LRAD is a "new" speaker array technology that broadcasts both audible siren tones and crystal clear voice messages when an emergency occurs. San Diego-based, Genasys Inc. created LRAD speaker arrays with a unique design to broadcast verbal warnings and notifications over large areas. Siren tones alert community members to listen to the critical instructions that follow. These speakers are used for all hazards to alert and warn before, during and after an emergency.

LRAD stands for Long Range Acoustic Device. Genasys Inc. is a publicly traded company on NASDAQ: GNSS. The Genasys website is: www.genasys.com.

Genasys was founded in 1980 as American Technology Corporation, changed its name to LRAD Corporation in 2010, and in 2019 re-branded as Genasys Inc. to better reflect its growing software public safety mass notification business. Genasys' suite of critical communications systems and solutions include, LRAD speaker arrays, Genasys Emergency Management (GEM) software, Integrated Mass Notification Systems (IMNS) and National Emergency Warning Systems (NEWS). Genasys provides end-to-end integration for emergency alerts and notifications through multiple channels, including LRAD speaker arrays, IPAWS/SMS texts, emails, social media, voice calls and more.

Genasys systems are in service in more than 100 countries and 500 U.S. cities. One example of a country-wide implementation is Japan. After the 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami, an After Action Report conducted by Japan's Disaster Management found that the siren-only tsunami warning system created confusion and did not provide critical and potentially lifesaving instructions. Since 2013, Japan has been replacing the siren-only systems with clear voice LRAD speaker arrays in coastal cities and towns.

Genasys has installed software and LRAD speaker arrays in many cities, industrial plants, ports and universities throughout the U.S. for all hazard notifications. Systems have been installed in Puerto Rico and the Port of Houston. In California, Genasys systems have either been, or will soon be implemented in the following cities for wildfire emergency warnings and other all-hazard notifications

Berkeley

Laguna Beach

Menlo Park

Mill Valley

Newport Beach

San Jose

*Town of Paradise

*Genasys contracted study for grant application.

Assuming the Serene Lakes community moves forward with approving and funding the installation, the LRAD speaker arrays would be owned by Placer County.

The Placer County Sheriff's Department would be responsible for issuing announcements as they are responsible for community emergency notifications.

Two LRAD speaker array installations can cover Serene Lakes if located at, or next to Lot 1, and centrally, at or near the Water District.

The height of the galvanized steel poles on which the LRAD speaker arrays will be mounted is 43ft. Genasys will use 50ft poles (7ft underground.)

No. This is not recommended. Existing power poles will complicate the approval process and deter them from their intended use. Existing power poles are owned by other entities and not the community. Adding LRAD speaker arrays could create wind load issues for the power poles. It is recommended that LRAD speaker arrays be mounted on poles specifically designed for the equipment.

No. Per FEMA guidelines, Genasys recommends using poles built to withstand 100 mph wind speeds. The poles are self-contained, self-standing, have lightning protection and are grounded. The installations are low voltage and are at very low risk for sparking.

Monthly testing on a specific day and time is recommended. Test messages and live emergency warnings can be activated by the Placer County Sheriff's Department using remote software and a mobile app.

The proposed LRAD system is designed to be robust and redundant. The proposed system is connected via satellite (99.9% reliable connection) and can operate autonomously from existing telecommunications infrastructure. The system operates on AC or 24V DC battery backup. Batteries can be charged by AC or Solar. The system features MIL standard specifications and follows FEMA guidelines for extreme conditions. Similar systems have been deployed in many coastal areas, in the heat of Saudi Arabia's deserts, and in remote, cold oil fields in Kazakhstan.

The Placer County Sheriff's Department will use Genasys software to remotely monitor the installations. In the event of a low battery or loss of connection, the LRAD systems will automatically notify the Sheriff's Department. Trouble shooting, repair and general maintenance will be conducted by Genasys' representatives at the request and scheduling of the Sheriff's Department.

Yes. Better cell service (additional cell towers) would benefit the community's overall communications needs. Having better cell service would allow notifications to be received from Nixle and the Sheriff's Department. However, many visitors and guests are not linked to "Placer Alert". Having multiple channels available to notify people during emergencies is important for everyone's safety. LRAD is not dependent on phones being "on", "off vibrate mode", or in your possession and activated. LRAD notification systems are not dependent on existing power and communications infrastructure and will continue to send and broadcast alerts during PSPS events or if the infrastructure goes down.

Genasys quoted $240,000. Annual fees for the system, which include software and satellite fees total $8,100. The fees include: satellite connection (similar to a cell phone usage fee), software, cloud-based storage and operation of the system, 24/7 software service support, software updates, and remote training via Zoom. An optional Annual Inspection Agreement for a technician to conduct a thorough on-site systems' inspection and run full diagnostic and live tests is $6,000.

In the proposed package, a Service Level Agreement (SLA) program provides additional support.

Includes Software and satellite fees (web-based hosting)

Genasys service department will monitor the system.

24/7 help line available for activation, training, or support.

Any software updates or enhancements. Immediate trouble shooting available.

During wildfires and other emergencies, sirens and cellphones not enough.

"Although sirens can alert a large number of people, they carry the least specific type of information. Sirens cannot convey clear instructions about the nature of the hazard and what are the appropriate protective action recommendations to populations at risk." Michael K. Lindell and Ronald W. Perry

During emergencies, LRAD immediately, directly, and specifically provides audible voice warnings, notifications and instructions to everyone in the Serene Lakes. LRAD delivers the critical communications Serene Lakes residents and visitors need to stay safe during wildfires and other life-threatening events.