BROWNSTOWN, Ind. — Jackson County will begin using donated space on electronic billboards to warn residents of weather hazards.
Duane Davis, Jackson County Emergency Management Agency director, said via a press release that several local companies donated the use of the billboards for the warnings. The group includes Bob Poynter GM cars and trucks, Coldwell Banker, First Baptist Church, Brownstown Middle School, and Walgreens.
Davis said that many drivers are listening to CDs, MP3s and other devices and are not hearing the traditional radio warnings.
"The use of the highly visible signs along major roads in our communities will give drivers current severe weather information. Using electronic billboards is another means of keeping us informed of weather conditions."
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Joe Wainscott praised the private/public partnership.
“Especially in times of economic uncertainty, public-private partnerships can make us better than we would have been on our own,” Wainscott said.
“Even in prosperous times, it makes sense to find complementary opportunities. The sometimes difficult part is to find the nexus between needs and goals. Keeping the public informed is just one of the important functions with which emergency management can assist the public in urgent situations.”
Information: Duane Davis, 358-6110.