How to Compare Emergency Weather Radios
Every weather radio does one important thing: broadcasts weather news, watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. The NWS' Weather Radio service broadcasts on seven VHF frequencies outside normal AM and FM broadcast bands. Weather radios can usually pick up broadcasts as far as 40 miles from the antenna site depending on the terrain, radio quality and weather conditions. Although they all receive the same broadcast, weather radios come in a variety of designs though with numerous optional features. Does this Spark an idea?
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Determine if you prefer a weather radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology or without. SAME technology lets you program a code into certain weather radios to receive only weather information for the county in which you reside. If you travel, you don't want to limit the radio's alerts.
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Decide if you prefer a portable or desk model weather radio. Both designs boast similar features, but a portable radio makes more sense for a traveler since it will easily fit in a briefcase or purse.
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Determine if you prefer a weather radio with or without LED flashing alerts. If you want a visual, as well as audio, cue that an alert has been issued chose a model with LED lights. This is an especially important feature to consider if you have a hearing impairment but do not want or need an external apparatus, such as a light or shaker, or want a portable radio.
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Decide if a standalone or multifunction radio is right for you. A standalone model will alert you to warnings and watches, as well as provide weather broadcasts. Many general multiband/function radios don't provide alerts, but do provide weather broadcasts. Multifunction units may also feature AM/FM radios, shortwave receivers, CB radios, VHF Marine radios, scanners, GMRS/FRS two-way radios, car radios, or TV-radio combinations.
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Decide between a model with battery backup or without. For safety's sake, a model with a battery backup is superior because when the electricity goes out, you'll still receive alerts.
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Choose whether you need a model with a built-in whip antenna or an external antenna jack to allow for an indoor or outdoor antenna connection. This jack with an additional antenna may be necessary for you to receive broadcasts.
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Decide if you need a weather radio with an external device jack, which allows attachment of strobe lights or bed shakers to the unit to alert the hearing impaired.
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Determine if you prefer a weather radio with or without an alarm clock. It can be useful whether you travel or use it at home.
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