Knoxville TN, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency distributed 55 free NOAA Weather Radios to local residents to improve emergency preparedness. This giveaway, part of the ‘Tune It Tuesday’ program coordinated by TEMA and Lowe’s, aims to equip residents with reliable communication during severe weather. Attendees received assistance with programming their new radios, emphasizing the importance of weather radios in emergency plans, especially in light of recent disasters in the region.
Knoxville Hosts Free Weather Radio Giveaway for Emergency Preparedness
The Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) distributed 55 free weather radios on Tuesday evening to enhance emergency preparedness among local residents. The giveaway specifically targeted individuals from Knox County and surrounding areas.
This initiative is part of a larger statewide program known as “Tune It Tuesday.” The program is coordinated by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) in partnership with Lowe’s. Its primary objective is to help Tennesseans enhance their readiness for emergencies by equipping them with NOAA Weather Radios capable of receiving location-specific emergency alerts.
Residents expressed their appreciation for the upgraded capabilities that the weather radios offer, particularly in light of recent disasters. The radios are designed to be programmed for specific frequencies that alert users to weather-related emergencies occurring across East Tennessee.
During the giveaway event, EMA staff were on hand to assist residents in programming their new radios and retuning any existing devices they may already own. The importance of incorporating weather radios into emergency preparedness “go bags” was emphasized by officials, who encouraged residents to reevaluate their severe weather action plans as East Tennessee experiences varied weather conditions.
Recent months have seen the region affected by a range of weather incidents, including tornadoes, severe winter storms, hail, and earthquakes. Community members were informed that having a reliable line of communication, such as a weather radio, can be crucial during these emergencies, especially when power outages disrupt digital communication systems.
Members of the Knox County EMA’s auxiliary communications team, including experienced individuals who have been involved in disaster response scenarios, highlighted how radio technology remains dependable in emergencies. Their past experiences with amateur radio support during events like Hurricane Helene and localized flooding underscored the need for preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Importance of Emergency Preparedness
The giveaway event not only provided residents with essential tools for emergency alerts but also aimed to foster a culture of preparedness within the community. The emphasis was placed on the vital role that effective communication plays when responding to emergencies, along with the need for residents to actively participate in enhancing their preparedness strategies.
Summary of the Event
- Who: Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency
- What: Distributed 55 free weather radios
- When: Tuesday evening
- Where: Knox County and surrounding areas
- Why: To enhance emergency preparedness
Through this effort, the Knoxville-Knox County EMA continues to support residents in understanding the potential risks posed by severe weather and the importance of being prepared in advance. Community programs like this not only provide resources but also help educate the public on proactive measures they can take to protect themselves and their families in times of crisis.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the free weather radio giveaway?
The purpose of the free weather radio giveaway was to enhance emergency preparedness among local residents by providing them with NOAA Weather Radios that can receive location-specific emergency alerts.
How many weather radios were distributed during the event?
A total of 55 free weather radios were distributed during the event.
Who coordinated the “Tune It Tuesday” program?
The “Tune It Tuesday” program is coordinated by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Lowe’s.
Why are weather radios important during emergencies?
Weather radios are important during emergencies because they can provide timely alerts about severe weather conditions, allowing residents to take necessary precautions, particularly in situations where digital communication systems may fail.
Key Features of the Weather Radio Giveaway
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Free Weather Radio Giveaway |
| Target Area | Knox County and surrounding counties |
| Number of Radios Distributed | 55 |
| Coordinating Organizations | Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Lowe’s |
| Program Name | Tune It Tuesday |
| Emergency Preparedness Focus | Location-specific emergency alerts |
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Emergency Response Leaders Tune In to Severe Weather with Free Radios
- Local 3 News: NOAA Weather Radios to be Down in Middle TN for Upgrade
- WKRN: NOAA Weather Radios in Middle TN Down for Upgrade
- Wikipedia: Emergency Management
- Google Search: Weather Alert System
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
