There is another opportunity for you and your family to stay weather ready with another NOAA weather radio and pillow shaker/strobe light distribution event on Thursday, August 28. The event in support of National Emergency Management Awareness month, will take place at the Macon Mall Meeting Center (3661 Eisenhower Parkway – lower level, next to the Board of Elections Office) from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency is giving away 400 radios as part of its ongoing effort to ensure people in Macon-Bibb County have multiple ways to get severe weather and emergency alerts.

“In any emergency situation, timely and accurate information is your most valuable asset. A weather radio is an important tool to ensure you stay informed when every second counts,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins.” It’s a device that doesn’t rely on cell towers or internet connectivity and allows you to receive alerts directly from the National Weather Service. Owning a weather radio isn’t just a good idea, it’s a critical part of your emergency preparedness plan. “

This giveaway is only for Macon-Bibb County residents. Proof of residence is required and only ONE radio will be given out per person with ID on a first come, first served basis.

The last distribution event was held in June, where 1,000 radios and pillow shakers were given out at the Macon Mall. In the last year, EMA has given a total 4,000 radios and pillow shakers to Macon-Bibb County residents.

People can sign up for MBCAlert by going to www.maconbibb.us/mbcalert or getting the free mobile app, 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.