Margate to test early warning alarm system Tuesday, Aug. 24.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE Following the installation of three emergency alert towers, the city's Office of Emergency Management will be testing the new emergency alert system for the first time 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Aug. 24.
According to Construction Official Jim Galantino, there will be four announcements emanating from three speakers located atop poles at the city's two fire stations and the Sigmund Rimm athletic complex on Jerome Avenue. The alerts will last three minutes with a pre-recorded message approved by the Federal Communication Commission.
Galantino said the public can expect three short sound tones from each of the speakers and then all three locations in unison.
The public would be notified of the test on the city's website, social media outlets and a robocall to all registered users, Galantino said.
The emergency alert system is designed to be a far-reaching way to alert residents in the event of impending danger from storms, flooding or other public safety crisis.
The city received a grant to fund the cost of installation of three poles with loudspeakers on top. The $41,000 grant included a 25% cash match from the city.
In addition to warning the public about pending emergencies, the warning system is a resiliency measure which can increase Margate's score in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System, which provides residents with discounts on the cost of flood insurance.
The Community Rating System provides incremental 5% discounts on the cost of homeowners' flood insurance policies in communities that implement programs and services that increase resiliency against future storm events and strengthens the flood insurance program by reducing claims. Margate's current rating is Class 5, which provides all property owners with a 25% discount on the cost of flood insurance.
Residents in close proximity to the speakers may find the announcements to be loud, but the benefits of the early warning system outweigh the occasional inconvenience, officials said.
Timing for testing the system was set before tropical storm Henri formed in the Atlantic and started its move up the east coast. Except for rough surf and dangerous rip currents, the storm, which is headed toward Long Island, New York, and New England states, is not expected to have a severe impact on South Jersey coastal communities, so residents should not be alarmed when they hear the announcements.
Galantino said the system would only be used in an emergency but will be tested twice a year. Emergency Management Coordinator Chuck LaBarre will have control over the semi-annual testing program and any emergency notifications that may become necessary.
The poles are located at Fire Station No. 1 located at 1 S. Washington Ave.; Fire Station No. 2 at 405 N. Brunswick Ave.; and the third tower is located near the batting cages building at the Jerome Avenue recreational complex.
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