Warrick County Residents Can Get a Free Weather Radio While Supplies Last

UPDATE: ALL RADIOS HAVE BEEN CLAIMED

The Morning a Tornado Was in My Backyard

A few years ago, I got up for work around 4:45 in the morning and noticed things were getting a little dicey outside. I opened my patio door and watched my 300-pound grill casually slide across the patio. Then my phone went off.

A tornado was in my backyard.

We immediately ran to the basement. That's why having multiple ways to receive emergency alerts is so important.

Why the National Weather Service Recommends Multiple Alert Methods

You might be thinking, "My phone already goes bonkers during severe weather."

And that's true. Cell phones are a great tool. But the National Weather Service stresses the importance of having multiple ways to receive alerts. Cell service can fail. Towers can become damaged or overloaded. Some areas simply have spotty reception.

If that happens, you may not receive those life-saving alerts.

a large cloud of smoke billows into the sky

Warrick County Residents Can Get Free Weather Radios While Supplies Last

Living in the Tri-State, folks around these parts are no strangers to severe weather. It seems like every other week we're dealing with tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, ice storms, flooding, or high winds.

With today's technology, having the TV on and weather apps at your fingertips is great. But I hate to tell you this: sometimes technology lets you down.

You know what always works? Good old radio.

Here at Townsquare Media, we're weather partners with Eyewitness News, so when things get nasty, we flip over to Ron Rhodes, Joe Bird, and Chief Meteorologist Wayne Hart. You know the old saying: when Wayne rolls up his sleeves, it's go time. Get in the basement.

Having a reliable way to receive weather information is incredibly important. It's also important to know when to take cover, especially when you're asleep and not actively watching radar.

woman sleeping on blue throw pillow

Warrick County Giving Away Free NOAA Weather Radios

The good news is that Warrick County residents can get a NOAA Weather Radio for free.

Matt Gobel, Director of the Warrick County Emergency Management Agency, told me that the county applies for a grant each year to obtain weather radios for residents. Last year alone, they gave away 735 weather radios.

While supplies last, Warrick County residents can bring a valid ID to either the Warrick County Emergency Management Office or the Warrick County Health Department, both located in the Old Courthouse in downtown Boonville, to receive a free weather radio.

Only one radio is available per household, and residents must sign a distribution sheet for recordkeeping purposes.

Accessibility Options Available

Specialized accessories are also available for individuals who are hearing impaired or visually impaired, helping ensure everyone has access to life-saving emergency alerts.

NOAA Weather Radios provide 24/7 alerts for:

• Tornadoes
• Severe thunderstorms
• Flash floods
• Winter storms
• Hazardous materials incidents
• Other local emergencies

Don't wait until severe weather is approaching.

Be informed. Be prepared. Stay safe.