Macon-Bibb County residents once again showed that preparedness matters.
Hundreds of people came out to the Macon Mall on Tuesday, February 24, to receive free NOAA weather radios during the latest giveaway hosted by the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). In total, 827 weather radios were distributed, along with 108 pillow shakers and strobe light attachments designed to alert residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This event builds on EMA’s ongoing effort to strengthen community readiness. Over the past several years, more than 4,000 weather radios have been distributed to Macon-Bibb County residents.
“Once again, the residents of Macon-Bibb County showed up for preparedness,” said EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “It still makes me so happy that every time we do a weather radio giveaway we literally have hundreds of people showing up so that they can be informed before, during, and after an emergency event. These weather radios, along with MBC Alert, provide a multi-layer approach to ensure our Macon-Bibb County residents are ready for the next disaster.”
Weather radios provide direct alerts from the National Weather Service and can deliver critical warnings even when power or cell service is disrupted. Combined with the County’s MBC Alert system, residents have multiple ways to receive life-saving information when severe weather or other emergencies strike.
As part of its continued commitment to proactive preparedness, Macon-Bibb County will host another weather radio giveaway in August. The goal is to continue expanding access and ensure as many residents as possible have the tools they need before the next emergency happens. Additional details will be shared in the coming months.
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.