As the threat of severe weather looms over central Georgia, Macon-Bibb County is taking concrete steps to keep its residents safe and informed. In a significant effort to bolster community preparedness, the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will distribute 1,300 free NOAA weather radios to local residents. This giveaway is set for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., right inside the conference room at Macon Mall, located at 3661 Eisenhower Parkway.
"A weather radio is more than a device. It’s a lifeline," EMA Director Spencer Hawkins told WGXA, underscoring the critical role these radios play in keeping families safe during emergencies. Unlike cell phones or televisions, which can fail when the power goes out or cell service is disrupted, NOAA weather radios provide direct, up-to-the-minute alerts straight from the source. For many, that could mean the difference between safety and tragedy when tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or other emergencies strike unexpectedly.
The upcoming distribution is not just about handing out radios—it's about reaching as many vulnerable residents as possible. This year, the EMA is partnering with Disability Connections, a local organization focused on supporting people with disabilities. Together, they aim to ensure that these vital devices get into the hands of those who need them most, especially residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. To serve this population more effectively, the EMA will also be distributing 130 pillow shakers and strobe lights. These devices are designed to alert individuals who might not hear a traditional radio alarm, providing a tactile or visual signal when severe weather threatens.
Getting a free weather radio is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps to follow. Residents must present a valid Macon-Bibb County ID when they arrive at the event. There's also a brief survey to complete before receiving a device. According to both 41NBC/WMGT and WGXA, this survey can be filled out in advance online—residents can access it at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/weatherradios—or completed onsite at the event. Those who complete the survey ahead of time should be prepared to show proof of completion, such as a screenshot on their phone, when they arrive at the giveaway.
This isn’t the first time Macon-Bibb EMA has put weather radios into the community’s hands. Over the past several years, the agency has distributed more than 4,000 weather radios through similar community giveaways, according to WGXA. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to help local families stay informed and ready before, during, and after severe weather events. In a region where tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can develop with little warning, having a reliable source of information is essential.
Why focus on weather radios, specifically? In an age where most people rely on smartphones for news and alerts, it might seem a bit old-fashioned. But as EMA Director Hawkins emphasized, weather radios are uniquely reliable. Cell towers can go down, the internet can fail, and power outages can knock out televisions and computers. NOAA weather radios, however, are designed to keep working when other systems falter, delivering trusted alerts straight from the National Weather Service. That can be a literal lifesaver, especially for families living in mobile homes or areas prone to flooding, where every minute counts.
The inclusion of pillow shakers and strobe lights this year reflects a growing awareness of the diverse needs within the community. Severe weather doesn’t discriminate, and neither should emergency preparedness. By offering these specialized alerting devices, the EMA and Disability Connections are making sure that residents who are deaf or hard of hearing aren’t left behind when it comes to safety. It’s a thoughtful, inclusive touch that highlights the agency’s commitment to serving everyone in Macon-Bibb County.
To further encourage preparedness, the EMA is also urging residents to sign up for MBCAlert, a local emergency notification system. According to WGXA, residents can register for MBCAlert through the agency’s website or by downloading the app. This system provides timely updates about emergencies, severe weather, and other critical events directly to users’ phones and computers. In addition, EMA officials recommend following the agency, local media outlets, and trusted weather forecasters on social media to stay up to date on developing situations.
Community engagement is a big part of the EMA’s approach. By making the process as accessible as possible—offering online and onsite survey options, providing devices for people with disabilities, and hosting the giveaway in a familiar, central location—the agency is removing barriers to participation. It’s a model that other communities might do well to emulate, especially as climate change brings more extreme and unpredictable weather to regions across the country.
The event at Macon Mall is expected to draw a significant turnout. With 1,300 radios and 130 specialized devices available, the EMA is poised to make a real impact on local preparedness. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The requirement for a valid Macon-Bibb County ID ensures that the devices go to local residents, and the brief survey helps the agency gather valuable information to improve future outreach efforts.
For those who can’t make it to the event, there are still ways to stay informed and prepared. Signing up for MBCAlert, following the EMA and local news outlets, and having a family emergency plan in place are all steps that can help reduce risk when severe weather hits. And of course, neighbors can look out for one another, sharing information and resources to help keep the whole community safe.
As severe weather season approaches, the Macon-Bibb County EMA’s proactive giveaway is a timely reminder that preparedness saves lives. By putting reliable, accessible alerting devices directly into residents’ hands—and making sure no one is left out—they’re building a stronger, more resilient community, one radio at a time.