Press Release

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April 21, 2003

Contra Costa County's Community Warning System (CWS), one of the most advanced notification systems in this country, is the topic of a new program that will be broadcast several times in the coming month on cable television channels throughout the county.

The Community Warning System has helped alert residents and responders about hazardous material incidents and is being expanded to provide immediate notification about all hazards, such as earthquakes and terrorist incidents.

Sheriff Warren Rupf hosts the program, "Keeping Contra Costa Safe." The segment airs on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) at the following times: 9 p.m. May 16, 12:30 and 9 p.m. May 17, 10 a.m. May 21, 2:30 p.m. May 22, 3 p.m. May 28 and 6 p.m. May 29.

The program describes the process that takes place when the Community Warning System is activated beginning with notification to agencies that need to respond to the incident. This award-winning system links communities, public agencies, the media and industry all across Contra Costa to get information out quickly and accurately.

"Sharing the vision for the Contra Costa County Community Warning System, how public safety agencies are working together, and re-emphasizing Shelter-In-Place are the main purpose of this program," said Elizabeth Klute, County CWS Manager.

Klute stated the county's vision for the Community Warning System as this: "That Contra Costa County is recognized by its constituents, local, state and federal government and industry as having and providing a fully functional and current Community Warning System for all hazards."

"It is important to let the community know of the advances being made here in the county with regard to the Community Warning System," she added.

CCTV airs on the following cable channels: Channel 10 in Danville and Blackhawk; Channel 15 in some parts of Central Contra Costa; Channel 18 in Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules and Richmond; Channel 19 in Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, San Pablo, Walnut Creek and parts of East County; Channel 27 in Antioch, Bay Point, Pittsburgh, and parts of West County and the Tri-Valley area; and Channel 32 on Astound Cable.

For information about the video broadcast, please call Michael Kent, Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Ombudsman, at 925-313-6587.

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