NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: A New Look At An Old Tehnology

It has been four months since Winter Storm Uri crippled Texas. Although my position with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension encourages families and businesses to prepare for disasters, the storm highlighted weaknesses in my own family’s preparedness plan. Since the passing of the storm, I have reflected on ways we could have been better prepared. The utmost need I identified was an improved tool to receive hazardous weather updates.

I belong to the millennial generation. As the stereotype often suggests, I probably rely too much on electronic devices (especially those connected to the internet) for communication. While modern technology has proved to be invaluable for emergency warnings, it often relies on electricity for power and internet signal to transmit messages. After Winter Storm Uri caused rolling blackouts in my home for three days, this millennial took a new look at an “old” technology: NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR).

According to the National Weather Service’s website, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides NWR as a public service to provide weather forecast and warn of oncoming severe weather. When combined with the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Alert System, NWR becomes capable of providing emergency communication beyond weather related events to include manmade disaster and public safety warnings. To receive NWR signal, a special radio or scanner is required.

As mentioned, more recent technology such as cell phones can receive emergency alerts and are an important tool for receiving critical communication. Yet during a disaster, power outages as well as cell and internet service interruptions are prevalent. NWR provides a backup solution if more vulnerable communication services are damaged.

I recently purchased a small radio capable of receiving NWR as well as AM and FM signals. It can be charged by electrical outlet, solar power, or windup crank. It also has battery backup. I purchased it online for a price that would have been a fraction of my monthly cell phone bill. In the future, I will rest a little more assured knowing that I have a tool which will allow me to receive NWR emergency communication regardless of available power supply or cell service. Suddenly, what once seemed old is new again. Access https://www.weather.gov/nwr&in_desc=NOAA+Weather+Radio/ to view more information on NWR.

Visit texashelp.tamu.edu to view other disaster preparedness and response resources provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.