The emergency communication system of a local agency may be improving.
The Prince William County Service Authority (PWCSA) in Woodbridge has formed a partnership with the Prince William County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).
ARES is made up of more than 30 radio operators who serve in various roles, such as dispatchers.
This can prove useful if PWCSA’s phone system and other technology malfunctions, according to Service Authority Emergency Preparedness and Security Manager Zvi Gruenspecht.
“We want to leverage every resource we can to better communicate during an emergency,” Gruenspecht said in a release. “Should all other modes of communication fail, having a formal agreement in place with ARES allows us to better meet our customers’ needs.”
Water and wastewater plays an important part during a crisis.
“If there is no water treatment during an emergency, hospitals would have to close, and that makes the Service Authority a pretty important agency,” ARES Emergency Coordinator David Lane said in a release. “We are happy to lend support in any way we can.”
