A critical element of a successful warning program is the timely receipt of hazardous weather products by local emergency managers and other officials. This includes warnings, statements, watches, outlooks, and routine observations and forecasts. In addition, graphical information in the form of satellite pictures and weather maps is also broadcast.
Data is broadcast via the transponders on the goes weather satellites, and over the Internet.
Satellite systems are available from a variety of manufacturers for generally less than 1500 dollars. For those within range of a radio rebroadcast, this receiving equipment is available for around 300 dollars. There is no recurring cost for receiving the data. The popular software packages include features such as automatically alarming or printing user-selected products. In addition, alarm devices such as flashing lights or pillow shakers can be used to accommodate the special needs community.