JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- Hundreds of Clark County residents lined up outside the health department Wednesday to receive a free weather radio, hours before the region is expected to be hit by waves of severe storms.
Officials said the supply of radios quickly ran out, so residents remained in line until officials could have more radios brought to the site at 1201 Wall Street.
You must be a resident of Clark County to qualify for a free radio.
The giveaway started in March, and is part of the Clark County Emergency Management Agency's "Hear the Storm, Stay Informed" program. The goal is to make sure residents have another way to receive weather alerts in real time instead of relying on outdoor sirens. The radios can be powered by batteries, which are included in the giveaway.
Because of the risk of imminent severe weather this week, the health department had already extended the deadline to pick up the free radios. If you live in Clark County and missed previous radio giveaways, there are two more opportunities available this week, according to a post on the health department's Facebook page.
Last Chances for Free Radios
The next free radio giveaway is set for Friday, April 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Tri-Township Fire Department at 1000 Main Street in Memphis, Ind. Another giveaway is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Clark County Fairgrounds at 9608 SR 62 in Charlestown.
Deputy Director of Clark County Emergency Management William Bower said Wednesday's giveaway was an unscheduled pop-up event.
"We've had five events in various municipalities throughout the county where people can come and get these," Bower said. "And they come pre-programmed and with batteries, so you just have to make sure you put the batteries in and plug it in, and it's all programmed to Clark County."
Bower said more than 200 free radios were distributed during Wednesday's giveaway. He also said radios will be available until the health department closes at 4:30 or until the supply runs out.
Powerful storms are expected to move through Kentucky and Indiana late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. If you don't have a weather radio, you can sign up to receive alerts by texting "ClarkWxAlerts" to 226787.
Here are some other ways to stay informed during severe weather:
Download WDRB Apps
A great way to stay weather aware is to download the WDRB Weather app, which provides current and up-to-date weather notifications and alerts when severe weather comes through. Opt-in for push alerts to make sure you receive severe weather alerts as they happen. To download the app on the Apple App Store, click here. To download for Android on Google Play, click here.
For the latest forecasts and conditions from WDRB's weather team, click here.
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- Volunteers from Louisville provide relief for families in Pikeville after flooding
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