Hundreds of Story County’s residents who are most vulnerable to severe weather are now safer through the efforts of the Story County Coalition for Disaster Recovery (CDR) and Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA). Working together, the CDR and MICA distributed one hundred (100) weather radios in Story County to low income families who would have likely not been able to afford them. NOAA Weather Radios are a reliable and consistent way for everyone to receive vital year round, 24/7 severe weather alerts. “We are pleased we were able to provide one hundred Story County families the added security of receiving timely severe weather warnings. NOAA Weather radios are especially important for families who live in mobile homes or homes without basements because they can give them enough advanced notice to find safe shelter elsewhere.” Said Keith Morgan, Story County Emergency Management Coordinator.
“We would like to thank the CDR for securing the funding to make the program a reality. We also would like to thank MICA for partnering with the CDR and Story County Emergency Management to ensure the distribution of the radios was targeted on those with limited income and sheltering ability.” Said Melissa Spencer, the Deputy Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator.
“The weather radios have gone over extremely well and helped put smiles on so many faces. Families were concerned previously with the stormy nights that we have had that they wouldn’t make it to their nearest shelter in time. Now with the weather radios, they will be alerted right away and should have ample time to get to a safe place.” said Keliena Caldwell, family development worker with MICA.
Morgan added, “The Story County CDR, who helped make this program a reality, is an umbrella organization for local faith-based groups, public and private agencies, businesses, and service clubs who work together to provide disaster or emergency preparedness and response services within Story County. The mission of the CDR is to identify and recruit volunteer agencies to prepare, respond and recover from disasters, which helps develops a unified, coordinated effort during emergencies. This weather radio program is an excellent example of what we, as a community, can do if we work together.”
If you would like more information on the Story County Coalition for Disaster Recovery contact Keith Morgan or Melissa Spencer with Story County Emergency Management at 515-382-7316 or storycountyiowacdr@gmail.com
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