All of you did a great job during and after the ice storm, but that event has prompted us to get a plan into place. This plan is in skeleton form and we will be working on it as we go. If a year goes by and we do not make any changes in it, then we are not doing our job, Oxford said. General Manager Dave Johnston, with a slide presentation, recapped what the association and volunteers did following the Christmas Day ice storm. It was remarkable, but we did learn some lessons, Johnston said.
Communications is paramount.
We need better coordination. We have already purchased two standby generators for our repeater towers, so we ll at least have internal communications. The cell phone towers will be upgraded by Southwestern Bell for better backup at the substations. Johnston also addressed the need for better bedding and food accommodations at the shelter in the event of an extended stay. Coronado Center is the main shelter, but, in this instance, Ponce de Leon Center, located in Saline County, was made into the shelter because power was restored sooner.