Events and Activities : Severe weather event planned; 200 weather radios offered to area residents

In observance of the July 11, 2011 windstorm that devastated the City of Vinton and neighboring communities, the City of Vinton will be hosting a severe weather awareness event on Saturday, July 13, 2013. The event will take place at the Vinton Recreation Center at 701 East A Street beginning at 8:00 AM. The Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition (BCDRC) will also be participating in the event to distribute severe weather awareness information.

During this event, the City of Vinton will be giving away 200 weather radios on a first come, first served basis. Half of the radios will be purchased by the City of Vinton and a grant from the Benton County Community Foundation, while another 100 radios will be donated by Fareway. Personnel from KCRG will be on hand to help program the radios.

Immediately following the July 2011 windstorm, the City of Vinton stressed the importance of individuals taking personal responsibility to prepare for severe weather. Having a properly programmed weather radio in your home is a big step towards this goal. The information that will be provided by the BCDRC will also assist in reaching that objective. BCDRC will also be providing coloring books and crayons for kids as a fun activity while waiting for parents to get their radio and learn more about disaster preparedness.

This event will last until noon or when all weather radios have been distributed. More information on the event can be obtained by calling Vinton City Coordinator Andy Lent at 472-4707.