Reception is good within about 30 to 50 miles of each transmitter. Again, these alert features are only available with certain NOAA Weather Radios. Here is a listing of the local FIPS codes . Here is a listing of national FIPS codes for 'Radio Shack SAME' receivers. A special receiver is needed.
Radios are available from department, discount, and radio stores for a relatively inexpensive price.
Many receivers have and automatic alerting device that turns the radio on whenever a watch or warning is issued. Small battery operated radios will fit in a shirt pocket. Larger devices with alarms are the size of a book. Your favorite radio station will probably keep you updated with local weather, provide details about rain and snow seen on weather service radars, and will quickly relay emergency warnings about dangerous or damaging weather in your area. The convenience of NOAA Weather Radio is that broadcasts are totally dedicated to weather information, and it's continuous any hour of the day.