MERIDIAN —
An early warning alert system, namely a radio, is the easiest and cheapest way to stay on top of the fast changing events that bring severe weather to our area.
As part of "Severe Weather Awareness Week," David Sharp, director of the Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency, is encouraging residents to begin preparing now for the upcoming spring storm season by purchasing a weather warning device.
"Weather warning devices are essential to preparing for severe storms," Sharp said. "They have the ability to wake you in the night and possibly save your life."
John Baxter, severe weather coordinator for the National Weather Service in Meridian, said it is a strong bet East Mississippi will have to endure another severe weather spring.
"It may be as bad as last year when we had the April outbreak," said Baxter. "We will have warmer air and that air can hold more moisture. That moisture is what generates the strong storms whenever we get cold fronts through our area so I'd bet we are going to be busy this spring."
There are a variety of weather warning devices available to residents including NOAA all hazard radios and ALERT FM receivers. Sharp said residents can purchase NOAA radios at a variety of electronic and outdoor stores including Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, and BestBuy. Most radios cost between $20 and $50 depending on the make, model and features.
Sharp said the county began using the ALERT FM system in 2007 as a means of keeping schools, businesses, and residents informed of weather conditions. Residents can purchase this same receiver system or sign up to receive the weather updates and alerts via SMS text or email.
"The ALERT FM receivers are small, light weight, and easy to program," said Sharp.
These receivers can be found at Hoopers on 22nd Avenue and cost around $40 with no recurring usage fees.
Sharp said residents can sign up to receive ALERT FM messages by text or email by visiting http://www.lauderdalecounty.org/officenservices/lema.htm and clicking on the ALERT FM logo.
"ALERT FM receivers have the ability to provide users with critical information directly from the National Weather Service, state, and/or county officials before, during, and after a weather event," said Jim Lowery, general manager of Global Security Systems who manufacture ALERT FM.
In addition to getting on the information pipeline, residents also need to make other preparations for severe weather season, said Sharp. He said emergency plans and kits need to be made to ensure safety if severe weather impacts our area directly.
Local News
Related Photos
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Weather alert receivers like this example would be in every home in Lauderdale County if county emergency management officials had their way. These small units put out important alerts about impending severe weather and severe weather season is right around the corner. Brian Livingston
Discussion
LEMA urges residents to be prepared
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