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In the 1970s, the City of Tukwila installed a 154 MHz Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) analog radio system to aid in disaster communications. While still operational, the system is failing and requires significant updates. Tukwila Emergency Management was able to secure $49,000 to help provide necessary updates to the existing system through an Emergency Management Performance Grant.
The ability to communicate is critical for coordinating emergency response operations. Normal day-to-day communications systems are often among the first things lost in a disaster – the systems fail, their infrastructure is damaged, or they are immediately overwhelmed with people trying to connect with others.
In February 2001, the Nisqually Earthquake rocked our region, incapacitating normal communications. The City found that the only working communication system was the analog 154 MHz system. Generally considered as redundant, it was this system that allowed for a quick response to damage in Tukwila.
There are currently significant dead zones in the City when operating this system. This grant will allow the City to upgrade the system with additional repeaters, expanding its radio coverage and boosting the system’s resilience. The completion of the updates this fall is expected to culminate in a low maintenance and reliable system, with few if any updates anticipated in the future.
These necessary updates will ensure that the City is able to maintain communications during the next big disaster.
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