Hi-tech Warning System Planned (From Barry And District News)

Hi-tech Warning System Planned

DOW CORNING is planning to introduce a new hi-tech warning system to alert residents of Barry and Sully about future chemical leaks.

The new system, which bosses hope to be in place by the end of 2006, will automatically contact residents living near the Cardiff Road plant by phone in the event of an emergency. There is a possibility that other chemical companies on the site may become involved too.

The announcement was made at a meeting between Dow Corning managers, Vale councillors and the emergency services.

At the same meeting, questions were raised about the "lack of information" given to the public following an incident at the plant on August 17.

On that day, a leak of hot silicon oil was doused with water by firefighters, resulting in a 300ft-high vapour cloud in the skies above eastern Barry.

The company"s emergency klaxon was sounded - indicating that residents should remain indoors and close all windows - and some roads in Dinas Powys, Sully and Barry were closed by the police.

Dow Corning intends keeping the klaxon system and using it in conjunction with the proposed telephone system.

A company spokeswoman said: "If an emergency situation were to arise, a telephone message containing basic information would be sent to residents living nearby.

"However, this will not be done automatically, people will need to opt-in to the system by providing us with their name and telephone number."

She added: "We will be revealing more details about the proposals to members of the community advisory panel, whom we meet with on a monthly basis."

It is possible that residents in Dinas Powys could be included in the scheme, if they choose to "opt-in".

The new warning system would be operational 24 hours a day and would be mobile phone compatible.

The cost of the venture has not been disclosed.

Cadoc Councillor Neil Moore believes the proposed telephone warning system is a good idea.

"Anything that is going to improve communication has got to be applauded," he said.

Dow Corning is currently in the process of sending around 5,000 corporate calendars, containing emergency information, to households in Barry and Sully.

For more information on Dow Corning"s emergency procedures visit: www.dowcorning.com/barry