Christian FM || Storm Center > Our relationship with IRCES

In 2000, Christian FM was approached by the Indian River County Department of Emergency Services to create a system whereby Indian River county citizens would be informed of important information during a time of emergency.

Many area residents do not have cablevision, and are unable to receive the Indian River County’s television broadcasts on local cable. In addition, when power is lost cable access is often lost. A better system of emergency information was envisioned that could be easily accessed by battery operated radios and in automobiles. Since WSCF 91.9 FM is clearly heard throughout the county (and beyond), and our station’s broadcasts originate from Indian River county, our station is ideally able to communicate with the residents of this county.

With the approval of the Board of County Commissioners, IRC Emergency Services developed a plan to reach the maximum number of our Indian River county residents and provide valuable information in the possible event of a hurricane, natural disaster, or other crisis situation.

Christian FM 91.9 FM was designated, The Official Voice of Indian River County Emergency Management. In a time of emergency need, the first ten minutes (more if needed), of each hour will be dedicated to the latest information from Emergency Services. These broadcasts originate from the County Administration Building.

A dedicated ISDN link with a backup radio link was established and maintained between the county and WSCF. This enabled the county to have immediate communication access to WSCF. In addition, a permanent microwave system was purchased for emergency backup use should all other systems fail.

During the tremendously damaging twin hurricanes of 2004 (September 2004), the system proved invaluable to the residents of this County. When cable systems completely failed, power was out, and all communications were down, WSCF 91.9 continued to provide county officials with a strong means to communicate with residents. The relationship between Indian River County and WSCF 91.9FM proved to be an information lifeline for our community. Twice daily briefings were broadcast live to the public, providing valuable emergency information, including the locations of food, shelter, ice, and clean water. Hourly updates kept the public informed, and a difficult situation was made into an opportunity for our community to come together.

In the years since, whenever tropical weather approaches, Indian River County and Christian FM have continued to provide important local information to area residents. Should an emergency arise, we stand ready to provide the information our residents need.

The Board of Directors of Christian FM recognize the greater need of the public good, and feel we have a duty to perform to this community . We are happy to be able to work with the county in this project, and consider it an honor.

While we certainly hope it will be rarely needed, we believe that this plan will provide the best possible information and security for the families of Indian River county.