The use of Emergency Advisory Radio Stations has been the topic of many discussions during the past few years. There are two types of FCC licenses available for Low Power Radio Stations.
The low power AM radio stations are known as "Travelers Information Station". These stations are licensed between 530 kHz to 1700 kHz AM. The low-wattage radio transmitter is 50 watts or less and used to alert motorists of upcoming events, road detours, public notices, abnormal traffic conditions, visitor information (noncommercial content). In an emergency or disaster the message can be amended to provide new information such as evacuation routes, mud/debris flow or wildfire updates. Fixed AM stations covers a 3-5 mile radius or about 28-78 square miles.
The 2nd type of Low Power radio stations liscensed by the FCC is called LPFM. This FM radio service was created by the FCC in January 2000. These stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power of 100 watts or less. The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius). These stations are designed as broadcast stations and require a minimum number of programmed hours of operation per day.
The Wrightwood Communications Group will begin testing for a AM "Travelers Information Station" the week of March 17. A temporary FCC testing license and rental of testing equipment has been ordered.
Low Power radio stations are not a cure all for disaster communications. They add more depth to the available tools we have in the toolbox.
