TUALATIN, Ore. , Sept. 2, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Although the official start to hurricane season is over a week away, most Florida residents are still cleaning up from Hurricane Charley as Hurricane Frances slowly churns offshore, destined for landfall. Hurricane Frances is the fourth hurricane this year packing winds as high as 145 miles an hour. With the possibility of reaching Category 5 intensity, winds may reach upwards of 156 mph. If Hurricane Frances hits Florida it will be the worst double hurricane to strike the state in over 100 years. Hurricane Charley caused an estimated $15 billion in damages and killed at least 27 when it crashed into the Florida coast, causing street flooding, snapping power lines and ripping down signs.
Because of Hurricane Frances' intensity and threat, steps have already been taken by the Florida division of Emergency Management to prepare for a large-scale evacuation including the possibility of reversing lanes on highways as some residents flee the coast.
During hurricane season it's more important than ever for residents to keep a vigilant watch on approaching storms which can cause residual problems such as tornadoes, flooding, and high wind damage. Had residents been ill prepared, Hurricane Charley might have claimed more lives. Thankfully emergency relief organizations have made residents aware that Public Alert (NOAA) radios are essential elements to keep in every resident's emergency preparedness kit. Because hurricane season is re-occurring and can last several months, public alert radios keep you prepared year after year- even beyond hurricane season.
Staying informed with a Public Alert radio before, during, and after the storm is essential for Americans to prepare for the ravages of hazardous weather. Public Alert Radios are available from Oregon Scientific at many retail locations and are expanding their utility beyond weather emergencies. Unlike broadcast media, the Oregon Scientific Public Alert Radios, in "stand-by" mode, immediately activate when an event warning is issued. In addition, OSI public alert radios have over 23 devoted alerts to non-environment/weather codes as opposed to 12 transmitted by the broadcast media.
About Oregon Scientific
Oregon Scientific has been a leader in the category manufacturing one of the first Emergency Alert Monitors in the country. Our staff includes renowned NOAA engineer (retired), Dr. Keith Morton, one of the original developers of the NOAA system. As part of our cutting edge technology OSI is one of the first company's to implement the new FEMA codes (Amber Alerts) as well as helping to develop a standardized field test for the Certification Process.
The company continues to envision and bring to market award-winning and innovative design forward products in five categories: time, weather, sports and fitness, personal communication, and electronic learning. Oregon Scientific began in 1989 with headquarters in Portland, Oregon, an area known for its high-tech capabilities and pioneering spirit. Today, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of IDT International, one of the world's premier electronic manufacturers and a publicly listed Hong Kong Group. For more information about Oregon Scientific, visit the company Web site at: www2.oregonscientific.com.
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