Streetsboro High School’s radio station, 88.9 WSTB-FM, successfully participated in an emergency communications exercise conducted by Portage County Emergency Management Agency, Ohio Emergency Management, Hocking County Emergency Management, and Streetsboro Fire Department.
The exercise simulated a large-scale communications outage affecting internet access, public phone systems, email and public safety radio. Without advanced notice, emergency management officials decided to contact WSTB as a backup communication method. The radio station is an established emergency communications outlet for the City of Streetsboro and Portage County, however, the abilities of the radio to immediately provide emergency notification were not tested recently. WSTB General Manager Corey Teuton and Broadcast Instructor Bob Long responded within 10 minutes of being contacted, demonstrating the realistic scenario of activating emergency communications without prior warming.
Shortly after, Portage County EMA Director Ryan Shackelford went live on air with them to demonstrate how the station could transmit emergency information to the public during an actual crisis.
“This test with WSTB was a success.” said Captain Kevin Grimm with the Streetsboro Fire Department. “If this was an actual emergency, WSTB would have been the first public broadcast station to transmit information over FM radio to the public.”
This successful exercise demonstrates WSTB’s readiness to keep residents informed during actual emergency situations and the station will continue to serve as an important partner in emergency preparedness for Streetsboro and Portage County.