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r BOOK 95 PA.rE 933 At 11:00 PM we tuned to Channel 13 and saw only the radar map of Florida, with no audio. We checked the other stations, no interrupt. Back to 13, no announcement, and so it continued. We have come to realize by now that you just won't believe our story, which, however, has been confirmed by several neighbors. TCI has also confirmed that there was no problem with our cable as long as the stationary radar map was visible on our screen. It is clear from your self-congratulatory statements to the press that you are more interested in what went right than with what may have gone wrong. The reaction from your office should have been to acknowledge our criticism with concern and gratitude, and then to address and investigate the criticism. find out what did go wrong in the transmission, and. finally, to inform us that you had found the reasons and assure us that it would not happen again. Instea.:t you have chosen to deny all. This is an alarmi.nq and irresponsible attitude for a public official to take. I have already 311Q.Jested to You tna: the down tim-:: -:on _h•,3nne1 13 could more profitably be used to disolav costerboard notices of emergency information than a static radar display. I would further suggest that a test of the interrupt system is in order. exercisinq both the audio and video channels. Such a test should be pre -announced with persons in various parts of the county alerted to watch and listen for it and report in. As You know we are very upset by what happened and concerned for our future here if we have to depend on an Erin -level emergency system for help during an Andrew -level storm. We hope that you can see your way clear to take some positive actious to allay these concerns. Sincerely, .OA11941&4?41 Don W. Vanas Chairman Macht then suggested a meeting to formalize the use of Channel 13 for emergency purposes. Commissioner Bird felt that Channel 12 had done an excellent job and graciously made their channel available for local announcements. Chairman Macht stated most other channels were very late with their information and Channel 13 would be the authoritative voice to be monitored by our shelters, police, and other emergency workers, as well as the general public. Commissioner Adams suggested designating a radio channel also. Commissioner Bird then suggested some kind of rolling message when the audio and video were not in use. Chairman Macht stated that the technical means of getting information on Channel 13 is still being developed. AUGUST 15, 1995 24 M M M