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COUNTY LOOKING TO FIX COMMUNICATION GAPS - Mobile 911 Center Being Equipped, Cell Phone Improvements Sought |
| (12/13/2008) |
| By Bob Weaver Calhoun's E-911 Advisory Board has recommended a study to improve radio communications in the county, which could lead to the construction of some new towers and placement of 2-way radio equipment. Calhoun's 911 Director Gary Buchanan said "Emergency responders say there are a number of dead spots in some narrow hollows," while a few other areas have intermittent contact. A propagation study is being done between the current 911 towers at Mt. Zion, Mule Knob and Broomstick, followed by a study using VHF radio communications. "The Advisory Board has asked the county fire departments to help provide data about weak communication spots," Buchanan said. The 911 Advisory Board and the Calhoun Commission is actively seeking new cell phone providers to improve local service, offering local towers as incentives. The director said two new trunk lines have been installed at the 911 Center to allow communication for the state's new area code. OES Director Kathy Wood said efforts are moving forward to equip a mobile 911 Emergency Communications Center in a trailer already owned by the county. "The mobile unit will likely be stationed at the Department of Highways, to be activated in case the main center goes down," Wood said. Bids on radios and antennas have been taken. Calhoun's 911 center has been put out of commission by lightning strikes in the past. "We have a number of active citizens on our 911 Advisory Board and LEPC Board working to provide better services to the county," said Wood. A chemical flow study of hazardous materials is also currently being done with the help of county firemen, she said.
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