NOAA WEATHER RADIO INITIATIVE

Seminole County Citizens Corps Council, a program administered by the Seminole County Division of Emergency Management and Seminole Community Volunteer Program (SCVP), promotes weather alert radios in the community.

The council is responsible for offering appropriate training on how to utilize the radio. Seminole HEART, Northland Community Church, Joseph G. Markoly Foundation and other various non-profit organizations have all contributed time and money into the program.

“It is fitting that Citizen Corps is announcing the distribution of weather alert radios,” said Pat Shields, SCVP Executive Director. “The devastation and loss of life witnessed during tornadoes and hurricanes is a clear indication of the need for early warning devices such as these radios.”

Weather alert radios are a comprehensive, 24-hour source of weather forecasts, watches, warnings and other hazard information. A NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards transmitter broadcasts on one of seven VHF frequencies. The broadcasts cannot be heard on a simple AM/FM radio receiver.

The Citizen Corps Program, a national recognized program, is a grassroots effort to involve citizens in hometown security through training, and volunteer service. Seminole County Citizens Corps includes Volunteers in Police Service, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserves Corps (MRC), Fire Corps, and Neighborhood Watch. The program aims to create safer communities while preparing them to respond to potential hazards.

To learn more about how to obtain a weather radio, please contact the Seminole County Division of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102.