Previously we provided information on what weather radios are and their purpose. This article pertains to how weather radios work. Once you have selected a radio that fits your needs, you need to learn how it works. Most radios have a power cord that you can plug into the wall to operate the radio. They all have or should have battery backup in the event of a power failure or if it is a portable radio that you can carry with you. These radios broadcast weather information on seven channels or frequencies throughout the US. By reviewing the FIPS codes you can find the closest tower that transmits in your area. Afer you find that frequency you should hear a continuous broadcast for your area. If the radio has S.A.M.E. technology as we discussed in the previous article (and it should) you need to program it. You can program your county, several adjacent counties, or all counties in the coverage area. The instruction book along with the FIPS codes will allow you to do this.

In the event of an emergency in the county or counties you have programmed the radio will sound an alert tone followed by the weather watch or warning along with pertinent information concerning actions that you should take at the time of the alert.

Watches and warnings are broadcast based on weather conditions in your area that may be worth watching or paying attention to, or by taking emergency shelter in the event of a warning. Many watches are based on radar conditions and weather forecasts that the local NWS office is monitoring. In the event of a warning (tornado, flash flood, or severe thunderstorm) the information may be obtained by what the forecaster sees on doppler radar or live reports from trained weather spotters or local emergency personnel. If the the NWS issues some type of watch for your area you should be aware that conditions are possible for that type of weather. If they issue a warning you should follow the instructions the forecaster gives via the weather radio which may involve taking shelter immediately in the event of a tornado or move to a safer location in the event of flooding. More people are killed in the US by floods that any other weather event. These watches and warnings should be taken seriously and you should have a plan for immediate action in the event of a warning.

The first series of these articles is intended to provide an understanding of what they do weather radios. Essentially, they are designed to give you information (alerts and warnings) about the weather. But current technology has enabled them to provide information, such as hurricane warnings, terrorist alerts and Amber Alerts (missing and abducted children and adults). The main objective of a weather radio is the issuance of alerts, warnings and special statements issued by the time the National Weather Service (NWS). The National Weather Service is the only agency that can issue alerts and warnings. While we're on the local television or hear on local radio stations that are issued by the NWS. Local television stations can not issue these warnings.

The system is configured with multiple service locations strategically stationed weather throughout the United States. Operating in seven frequencies. This is mainly so that virtually anyone can receive from the NWS of these frequencies virtually anywhere in the U.S. Each frequency or channel constantly emits a forecast that the service area. However, in times of bad weather, the station broadcasts an alert tone followed by relevant information on current weather conditions, either a tornado or a notice or warning of flash flooding, with actions taken by the public. These emissions can be heard on or GMRS two-way radios, scanners, marine radios, or specially designed weather radios. The NWS has SAME (Message Encoding Specific Area) that allows these alerts to be heard only in designated areas. You do not have to listen to warnings from all areas of its service coverage area. This is accomplished through a series of codes FIPS (Federal Standards for Information Processing) that assigns to each state and county a specific code for the radio in time to receive alerts in your county and  or surrounding counties or all service area counties. These codes can be found on the Internet or a link to the National Weather Service, or httpwww.btproducts.us or doing an Internet search FIPS codes.

In short, weather radios provide a wealth of information from your local forecast and warnings to protect you and your property from impending weather emergencies and natural disasters. It is very important to have access to this information during power outages during the night, or during outdoor activities away from home. It provides more information on the website of the National Weather Service and many other websites. The following article provides information about how the weather alert system works followed by an article in the collection of a weather radio or find a source of this information that meets the needs of the people.