Fort Worth Introduces Emergency Alert System for the Deaf and Blind
by Doug Magditch
February 14, 2013
FORT WORTH — As we roll toward severe weather season, Fort Worth is rolling out a new warning system. It will make sure those who can’t see or hear the warnings still know about them.
“People who can hear, they know what to do, but I’m deaf,” said Fort Worth’s Tracey Michol. “I was born deaf. Profoundly deaf.”
According to U.S. Census numbers, 5-percent of those living in Fort Worth have hearing or vision disabilities.
“I have hearing aids. I hear some noise, but I don’t know where it’s coming from,” said Michol.
Thursday afternoon, Fort Worth introduced the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS). Alert will now be sent out as video messages in American Sign Language as well as braille.
“The city will now send out our AHAS warnings at the same time that the rest of us hear our outdoor warning sirens,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.
Fort Worth is the first city in Texas to offer the program.
“I hope that we can be an inspiration to other communities, other cities, that maybe they’ll do the same,” said Michol.
SOURCE: (Video, too!)
http://nightcaptv.com/2013/02/14/fort-worth-introduces-emergency-alert-system-for-the-deaf-blind/?