The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will be giving nearly 1,000 weather radios and 100 pillow shaker and strobe light combo packs to Macon-Bibb residents for free beginning in July.
To receive one of the potentially life-saving devices in the mail, visit www.maconbibb.us/ema, click on the “Request a Free Radio” link, and fill out the form. They can also call 478-870-2500. People can request the devices now, and the EMA will begin shipping them near the end of July.
“Our goal is to get as many of these as possible into people’s homes because they, along with MBCAlert, are the quickest and most effective ways to get people accurate information in an emergency,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “We’ll also be providing the batteries needed for the radio’s backup power and instructions on how people can set them to receive alerts about Macon-Bibb County.”
Distributing these devices is part of the EMA’s effort to make sure every person and family has multiple ways to get emergency and weather information. Other ways include working with the local media, tornado sirens, MBCAlert, and social media.
“We’re particularly excited to provide the pillow shaker and strobe light combo pack because that will help protect people who are hard of hearing,” adds Hawkins.
On Saturday, September 23, the EMA will hold its 2nd annual Emergency Preparedness Fair, and people can get the devices there, as well as learn about how other organizations are working to keep their families safe and prepared for disasters. This year’s event will be held at the Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center (132 Willis Smokie Glover Drive) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“At last year’s event, we were able to talk directly with more than 400 people about preparing their families ahead of an emergency and what to do when severe weather strikes,” says Hawkins. “It really is a great opportunity for people to meet and talk with the people who protect our community on a daily basis, and to make sure they know what to do in an emergency.”
People can sign up for MBCAlert by going to www.maconbibb.us/mbcalert, and people are encouraged to follow the Agency on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Hawkins also wants to stress to people that follow local media and weather forecasters on their social media channels to make sure they get as much information as possible about emergencies and severe weather.