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ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Severe weather can happen at anytime and having a properly functioning weather alert radio may save your life. Local ham radio operators (hams) have teamed up with Publix Supermarkets and Alachua County Emergency Management to provide free programming for weather alert radios. On Saturday June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hams will be at all Gainesville area Publix stores to program weather radios for anyone needing this service. The public is invited to attend and talk with the hams.
The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane season started June 1. Hurricane preparedness publications will be available to assist people in getting prepared for any hurricanes that may impact Alachua County this year. Publications will include information on hurricanes, shelters, storm kits, supplies, and checklists for home preparation.
David Donnelly, Director of Alachua County Emergency Management Division, stated, "Every home should have a weather alert radio; it's the best way to get weather alert information. Additionally, Emergency Management can utilize them to release non-weather related bulletins such as wild fires or hazardous materials advisories. We encourage everyone in Alachua County to purchase a weather alert radio, have it programmed by the ham radio operators, and utilize it all year round."
The event is sponsored by the Gainesville Amateur Radio Society, the Gator Amateur Radio Club, Publix Supermarkets, and Alachua County Emergency Management.
For more information, please contact Alachua County Emergency Management Division at 352-264-6500.
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