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Recently, ABR Industries was invited to participate in a training exercise for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This agency’s focus is on emergency preparedness and response for the greater Houston area. As stated on their website, they “collaborate with law enforcement, emergency managers, and medical personnel throughout the region to coordinate response efforts when disaster strikes”. Planning and preparation are critical, and that was the driving force behind this exercise.
Upon arrival, we walked into a giant conference room buzzing with activity. The participants were split into 6 groups, all focused on fictional emergency situations given out by Joey Clements with HCOHSEM. In an emergency, there is no time to question the components needed for action. That’s where ABR Industries came in. Each group had to design their team’s response, including radio communication. Based on the given conditions, the group would devise a plan and “shop” with us for their coax cable needs. We always say, when you buy from ABR you’re buying with confidence. In an emergency situation, confidence is KEY!
Along with assisting in the exercise, we snagged a behind the scenes look at the facility. Along the way, we saw one of the emergency response trailers in action. Being the cable source, of course we fixated on the N female connections!
Venturing back inside, our next stop was truly a sight to see! Feeling like the doctors overseeing a surgery from the gallery, we stood above TranStar’s hub for all of Houston’s traffic. Houston TranStar leverages the resources of multiple agencies to provide transportation and emergency management services to the Greater Houston Region.
From there, we were taken to the Command Center for Homeland Security and Emergency Management. During an emergency situation like last month’s flooding in Houston, the response team gathers in this room to plan and then implement their solutions. Equipped with 8 large televisions to watch both the local and national news, each member has access to high quality electronics (cable being at the top of that list!)
The last stop was fitting for us at ABR Industries—the fanciest “ham shack” we’ve seen yet! Utilizing multiple base stations, this room showed us that in an emergency, Harris County’s ability to communicate is not in question.
Overall, this was an eye opening experience for us. Who would’ve thought that all of THIS was going on behind that big brick building! Afterwards, Joey with HCOHSEM reached out and shared this: “I want to thank you guys for participating in our exercise today. It is a comforting fact to know that you are there to support our efforts in Harris County. As you know our issues can happen overnight and without notice. Our relationship with you and your company make that challenge easier to manage.” The pleasure was all ours Joey. We are grateful to be a part of the emergency response system for Harris County and the greater Houston area!
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