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Weather alert radios available for the deaf and hard of hearing in Kentucky

Anita Dowd, executive director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Office of Governor Andy Beshear
Anita Dowd, executive director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Efforts are underway to make life safer for Kentucky’s hearing impaired.

On Thursday, Governor Beshear announced a new program that will distribute free weather alert radios to deaf and hard-of-hearing Kentuckians for emergency alerts.

 ‘Moore Safe Nights” is a multistate agency collaboration honoring Virginia Moore, the late deaf and hard-of-hearing advocate. Moore was an interpreter for Governor Beshear during his Team Kentucky updates.

Anita Dowd is the executive director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She said these weather radios have two components to help those who cannot hear.

“One is a small strobe light that can be attached to the wall or the bed frame that will flash really bright in the dark. The other is a small vibrating device called a “pillow shaker” that can be attached to the pillow or placed under the pillow.”  

Dowd said this program can save lives.

“This program really has a huge impact on us, it’s a game changer, it ensures that we’re informed, and we can stay safe.”

The program has acquired 700 weather alert radios specifically adapted for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

They are available on a first come, first served basis.

More information about how to apply for the radios can be found here.

Copyright 2024 WEKU

Born in Morehead Kentucky, Stan Ingold got his start in public radio as a volunteer at Morehead State Public Radio. He worked there throughout his college career as a reporter, host and producer and was hired on as the Morning Edition Host after graduating with a degree in History from Morehead State University. He remained there for nearly three years. Along with working in radio he spent a great deal of time coaching speech and forensics at Rowan County Senior High School in Morehead, working with students and teaching them broadcasting techniques for competitions.