Illinois has new $400,000 radio system in the event of Y2K failures

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-- Linkmeister (link@librarian.edu), August 06, 1999

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Hospitals, offices to get Y2K backup

August 2, 1999

BY DAVE MCKINNEY SUN-TIMES SPRINGFIELD BUREAU

SPRINGFIELD--Five Chicago area hospitals and various state and city offices will be linked as part of a new $400,000 state radio system to help maintain communications in the event of Y2K telephone failures.

Hospitals to be equipped with generator-powered radios include Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Highland Park Hospital and Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago.

Statewide, 47 radios are being purchased, with some of those to be installed in Chicago's 911 center, state public health offices in Chicago, and at Illinois State Police and state transportation offices in the city and suburbs.

"If we were to lose the phone grids or if the systems were overloaded, this would be the backup system for communication," said Mike Chamness, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, which has played a key role in helping develop the state's Y2K strategy.

The radios could play a vital communications role in future disasters such as terrorist strikes, he said.

The radio system is expected to be in place by Oct. 1, when the state will hold a Y2K exercise.

The radios are part of a multifaceted, statewide emergency services plan authorized by Gov. Ryan to help prepare for any possible computer-related problems caused by the millennium bug.

The hospitals were chosen because they have trauma facilities, Chamness said.

The approach also calls for heightened reporting to the state by counties on Y2K preparedness and for utilities to be in constant contact with the Illinois Commerce Commission the night of Dec. 31 to monitor the rollover to a new year.

Ryan also has decided against any scheduled activation of the National Guard for Y2K-related duty. Nor have any end-of-year vacation restrictions been imposed on state military officials or guard members.

"Right now, it does not seem that the need exists. If the situation changes, that's always something the governor can act on," Ryan spokesman Dave Urbanek said.

Meanwhile, the Ryan administration is preparing brochures and public service announcements to air on television and radio between September and December, offering Y2K pointers and urging Illinoisans to assemble 72 hours' worth of provisions as part of a Y2K/storm preparedness kit.

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-- Linkmeister (link@librarian.edu), August 06, 1999.


I just bought a new $400 radio back up, can I get a GRANT?

-- I Wana (hand@out.too), August 06, 1999.

Thanks for the post.

-- Deborah (infowars@yahoo.com), August 06, 1999.

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