WEATHER RADIOS AND DISASTER SUPPLIES ARE IMPORTANT

            In the aftermath of the recent tornado and storm that hit northern Lancaster County, many residents have inquired to the Office of Emergency Management what they can do to improve the warnings they get.  According to Randall Gockley, County Coordinator each and every home, apartment and business within Lancaster County should have a tone alerted weather radio.  These radios sit silently in your home until activated by the National Weather Service in State College.  It then gives you the emergency information you need to know for any type of natural or man-made

emergency.

            The radios will give you warnings in the middle of the afternoon or in the middle of the night when you are sleeping.  Gockley stated, “In my mind, the warning radios are as important as having smoke detectors in your home.  These radios are relied on by day care center, retirement homes, schools, as well as other special need facilities”.

            The radios are available in department, hardware and electronic stores for between $20.00 and $35.00.  When making a purchase, make sure it is Underwriters Laboratory approved and has battery back-up.  In all Lancaster County communities, this is going to be the fastest way for everyone to be notified simultaneously of a pending disaster. 

As part of your disaster planning, you should also have disaster supplies in your  home for a 3 to 5 day period.  For a list of supplies you need, go to www.lema.co.lancaster.pa.us  and click on Preparedness Guides on the right side home page column.  If anyone has questions on the weather radios or disaster supplies, contact Lancaster County Emergency Management at 1-800-808-5236.

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