Viaro Wireless Prepares for Colorado Floods

The 2013 Colorado floods began on September 9^th of last year when a cold-front stalled over Colorado and met with the warm humid air from the south causing catastrophic flooding. At least eight deaths were reported with nearly 19,000 homes damaged and over 1,500 destroyed. In preparation for this year’s flood season, Viaro Wireless has brought in four COWs to help with 911 services and provide residents the ability to contact friends and family if regular communications systems have been knocked out. “Because we operate locally, we can make decisions quickly, pull a team together and get going,” said Viaero Tower Manager Roger Brown. The Fort Morgan-based wireless company deployed two COW’s to the Pilger, Nebraska, area this year within 24 hours of the town being hit by twin tornadoes. “We do this quite frequently,” said Viaero president Frank DiRico. “We try to be first on the scene so we can be of help to emergency responders, as well as residents. There is a huge increase in voice traffic following disasters, and as the hours go by data needs increase exponentially.”