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The cost of one of these beepers is $275.00 (this includes $25.00 for inz--ranee on the device,). There is a $14.00 monthly charge for the encoder which is controlled b;,- the answering service. At present, I would be satisfied with the availability of one beeper. If the Board of Commissioners should decide I need two, this decision would not be objectionable. The other matter I wish to address at this time is in regards to an anemometer. On February 19th, I awoke at 6 A.M. and was advised by the radio that Vero Beach was experiencing winds with a velocity of 35 miles per hour. However, when I drove to the office it was very apparent that the winds were of a greater velocity and more exaggerated in some areas. In my opinion, I had determined that we were experiencing winds of at least 60 miles per hour. I tried to confirm this opinion by checking with the FAA. However, their phones were not operable. The National Weather Service at Daytona, con- tacted me and would have appreciated definite data in regards to the wind velocity. This service stands by to help us disseminate adverse weather conditions to the general public. In spite of the fact that I was not able to avail myself of the pertinent information, I activated the Civil Defense staff and alerted the school system, governmental agencies, and emergency response groups to the fact that we were experiencing some unusual weather conditions. If we had our own anemometer we would have confirmed our weather determinations. Such an - instrument is very much needed in disaster preparedness. It is time consuming trying to obtain necessary information from another activity - particularly, if the telephone system is not operable. An anemometer would also present atmospheric pressure readings. During the Hurricane David episode, this staff's decisions were guided by the changes in atmospheric pressures. When the pressure dropped alarmingly, we were convinced that certain d actions had to be effected. This weather data plus the wind velocity factors makes this type of instrument essential to our preparedness program. The Daytona National. Weather Service &'--o has concurred in regards to the need for having such immediate reliable weather information. A Heathkit Weather Computer kit can be obtained for $383.90. The staff has the expertise to assemble this kit, thereby saving $111.10. It would be most comforting to have this Electronic Weatherman instrument to furnish "instant, accurate past, present, and future weather data." At this stage, I know the prominent question is whether Civil Defense is budgeted for this equipment. On December 6, 1979 the State forwarded a check to this department in the amount of $820.23. I understand from the Finance Department that this is available for Civil Defense use since this sum of money was extracted from the 1979 Civil Defense budget to fund the CETA program during September. This program was supervised by Civil Defense and included the workers hired to assist the various communities in the clean-up phase after Hurricane David. Furthermore, the radio alert communication system was budgeted for $750.00 and which will not be effected this year. I trust that the Indian River County Board of Commissioners will approve the purchases of a beeper and the Heathkit Digital Weather Computer. Very si rely, S. Lee Nuzie, Director 1 , I BOOK " 43PAGE,1,72-•