1620 AM Emergency Radio Station

Lakewood is prepared to get important disaster relief messages to the community in the aftermath of a major catastrophe.

Running at just ten watts of broadcast power hardly seem like much – the average light bulb glows with 250 watts. Still, ten watts are enough for 1620 AM to reach all 9.5 square miles of Lakewood.

Both KLWD 1620 AM emergency radio broadcast system and CityTV cable channel 31 have plans to stay on the air following a catastrophe or to be brought back on air quickly.

Both are part of getting Lakewood-specific public information to residents. The city's website is housed on computers located outside Southern California, and Lakewood Online is expected to be up and running after a local emergency.

Tuning in 1620 AM

Tune one of your car radio presets to 1620 AM, Lakewood's radio low-power system so you're ready when an emergency strikes.

The citywide emergency information radio service will broadcast Lakewood-specific information directly to residents following a crisis. Any car or battery-powered radio made after 1990 will be able to monitor 1620 AM even if all electrical power is out.

The station's transmitter is small and tough and in a protected facility supplied with backup power. City staff are trained to get 1620 AM up and running immediately after a disaster.

Any disaster of a magnitude requiring emergency communications will likely be severe enough to impact electricity, phone and cell service, and cable television. That’s why KLWD 1620 AM is so important in the first seven days following a major disaster. It’s accessible to residents from car radios, crank and battery powered radios.

Everyone should have at least one battery or crank powered radio in their home emergency kit.

Non-Emergency Broadcasts

The radio system has an everyday purpose, too. Lakewood's radio service is on the air daily via automated systems airing a changing menu of information about recreation programs and access to city services.

You can think of 1620 AM as the city service guide on radio. You can tune in for a reminder on trash collection standards or the timing of street sweeping. You could also learn how to schedule a picnic shelter at a city park.