![]() ![]() Weather radio featuresĪ weather radio is a tool that can provide invaluable aid before or during a disaster, so it’s important to plan ahead and know what you need. The primary differences between indoor and outdoor radios are power source and portability. Others are designed to be taken with you during an emergency, and some models may be designed for both indoor and outdoor use. These are sometimes called desktop weather radios. Some weather alert radios are designed to be kept indoors to notify you of NOAA alerts. Where will you use your weather radio?Ĭonsider where you will use your weather radio and what situations you expect to need it for. These are often used by people who don’t live in disaster-prone areas who want to get regular weather updates rather than emergency alerts. Weather band radios must be tuned to weather alert stations and won’t automatically alert you to hazardous conditions. These radios are region based and often kept in the home or office. They automatically alert you of NOAA announcements and can sometimes be programmed for specific alert types. These serve primarily to warn you of incoming storms or emergencies. Weather alert radios are the more popular option. There are two main types of weather radios: weather alert radios and weather band radios. Weather radios should not be confused with emergency radios, which have similar designs and features but aren’t specifically designed to provide alerts for your area. Key considerations What is a weather radio?Ī weather radio is a device that alerts you to severe weather warnings from NOAA or a network of weather alert radio stations called the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) that broadcast continuously. Keeping the above factors in mind, we scoured the internet for the best weather radios, according to shopper reviews.When the power is out and the cell phone network is down, a weather radio can be the most valuable tool you carry. While it's not necessary to have, it can be nice if you want to screen out the number of alerts you are receiving. ![]() This is a relatively newer feature of weather radios, and most models are not equipped with this ability. ![]() Even if you keep your weather radio tuned in to your local NOAA station, with only seven stations there are many alerts that may not apply to you, and SAME models allow you to program specific counties and even specific types of warnings. This is helpful in avoiding someone based in New Orleans, say, from receiving an alert about a tornado in Ohio. Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) is programming that allows you to set your location and only alert you when there are ebidsories, watches, and warnings for your specific locale. If you prefer to only get alerts when you choose to tune in-say, if you know a storm is rolling in-or to get an update on a weather event that is already happening, a weather radio without automatic notifications (sometimes called a weather band radio) should suffice. These models will tune into your local NOAA weather station and send out a notification if there is a warning in your area. If you live in an area that experiences sudden weather events such as tornadoes and flash floods, you might want to consider opting for a model with automatic alerts. The more charging options you have, the more reliably you'll receive alerts in circumstances where the power is out for a few days or you're out on an extended camping trip. Most offer a mix of solar, hand crank, rechargeable battery, and alkaline batteries. For those who plan to use their weather radios when out and about, having a compact model with multiple methods of charging is key. Here are a few factors to think about.ĭesktop models are means for home use, which can be helpful for those who live in rural areas without reliable cell signal or internet coverage. When choosing a weather radio to purchase, it's important to consider how often you think you'll be using it, and under what circumstances. Weather radios can be immensely helpful in helping prepare for emergencies no matter where you live or where your travels take you. population," which includes those who might not normally have access to regular radio, TV, internet or cell phone services. While some vehicles are equipped with radios that can receive weather radio broadcasts, and there is limited streaming available through NOAA's website, the most reliable way to get access to the NOAA alerts is through a weather radio (also sometimes called an emergency weather radio).Īccording to NOAA, its goal is to "expand the reach of weather radio broadcasts to cover 95 percent of the U.S. The NOAA stations provide a comprehensive and continuous source of public emergency information. There are seven preset stations on weather radios that tune in to 750 different frequencies to bring the public hazard information close to them. The Best Porch Swings for Every Outdoor Space, According to Reviews
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