Irrigon homes to receive emergency radios soon

This story was published Tue, May 16, 2000

By the Herald Oregon bureau

Irrigon homes and businesses will begin receiving tone-alert radios this week.

The free emergency warning radios are part of the national Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. The radios will warn and give directions to residents should a chemical release occur at the Umatilla Chemical Depot. The radios work in conjunction with emergency sirens and highway reader boards throughout the area and with the Emergency Alert System.

Radio Services Co. will deliver the radios throughout Sector G, which includes the city of Irrigon and surrounding areas in Morrow County, from Interstate 84 to the Columbia River, including an area from Paterson Ferry Road east to the Umatilla County line.

Distribution started May 2 in the South Hill area along Powerline Road, said Jesse Seigal, Federal Emergency Management Agency representative.

Seigal said radios will be distributed door-to-door weekday evenings until 9 p.m. and on weekends. Businesses should expect installers arriving during business hours. The radio installers wear special reflective vests and company identification badges.

Seigal said radio distribution is complete in the South Hill area, but residents or owners of vacant homes or businesses in that area who have not received a radio should call 800-307-7708.

Radio recipients will be asked to sign for the radio, which is specifically programmed to work in the sector where it is originally installed. Renters should not remove the radios if they move. Officials say radios should remain in the home or business.

The distribution process is expected to take about seven months.

 

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