GETS is a White House directed emergency phone service provided by a division of the Department of Homeland Security and only applies to a certain group of people who are directly linked to national security or emergency preparedness missions. If one meets the eligibility requirements, a phone card is issued along with an access number and a pin code which is required to log on to the system and avail of the service for a minimal charge.
John Hirsh, executive director for the NMI chapter of the American Red Cross, explains how he was able to utilize the GETS card prior to being mobilized to Louisiana during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
After numerous, unsuccessful attempts to reach the New Orleans Red Cross chapter, he placed a call using the access number and it immediately patched his call through and was able to reach his colleague.
“The system was able to prioritize my call and somehow bypass all the disrupted services,” Hirsh said.
PTI remains committed in providing the CNMI with reliable communication and at the same time recognizes the importance and benefits of the GETS program for the community.
This commitment has translated into countless hours of manpower just to get the system in compliance.
There are daily reporting requirements and operational measurements that must be fulfilled in order to be designated “compliant.”
PTI’s network service manager Jim Calderwood led the project.
“Although GETS applies to only a selected group, PTI can assure the CNMI that immediate communication will be available in times of calamity or distress, where access to phone lines are limited or disrupted,” said Kathryn Barry, regional marketing manager of PTI. “CNMI Disaster Preparedness Month reminds us all the importance of being ready in the event of an emergency.”
For more information, you may log on to http://www.gets.ncs.gov or call 682-4PTI.
Red flag raised at 11 Saipan sites
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag at eleven sites on Saipan and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
Samples collected from Tanapag Meeting Hall, Central Repair Shop, DPW Channel Bridge, S. Puerto Rico Dump, American Memorial Park, Hafa-Adai Hotel, Hafa-Adai Drainage, Garapan Fishing Dock, Garapan Beach Drainage, Sugar Dock, CK Dist #2 Drainage contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria — enterococci — that exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 664-8500 with any questions concerning this matter.
Dandan school Parent Summit on Sept. 20
(DES) — The Home of the Tottot would like to invite everyone to the school’s 4th Annual Parent Summit-Open House scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
The summit/orientation will allow parents and guardians to learn more about the teacher’s and school’s expectations and also to provide some additional information about what Dandan Elementary School has to offer to its students.
“Let it be known that it is our responsibility to share our many successes and challenges with the school community in order to get the much-needed support to make this learning institution a better place for its students,” the school said. “Our target is always ‘students first.’ That is why we are here to make sure that our children are provided with the best learning tool and skills to help them succeed academically, socially, physically, and spiritually.”
Special weather advisory
(EMO) — Based on the information received from the National Weather Service on Guam, the Emergency Management Office yesterday said there was a significant rain producer in the area — a fairly weak disturbance with winds of 10 knots or less, sustaining widespread shower activity with few thunderstorms.
This disturbance was drifting slowly westward and gradually intensifying.
“We will be expecting scattered showers this morning,” EMO said.
No watch or warnings are in effect but Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is reminding the residents to take extra precautionary measures while driving.
MHS receives donation from Dela Cruz
(MHS) — Rep. Frank S. Dela Cruz has generously donated a riding mower and supplies such as toilet paper and trash bags to Marianas High School.
His donation indicates his commitment to helping our school provide a safe and orderly environment for our students during these tough economic times.
