Weather radios equipped with a special alarm tone feature can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life-threatening situation. During an emergency, National Weather Service forecasters will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out the special tone that activates weather radios in the listening area. They are especially valuable in places that are entrusted with public safety, including hospitals, schools, places of worship, nursing homes, restaurants, grocery stores, recreation centers, office buildings, sports facilities, theaters, retail stores, bus and train stations, airports, marinas and other public-gathering places. Check with stores that sell electronics, or call the National Weather Service office closest to you. Additional digital technology will provide automated broadcast capability for more timely service.
Weather radios come in many sizes and with a variety of functions and costs.
To make use of the new digital coding technology, more sophisticated water radio receivers will be required. Many communities throughout the United States also make Weather Radio available on cable TV and broadcast television s secondary audio programming channels. The goal of the National Weather Service and other emergency preparedness agencies is to expand the reach of weather radio broadcasts to 95 percent of the U.S. population. Innovative partnerships between the Weather Service, private sector organizations and state and local governments are fueling this expansion. For more information about developing a partnership with the National Weather Service, contact your local Weather Service office.