The ability to receive emergency information is critical to keeping Hamilton County safe.
“A weather radio is like a smoke alarm for emergencies,” said Shane Booker, Executive Director of Emergency Management. The National Weather Service sends alerts like severe weather watches and warnings to radios, but Emergency Management can send other alerts such as shelter-in-place, law enforcement warnings, evacuations, civil emergency messages, and more. Alerts are sent via the Emergency Alert System, alerting broadcast and satellite television, and radio, mobile phones, and weather radios.
The Duke Energy Foundation recently awarded Hamilton County Emergency Management a $10,000 grant to purchase nearly 400 weather radios. The radios are a long-term investment in community preparedness that will last for decades. Emergency Management recommends every home and business have a weather radio to receive timely alerts.
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Duke Energy Foundation, and my goal is to provide them to those who may not be able to afford them,” said Monica Peterson, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. “We will distribute radios through our outreach events and work with local services such as the Township Trustee Offices to maximize the long-term investment in our community that will last for many years to come.”
Click here for more information about the National Weather Service radio system. Click here to learn more about the Duke Energy Foundation.