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EPA to Participate During 9-1-1 Day at T-Bones' Ballpark

Release Date: 08/20/2009
Contact Information: Dianna Whitaker, (913) 551-7598, whitaker.dianna@epa.gov

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Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., August 20, 2009) - On-scene coordinators (OSCs) from EPA Region 7 will showcase their mobile command post and its state-of-the-art integrated communications equipment as part of the "9-1-1 Day at the Ballpark" event at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan., on Saturday evening.

The event honors public safety and emergency communications personnel who process 9-1-1 calls and respond to emergencies. EPA's OSCs coordinate closely with local and state emergency personnel during environmental emergencies.

During the event, emergency response vehicles such as the EPA mobile command post will be on display. This gives the public an opportunity to view emergency vehicles and equipment up close and increases public understanding of the critical work performed by emergency professionals.

The EPA mobile command post includes a geographic information system computer used to produce maps for field work at emergency incidents. The satellite dish and two-way radios in the vehicle allow OSCs to communicate with each other and other emergency responders when traditional phone lines are out. The vehicle is fitted with a telescoping camera on a mast. The camera can remotely photograph scenes from a distance of a quarter mile from the command post. The resulting remote photographs provide detailed information from a safe distance.

The Mid-America Regional Council is hosting the event and has invited local fire and police departments, Emergency Medical Services agencies and other emergency response teams to participate by showcasing their public safety vehicles prior to the evening's baseball game between the Kansas City T-Bones and the Joliet Jackhammers.

WHAT: 9-1-1 Day at the Ballpark

WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: CommunityAmerica Ballpark, 1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. 66111