Did you know North Carolina offers free weather alert radios to residents who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing? And there’s no income limit to qualify!

When severe weather strikes, hearing a warning can make all the difference. But what happens if someone can’t hear a weather radio, television warning, or emergency announcement?

North Carolina’s Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers free specialized weather alert radios that can help.

How do these radios work?

Unlike ordinary weather radios, these devices can use flashing lights and vibrating alerts to warn someone about emergency broadcasts, including:

• Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms
• Other dangerous weather conditions
• Certain non-weather emergencies

These alerts can be especially valuable for older adults with hearing loss, people who live alone, and anyone who might not hear an ordinary emergency warning.

Who qualifies?

The program is available to North Carolina residents who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind.

There is no income limit, and the radios are provided at no cost.

Applicants need to provide:

• Proof of North Carolina residency
• Proof of hearing loss

You do not have to be a senior citizen to qualify.

How can Union County residents apply?

Contact the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing’s Charlotte Regional Center, which serves Union County.

Charlotte Regional Center

Phone: 980-296-6870
Toll-free: 800-835-5302
Video phone: 704-918-1554

5501 Executive Center Drive, Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28212

Staff can explain the application process and help determine which equipment meets your needs.

Learn more from these official state resources:

North Carolina’s Weather Alert Radio Program

State Flyer: Free Weather Alert Radios

Help spread the word!

Do you know an older neighbor, family member, or friend who has difficulty hearing? Please share this information. A free weather alert radio could help them receive an important warning when they need it most.

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