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Communications Office - Media Releases

CONTACT: Mark Sexton, Communications Coordinator
PHONE: (352) 374-5204; CELL: (352) 283-2317
EMAIL: msexton@alachuacounty.us

For Immediate Release



Free Programming of Weather Alert Radios

9/19/2008 3:06 PM

 2:45 p.m.
 
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 September 20 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 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, emphasized the importance of owning a weather alert radio.  "Every home should have a weather alert radio; it's the best way to get weather alert information," said Donnelly. "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 Jeff Capehart at (352) 219-3901.
 
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If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at (352)374-5275 at least 3 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

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Under Florida law (Statute 119.011), all information, including e-mail, written letters, documents and phone messages, sent to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is subject to Public Records law. This includes the sender's e-mail address, home address or phone number if shown in the message, the content of the message and any associated attachments to the mail. Also please be aware that electronic correspondence (e-mail) is made available on the Commission's public archive site immediately upon being sent. Instead, contact Alachua County Offices by phone or in writing.