How to Select an Emergency Weather Radio for Camping

Emergency weather radios can prove vital in many circumstances, but perhaps none more so than when camping. While “getting away from it all” can be a relief, it is also important to track severe weather while in the great outdoors. There are excellent models that are good for camping, using in RVs, or to have in the car for emergencies. Below is a quick guide to help make the decision of which emergency radio is best for for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check to see if it receives NOAA emergency weather stations. NOAA, through the National Weather Service, will provide updates regarding severe weather alerts and warnings. Many of the same radios can also often be used for regular radio stations as well as some VHF TV audio. Sometimes local radio stations will provide quicker updates and on scene updates regarding severe weather.

2. Keep the weight and size of the weather radio in mind. If you are backpacking or canoeing this is crucial. If you’re car camping you could get away with a larger radio.

3. Pick a weather radio with a reliable source of energy. As with the weight and size, the type of energy source for your radio may depend on the type of camping you’re doing. Dynamo weather radios do not rely on batteries and can be either cranked or shaken for energy. These require minimal effort and are much more reliable when away from an electrical source. If you’re car camping you could probably use an emergency radio that can plug into your car or use a converter to plug it into your car. However, even in a car a dynamo radio will be more reliable in emergency situations. Some weather radios also have solar power as an option, and this is fine as a supplement, but it is not as reliable as human powered, or dynamo, radios.

4. Choose a weather radio that is waterproof or at least water resistant. This is particularly important when you’re fishing, boating, or backpacking. If you do choose a radio that is not waterproof and your boating or canoeing be sure to place the radio in a dry bag that is secured to the boat in case of tipping.

5. Look at extra features included in the weather radio. These can include a built in flashlight (an LED bulb will require less energy), emergency beacon lights, a cell phone charger (you’ll want to check compatibility with your phone before purchasing or ensure you can get a refund), or an emergency siren.

Resources

• NOAA National Weather Service

[nicolecox]

on 7/4/2009 Very thorough advice - very helpful!

[wdk40]

on 6/27/2009 This can be very important to your survival. Good job.