The Lake Almanor basin has a new way of receiving emergency broadcast information, especially critical when recreating in areas with poor reception.
By tuning into 1700 on the AM dial, you can access the public service and emergency broadcast WRTZ707 station operated by the Peninsula Fire District. This system was funded and purchased through a donation campaign to area Firewise USA committees managed by the Lake Almanor Community Foundation and from a grant awarded by the KBK Foundation. Mid-march, the station was up and running for testing. Chief Courtright of the Peninsula Fire Safety District said, “This system will provide our community with another layer of safety communications that will enhance the emergency notification abilities of the area.”
A temporary tower has been installed to get the station on the air as winter weather delayed the permanent installation.
The fire district says you may run into static around your home and will need to find a static-free location, yet when tuning in around the lake, the station signal was heard.
The station will only provide public service information on an as-needed basis. You will not hear music, or commercial broadcasting, as it is not licensed through the FCC for these functions. The purpose is to alert you of local emergencies and closures, including non-emergency items of community importance.
You can expect a slow start to the programming as the team operating the station gains familiarity.
