[BC] Emergency communications during WTC disaster

[Rich Wood]

------ At 05:27 PM 3/5/2007, Chuck Lakaytis wrote: -------

>Yes the lower Manhatten repeaters were on top of the WTC.  And yes, 
>the mobile repeater was crushed in the tower collapse.  But the huge 
>problem was that the portable radios that the crews used were 
>supposedly "state of the art" and had been the source of a huge 
>number of compalints about building penetration every since they had 
>been adapted.

I'm told the system was converted to digital and it wasn't ready for 
prime time. Others tell me the conversion hadn't taken place. I know 
cop friends were complaining about their new radios before 9/11. 
Rumor hazzit the contract was no bid.

>Interesting enough, the most reliable source of communication to the 
>Manahttan dispatch center were the old fashioned "red call 
>boxes".  Yes, hardwired telco lines.

I hope nothing serious happens that requires the use of those call 
boxes. Former Mayor Giulianni had them disabled. For those unfamiliar 
with Manhattan, the boxes were mostly free-standing and had two 
buttons with and intercom. One for Police and one for Fire. They've 
either been removed or plastered with signs instructing you to call 
911. I remember residents bitterly complaining when they were 
removed. He did it, anyway. If 9/11 happened today that backup would 
be useless.

Rich


Rich Wood
Rich Wood Multimedia
Phone: 413-454-3258