MAYFIELD, Ky., March 21, 2022 — The SBCA Foundation, along with a matching donation from DISH Network and premier DISH TV retailer American Cable, is providing 600 WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radios in advance of Kentucky’s upcoming tornado season for homes in communities impacted by the catastrophic tornado that hit the western part of the state in December 2021. These radios provide essential early warning alerts to homeowners who might not hear regional sirens due to storm conditions.

“The SBCA Foundation is the charitable arm of the consumer-based satellite industry, and we are pleased to bring satellite providers, retailers and distributors together to help local Kentucky communities,” said Steve Hill, president, SBCA Foundation. “The radios donated by the Foundation and DISH will allow residents to stay connected during severe weather, emergencies and power outages.”

“We are proud to partner with one of our premier retailers in the Mayfield area, American Cable, to provide radios to Kentucky residents for use in emergency situations,” said Amir Ahmed, EVP, DISH Network. “Roy Helm at American Cable has gone above and beyond to serve the local community for decades, and this donation is an extraordinary joint effort that will bring a lot of peace of mind to the people of western Kentucky.”

“The private sector has stepped up in an enormous way to support Graves County in the wake of devastating tornado damage,” said Congressman James Comer. “I want to thank the SBCA Foundation and DISH Network for this generous donation, which will enable our residents to be better prepared for future storms.”

“Our communities were devastated beyond anything we had ever imagined,” said Senator Jason Howell. “These radios are a tangible way to build safer communities and help us weather the next storm that comes our way.“

“We are so appreciative of this donation and can’t thank the Foundation and DISH Network enough,” said Representative Richard Heath. “Unfortunately, the people of my district know all too well how valuable a tool like these radios is to surviving a catastrophe.”

"After the devastating tornado that roared through western Kentucky on December 10, 2021, we now realize more than ever that there can never be too much notification of impending dangerous weather events,” said Mayfield Mayor Kathy Stewart O’Nan. “The presentation of these radios by SBCA, DISH Network and American Cable will provide a sense of security to many people in the Graves County area."

The donated radios will help people stay connected and safe during severe weather conditions, emergencies or power outages. When a severe weather watch or warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the WR120 automatically alerts residents, giving them enough time to seek shelter.