WFIT Joins Initiative to Keep Floridians Informed During Hurricane Season

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Institute of Technology’s public radio station WFIT and other Florida public radio stations have joined with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to form Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.

The statewide network utilizes 13 Florida public radio outlets to publicize critical emergency information through radio, mobile media technologies and battery-powered devices. Stations in the network cover 99 percent of Florida.

“WFIT already plays an integral role as the area’s Emergency Alert System station and provides crucial information during hurricanes and other emergencies,” said WFIT Manager Terri Wright. “This new emergency information network will enhance our commitment to providing life-saving information about weather and traffic during evacuations.”

Public service is the core of public radio’s mission and no-cost, over-the-air radio remains the best and most reliable method for sharing emergency information, Wright noted.

“Having the ability to communicate up-to-date emergency information with the public during a statewide emergency is critical,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “We commend Florida’s public radio stations for their commitment to help keep Florida’s families safe.”

Most public radio stations are located between 88 and 92 MHz on the FM dial; WFIT is at 89.5. In the event of hurricane evacuations, signage on the interstates will indicate the exact frequency of the public radio station in each area.

The 13 public radio stations comprising the network are part of the Florida Public Broadcasting System, a non-profit association of public radio and public television stations in Florida. For a list of member stations, go to http://fpbs.org/public-media-stations/.

For more about WFIT, please visit www.wfit.org or call (321) 674-8950.

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