"In just 12 months, we have seen the system go from 24 percent to 90 percent participation," said Governor Rell. "In an emergency, communication is crucial among state and local officials. Water, meals, ice and tarps must be delivered to predetermined distribution points within our local communities, and this radio system enables local authorities to order these emergency provisions and get necessities delivered."
The state provides towns funding to pay for the radio systems.
The Governor said the state will be conducting an exercise in early June to test the radio system to ensure that all towns can submit their needs in a timely manor. The system is tested every three months to ensure all radios are working.
Governor Rell encouraged those towns that have not installed their radios to do so as soon as possible in order to participate in the June exercise.
"These exercises serve to get us as prepared as possible for a major hurricane or other disaster," Governor Rell said. "Ninety percent participation is good, but we will not be satisfied until we reach 100 percent."
