Information about the City of Redmond’s Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) and personal emergency preparedness tips were highlights of the Feb. 5 “First Friday Coffee Chat” at the Redmond Senior Center.

Robert Schneider, the city’s emergency preparedness manager, had been the scheduled speaker but was unable to attend. Emergency Management Specialist Lynn Sterbenz and Janeen Olson, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) coordinator and VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) volunteer, appeared on his behalf. The presentation began with a brief video about the ECC.

Located within the Redmond Police Department headquarters at 8701 160th Ave. NE, the ECC is a state-of-the-art, dedicated facility that can be activated any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for response in a crisis situation. Such events could include an earthquake, severe storm, terrorist attack or other emergency with widespread impact on the city, county or region.

In such an event, key personnel from Redmond Police and Fire, as well as city managers and representatives of large organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Lake Washington School District and Microsoft Corp. could assemble in the ECC to gather and analyze critical information and make decisions on how to proceed. The facility is fully stocked with communications equipment including a radio room staffed by experienced amateur radio operators.

Redmond Community Radio can be accessed anytime at 1650 AM within and just outside of Redmond city limits. This service both supplements and localizes regional radio coverage. Listeners can get more detailed, up-to-the minute reports on conditions such as road closures in and near Redmond.

Some guests at the coffee chat wondered about the distinction between “an emergency” and “a disaster.” Sterbenz and Olson said that accidents or hazards involving a small area would not necessarily call for activation of the ECC, but an occurrence with far-reaching impact on the city, county or region would.

“Do you work with other cities such as Kirkland and the county?,” a guest asked.

Sterbenz stated, “Yes, we have monthly meetings with our neighbors and the county.”

Another guest asked, “If I’m driving in Renton, but heading home to Redmond, can I get (radio station) 1650?”

No, but most cities have their own emergency stations. A weather alert radio is also useful to have for information about evacuations or shelters, said Sterbenz and Olson. Such radios are available through RedCross.org and at retailers such as Radio Shack, they noted.

“During non-emergencies, what is on 1650?,” someone wondered. Looped messages from the mayor, home safety tips and road construction alerts are some of the announcements on Redmond Community Radio in non-emergency times, the speakers explained.

Olson and Sterbenz added that more information about the ECC, community resources and personal preparedness — such as stocking your home and car with food, water and first aid supplies — is available through documents such as the city’s All Hazards Comprehensive Emergency Plan and Hazards Mitigation Plan Update. Copies are on display at the Redmond Senior Center and the information is also on the city’s Web site at www.redmond.gov.

CERT classes are available, with a new session beginning in Redmond on April 1. Residents and business owners can also contact the city’s emergency management staff with questions about readiness for emergencies.

For more information, contact Lynn Sterbenz at (425) 556-2276 or lesterbenz@redmond.gov; or Janeen Olson at (425) 556-2251 or jrolson@redmond.gov.