DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) – Decatur Fire and Rescue (DFR) is helping people stay weather aware by giving out free weather alert radios.

They’ve partnered with the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency to give away 60 National Weather Service weather alert radios, free of charge, for Decatur citizens.

The giveaway started Wednesday at noon, it will go on until they give out all 60. Firefighters say finding out about weather threats as early as possible should be people’s first priority.

“Anytime you can get an early detection or get a more significant time frame to move to get into action. I mean that’s like I say everybody talks about we need to know earlier and be forewarned. And so that’s what these things do, they’re giving you a significant time advantage to take advantage of that,” said DFR Lt. Brandon Sivley.

The department says they will arrange to have the radios programmed for you and you can just pick them up ready to use. They can be reached at 256-341-4860.

If you miss the opportunity to get a weather radio from DFR, Hartselle Fire & Rescue will also be passing out weather radios (while supplies last) during Hartselle Depot Days on September 16, according to the Morgan County EMA. The radios will be at their booth on Hickory Street SW and Sparkman Street SW from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.