LAWRENCE COUNTY — As severe weather season approaches, Lawrence County is strengthening its early warning capabilities for its most vulnerable residents. Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer announced to the County Commissioners Tuesday morning that a $5,500 grant from Duke Energy is being utilized to provide life-saving weather radios at no cost to the community.
The initiative specifically targets high-need individuals who may lack consistent access to modern alert systems, such as high-speed internet, smartphones, or cable television.
In rural areas of Lawrence County, where cellular service can be spotty and internet infrastructure is still expanding, residents often miss critical warnings issued via social media or mobile apps, said Luchauer.
“Our goal is to ensure that every resident, regardless of their technology access, has a way to receive timely alerts,” Luchauer stated. The program has seen significant interest, with over 200 units ordered in 2025 alone to meet local demand.
The grant allows the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to purchase and distribute NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radios. Unlike standard radios, these devices are specifically designed to:
- Standby Mode: Stay silent until an emergency alert is issued for Lawrence County.
- Battery Backup: Continue to operate during power outages, which frequently occur during the high-wind events and thunderstorms common to Southern Indiana.
- Immediate Alerts: Provide direct broadcasts from the National Weather Service, often beating smartphone notifications by several seconds.
The program prioritizes vulnerable or high-need residents, including senior citizens, those with disabilities, or families living in areas with poor digital connectivity.
To request a radio call Lawrence County Emergency Management at 812-277-9680.
While weather radios are a critical “first line of defense,” EMA officials suggest a “layered” approach to storm safety:
- Weather Radio: For indoor alerts, especially while sleeping.
- Outdoor Sirens: Intended only for those who are currently outside; sirens are often not audible inside modern, well-insulated homes.
- Smartphone Apps: Such as the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department App, for when you are away from home. The app is available for download on both Apple and Android devices.
By providing these radios, Lawrence County and Duke Energy aim to reduce the reaction time for residents during tornadoes, flash floods, and severe thunderstorms, potentially saving lives when every second counts.
