This will enable Arlington to issue emergency messages, via its free Arlington Alert service to XM Satellite Radio subscribers and allow XM to enhance the offerings on its dedicated traffic and weather channel for the Washington D.C., metro area -- XM Channel 214.
"Partnering with XM Satellite Radio gives us another cutting-edge way to quickly get important emergency information to Arlington residents, employees and commuters," said Bob Griffin, Director of Arlington's Office of Emergency Management. "The communities of the National Capital Region are closely linked, and an emergency in Arlington would have broad impact. XM Channel 214 will expand our reach throughout the region."
Arlington is home to the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport -- and has 10 Metro subway stops and I-395 running through it. An emergency here would impact the greater Washington area. XM Satellite Radio technology offers another reliable means to reach the public with vital updates on traffic, weather and major emergencies as they unfold.
The Roam Secure Alert Network (RSAN), which powers Arlington Alert, will connect Arlington Alert to XM Radio.
"Arlington helped bring emergency text alerting to the greater Washington region," said David Drescher, CEO of Roam Secure. "Once again, they are marching ahead as the first county to integrate their public warning system with satellite radio technology.
"Integrating the Roam Secure Alert Network with XM Satellite Radio's emergency, traffic and weather channel, also paves the way for other Roam Secure customers in the National Capital Region, and beyond, to broadcast their emergency information over XM Satellite Radio's DC and 20 other major metro markets," Drescher added. "Roam Secure, its customers and partners are setting the national standard for text alerting."
