CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
Always have a backup plan. How often have you heard that? Well, that's exactly what the City of Corpus Christi now has when it comes to communications.
The City has based its backup MetroCom dispatch facility out of the Corpus Christi International Airport.
"Today, we're actually having all the 911 calls that would typically be answered at the main station being routed here, and we're actually dispatching all the county fire and police from this location," said Captain Jason Brady of the Corpus Christi Police Department.
It's a redundant system so that, in the event of a major disaster like a hurricane or massive power outage, first responders can still be dispatched to wherever help is needed. Police said the airport is an ideal setting for the backup facility.
"The airport is the least likely geographic region to flood," Brady said. "If we do experience a massive power failure, I know in Florida a couple seasons ago they lost power in some areas for three weeks. Airports traditionally get their power restored first. This is where supplies come in."
Brady said to not have a backup or redundant system would be a disservice to the community, especially since we live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes.
The redundant system would be pressed into service immediately after an emergency is declared.
