Changes to Time Warner emergency alert impacts Plano subscribers

(Plano) The City of Plano has managed a cable franchise agreement with Time Warner since 1982. In 2011 the local cable franchise agreement became a State of Texas franchise as a result of legislation passed in 2007. Most changes in the relationship between the City and Time Warner have been administrative and have not impacted Plano residents.

One change, recently implemented by Time Warner, will impact Plano’s subscribers. These viewers will no longer see City of Plano monthly emergency alert system tests or overrides. Pursuant to Chapter 66 of the Texas Utility Code, Time Warner is not required to provide municipalities with an emergency alert system such as was previously required under the municipal cable franchise agreement. The City will continue to keep citizens alerted to emergency situations in the area through the Outdoor Warning System and the Plano Television Network (PTN).

PTN broadcasts continuously on Time Warner channel 16, Verizon FIOS channels 30 and 31, and plano.gov. Other notification options for residents include purchasing an all-hazard weather alert radio or subscribing to the City’s email updates via plano.gov.

From time to time, the City may also utilize a telephone notification system, which provides notifications to a more localized emergency area. The federal and state emergency alert system will continue to be activated when the need arises across television and radio.

Resources to help residents plan for emergencies can be found at preparedinplano.com.

By Ron Timmons, Director Public Safety Communications, Dec. 15, 2011.

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  city, emergency alert service, Plano, prepared in plano, residents, subscribers, Time Warner