --
May 5, 2006 -- The Midland Radio Corporation, REACT International,
the DC Emergency
Radio Network, and NationalSOS.com have jointly announced their
support for the
National SOS Radio Network -- www.NationalSOS.com -- a free
communications network
based on the estimated 100 million FRS-compatible radios already in
the hands
of the public... and growing by up to 12 million radios per year.
In the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Katrina, Midwest
tornadoes, Texas
and California wildfires, and widespread spring flooding, it has
become clear
that a major contributing factor to the tragic loss of life was the
breakdown
of traditional telephone and communication systems. When
electricity, telephone
and cell phone services fail, people are unable to let rescuers
know of their
emergency situations. Deaths in the California wildfires of 2003
and Hurricane
Katrina in 2005 are tragic examples of what can happen when people
have no way
to call for help.
The simple, instant, and virtually zero-cost solution: A "National
SOS" public
emergency network -- www.NationalSOS.com. This free public network
connects the
estimated 100 million Family Radio Service (FRS) and FRS / GMRS
(General Mobile
Radio Service) combination radios already in use by the public with
700,000 amateur
"ham" radio operators -- people renowned and prepared for emergency
communications
-- plus over 70,000 licensed GMRS radio users who are also
proficient emergency
communicators.
This free public network connects the estimated 100 million Family
Radio Service
(FRS) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios already in use
by the public
with 700,000 amateur Ham radio operators -- people renowned and
prepared for
emergency communications.
FRS radios used under FRS regulations don't require a radio
operator license,
can be used by anyone of any age, and are available for as little
as $10 - $30
at many major retailers and online stores.
The National SOS initiative recommends that the public use FRS
Channel 1 as a
primary emergency-communications channel. Channel 1 is easy to
remember and has
previously been endorsed by radio manufacturers and by REACT
International. During
a crisis, Ham Radio, GMRS and scanner operators can monitor FRS
Channel 1 by
listening to 462.5625 MHz. When a cry for help is received from an
FRS radio,
emergency responders can be notified.
Eric Knight, a ham-radio veteran and developer of
www.NationalSOS.com said, "We
are honored to be teaming up with three fantastic organizations in
the field
of communications." Knight continued, "Midland Radio
www.midlandradio.com is
a long-time pioneer in innovative radio technology. REACT
International, Inc.
www.REACTintl.org has been at the forefront of an all-citizen
emergency communications
network for nearly 50 years and introduced FRS radio as an
important public communications
tool in 2000. And the DC Emergency Radio Network, DCERN,
www.dcradio.org is a
brilliant example of using FRS radios to connect people and
neighborhoods in
an emergency."
Chris Oehlert, Marketing Communications Manager for Midland Radio,
said in regards
to the National SOS Radio Network, "Midland is pleased to support
such an important
effort. The importance of communication cannot be over emphasized,
particularly
in times of crisis." Oehlert continued, "Midland 2-way radios
provide a reliable,
inexpensive means of communication -- even in situations where
other technologies
are disabled."
Since 1962, REACT -- Radio Emergency Associated Communications
Teams -- has led
major efforts in emergency communications and disaster-preparedness
programs.
Ed Greany, Executive Vice-president of REACT International, Inc.,
said, "REACT
is pleased to lend support and encourage radio users of the Family
Radio Service
(FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) to this important
project."
Greany added, "Both FRS and GMRS radios have already proven their
importance
and effective use in disaster communications in recent California
wildfires."
Bill Adler, the founder of the DC Emergency Radio Network, DCERN,
said, "It's
my vision to see that every household in American has an FRS or
GMRS radio. As
we've learned from 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters,
without communications
nothing else operates effectively." Adler continued, "I envision a
national network
of ordinary Americans with FRS and GMRS radios who can relay
information in an
emergency. When a natural or manmade disaster strikes, the only
good communications
system is one that will actually work. The idea behind this new
emergency network
is to have a simple, reliable communications system that doesn't
depend on electricity
or standing cell phone towers -- and that anyone of any age can use."
For more details regarding the National SOS Radio Network, please
visit: www.NationalSOS.com.
Contacts:
Eric Knight
Founder
NationalSOS.com
860-673-2502
Ed Greany
Executive Vice-President
REACT International, Inc
301-316-2900
Bill Adler
Founder
DCERN
202-986-9275
Chris Oehlert
Marketing Communications Manager
Midland Radio Corporation
816-241-8500, Ext. 245