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Tips for choosing a weather radio
Stormy weather of late can serve as a reminder that if you don't already own a weather radio, perhaps you should, said Mary Knapp, Kansas state climatologist who is based at Kansas State University Research and Extension in Manhattan.
Early warnings can help minimize the risk of injury or death from a storm, and give a "heads up" in time to move the car to a sheltered area or secure porch or patio furniture, she said.
The safety radios are typically referred to as "NOAA weather radios." NOAA is short for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the parent organization of the National Weather Service.
The radios are typically battery powered and capable of receiving one or more of seven national broadcast bands (or frequencies) designated by the National Weather Service for broadcast of storm watches and warnings.
"Local stations usually pick up the information and interrupt local programming, but the battery-powered weather radios will work when the power is out and in places where television and radios may not be, such as a storm shelter," she said.
A basic model, which can be purchased for as little as $20 to $30, will beep and broadcast severe weather alerts. More sophisticated models offer filtering capabilities that allow owners to fine-tune radio alerts to their geographic area. The filtering systems are called "Specific Area Message Encoding" or SAME, for short, Knapp said
"High-end models also provide text messages and accessories such as strobe lights that can be helpful to those who are hearing impaired. Some will even shake the bed," she said.
Weather radios are sold at discount department and electronic stores and are also available on the Internet at "The Weather Radio Store" www.noaaweatherradiostore.com .
"While buying local can speed the process or simplify returns, checking the Internet site can give prospective buyers an overview of the features available and may provide a greater selection," Knapp said.
"Once purchased, though, don't wait for a storm to try it out. Read the manufacturer's instructions and test features in the home, car and storm shelter to make sure the radio works in locations where it will be used," said Knapp, who recommends replacing batteries periodically and storing a few extra batteries in a storm shelter.
Knapp maintains a NOAA weather radio map and frequencies in the Weather Data Library and on the Web at K-State Research and Extension's website: www.oznet.ksu.edu. Under featured sites, click on "Weather Data Library."
Date: 6/22/04
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