Weather radios still needed during digital age

Dougherty County EMA Director Jenna Chang says we're now entering the time of year where severe weather is fairly common.

Even in the digital age, Chang says it's crucial to have a weather radio.

Chang says our mobile phones, tablets and computers are all limited by bandwidth, and when an emergency cell alert goes out, Chang says the device is limited by the capacity of the network.

Chang adds a weather radio is your best source of information directly from The National Weather Service.

"You might be sitting in your home with a weather radio, your cell phone, maybe even your TV, and your weather radio will almost always have the alert first," said Chang.

With the threat of severe weather this weekend, Chang says it's important to have a 72-hour kit handy.

The kit should include items like food, water, medications and batteries.

You can buy weather radios at most retailers.