Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

April 28, 2009

~ Alerts Would Warn Public of Health Dangers Such as Swine Flu ~

AUSTIN-- Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. announced today that he passed legislation to enhance the state's public health & safety alert system. The bill directs the state's Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to develop a system for cities and counties to issue important health and safety alerts via dynamic message signs that already exist along Texas roadways.

"The swine flu epidemic underscores the need to get important health alerts to the public as quickly as possible," Ortiz said. "It's impossible to predict what will happen in the future. Whether it is pandemic flu, chemical spills or emission events from industrial facilities, public water-supply contamination, or something else, having this system in place ahead of time well help Texas be prepared for a public health emergency."

Rep. Ortiz decided to tackle the issue in 2007 after dangerous bacteria found in the Corpus Christi water supply forced most of the city to implement a boil water notice.

"When the City of Corpus Christi was faced with dangerous bacteria in the city's water supply, it was important to get the word out fast," Ortiz said. "HB 1556 will help get crucial health and safety information to the public as quickly as possible."

Dynamic message signs on Texas roads are currently used for several kinds of alerts, including Amber Alerts (missing child), Silver Alerts (missing senior citizen), and Blue Alerts (help catch violent criminals).

"Message signs on highways have been incredibly effective," Ortiz said. "Texans who have seen these signs have helped rescue missing children and adults and have helped bring criminals to justice."

The bill requires the statewide coordinator of the system to work with local health authorities to implement the alerts providing necessary public health information.

"Texas needs to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to public safety and emergency management," Ortiz added. "Getting important information out via dynamic message signs can save time and potentially save lives."

Watch a video of Rep. Ortiz explaining HB 1556: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHAR-bYePU8

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the Texas House of Representatives website at www.house.state.tx.us.