(WKYT) – Days after a tornado touched down in northern Kentucky, a central Kentucky fire department is reminding people to prepare before the next severe weather system arrives.
Anderson County firefighters say a weather radio could save lives if a tornado strikes while people are sleeping.
“I think everybody should have one that way if they don’t hear the tornado sirens going off at night, they at least got something notifying them ‘hey, you need to get to your shelter immediately,’” said Lt. Matt Fair of Anderson County Fire.
Unlike cell phones, weather radios run on VHF frequencies, meaning they work even when cell towers go down.
Fair has responded to Anderson County emergencies since 2020. He warns against relying solely on cell phones during severe weather.
“Cell phones are great other than when the electricity goes out and you really need to be informed about severe weather coming in,” Fair said.
Fair says weather radios are available at any major big box store. Once purchased, placement matters.
“Usually closest to where you would go to your storm shelter or by your bedside when it goes off, you’re able to hear it and what’s going on,” Fair said.
Fair says the radios serve purposes beyond tornado warnings, including alerts for floods and other hazards in the area.
Anderson County firefighters say residents should ask themselves if they’re prepared before going to bed. If not, Fair says a weather radio is a good place to start.