U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th Dist.) came to Woodbridge to put a spotlight on improving emergency communications. Watch video
Congressman Frank Pallone and FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel visit Woodbridge to push for improved communications networks nationwide. WOODBRIDGE -- On the eve of what is forecast to be a powerful nor'easter, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th Dist.) came to Woodbridge to put a spotlight on improving emergency communications.
Pallone, whose district includes parts of the Jersey Shore and Middlesex County, discussed his legislation the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act, designed to help ensure that cellular, television and 9-1-1 services continue to operate even when unexpected storms or disasters hit.
Pallone was joined by Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and first responders at the Woodbridge Community Center, which is a federally designated regional emergency evacuation and medical center. Pallone also toured the township's emergency operations vehicle, a mobile command post for emergency events.
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"These days, we are more connected than ever before, which means we are also more reliant on communications networks, especially during emergencies," Pallone said. "Fewer and fewer families have land line phones in their homes, so we count on our cell phones working. We need to be able to call for help and reach loved ones to make sure they are safe during hurricanes like Sandy or during snow storms like the one we are expecting this weekend."
He pointed out that when Sandy hit the state three years ago, nearly one in four cell towers were knocked out. In some of the hardest hit areas, as many as half of the towers went down and many stayed out for weeks.
Rosenworcel said Sandy demonstrated that "reliable communications matters."
"Now we need to take the lessons learned in the aftermath of this storm and make our networks more resilient and our communities more safe."
Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.