Several local agencies are partnering together in hopes of making what is predicted to be a lively Hurricane season the safest it can be.

But, they are asking for some outside help.

As the group, composed of representatives from the Pike County Emergency Management Agency, Troy Regional Medical Center, Troy University, South Central Alabama Area Red Cross, WTBF, the Troy Fire Department, Brundidge and Troy Police Departments, Pike County Commission, The Messenger and the cities of Troy and Brundidge, met Friday to discuss communication during Hurricanes, the consensus was there isn’t a perfect method.

Troy Police spokesman Sgt. Benny Scarbrough spoke out first, “a weather radio is the best thing people can have.”

And with agreement from the rest of the those gathered, the hopes of bringing weather radios to residents in Pike County is one of the agencies’ goals for this Hurricane season.

“We are looking for financial support from local businesses or individuals in providing NOAA weather radios to citizens of Pike County,” said EMA Director Jeanna Barnes. “They say it’s the single source for comprehensive weather information.”

Barnes said the group hopes to hold a Weather Radio and Citizen Preparedness drive sometime before the end of summer. That of course is contengent upon a partnership where funding is provided for the project.

“You wouldn’t have the TV or Internet if the power goes out, but weather radios have battery backups so it works when the power goes,” Barnes said.

Barnes said the radio would make residents aware of tornado warnings, a problem that often arises when hurricanes hit Pike County.

And, even though the county already has warning sirens for this event, Barnes said they aren’t always easy to hear from within the home.

This Hurricane season is predicted by the National Weather Service to potentially be the worst since the 1950’s.

Anyone interested in making a contribution to the cause can contact the South Central Alabama Area Red Cross at 536-0632. The donation to the Red Cross is tax deductible.

For more information contact Barnes at the EMA office at 566-8272.