The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with iHeartMedia, has completed the modernization project at NewsRadio 700 WLW-AM in Cincinnati. The goal of the upgrade is to improve alert and warning capabilities when disasters threaten public safety.
To the right is an actual photo of the WLW PEP station. The “pod” on the left houses the generators, the one of the right is the actual station, equipped with a small bed, toilet, and food for two people for 60 days.
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015 is managed by FEMA. The upgrades are part of an effort to upgrade Primary Entry Point stations, which provide emergency warnings to local communities. Currently, 77 PEPs serve 90 percent of the U.S. population. WLW-AM is the second station in the country to complete the upgrade.
PEPs are private or commercial radio broadcast stations that participate with FEMA to provide emergency alert and warning information to the public before, during, and after incidents and disasters. They are specially designed and hardened to withstand various natural and man-made events to ensure continuity of operations.
The Pods are Ok, but the important link is the Antenna system. That won’t be put into any Pod!
PERSONAL Opinion Alert: I don’t know what they do, or the whys, etc. my take is that for several reasons I’d have those pods encased in hardened concrete underground. But I don’t know their reasons so will just say again it’s my opinion.