Emergency Weather & Hand-Crank Radios Tested and Reviewed (2025)

The number of natural disasters has been steadily increasing in recent decades and many experts say this trend is likely to continue in 2025. From hurricanes slamming into the coast of Florida to torrential rains leaving many Texans underwater, there always seems to be a natural disaster happening somewhere.

Unfortunately, these disasters rack up billions of dollars in damages and often cost lives. Having the proper gear and information when disaster strikes can make all the difference, and that’s where emergency weather radios — sometimes called NOAA alert radios — come in.

Why Emergency Radios Still Matter in 2025

As you already know, we are a society that puts a great deal of trust in technology and when that technology fails us we are usually left uninformed and unprotected. I’m guessing you or someone you love has been in a situation where technology has let you down. Maybe you were in the middle of nowhere and your GPS stopped working.

Fortunately, the simple radio is a technology that for the most part can be relied on. Credit for the invention of the radio is mostly attributed to Guglielmo Marconi but like most revolutionary inventions, there is a bit of drama. Marconi is said to have used the design created by Nikola Tesla.

When Marconi went to file for his patent he was initially denied since it relied on the use of Tesla coils. Marconi used his family’s connections and wealth to eventually have the U.S. Patent Office reverse their decision. Marconi soon after won the Nobel Prize for physics.

On December 12, 1901, Marconi became the first person to transmit a radio signal across the Atlantic. So, radio transmission has been around for a long time and hasn’t really changed much since the beginning. The tools have changed but the physics haven’t.

Pretty much any technology we use today that communicates to another device or can wirelessly connect to another device using radio waves. We sometimes forget that the shiny interfaces and cool apps only work because of this basic technology.

When the world is turned upside down by a weather event, picking up a broadcasted radio transmission is usually the most reliable way to get information.

How to Choose the Right Emergency Radio (Buying Guide)

This section is for those of you who want to learn more about radios before seeing the list of the best emergency radios. For those of you who already know what to look for or simply don’t care, feel free to use the quick navigation menu above or simply keep scrolling to skip straight to the reviews section! I also made a video review for you guys that I’ll drop below!

Reviewed & Updated: This guide was reviewed by the Marine Approved team and updated for 2025 to reflect the latest models and real-world testing results.

Who Are Emergency Radios For?

If you live in a climate affected by any kind of weather then I’ll go out on a limb and say you need one. Seriously, the technology is so rudimentary and simple that you can buy a great weather radio for less than two Starbucks coffees. We all have spent more than $20 dollars on something pretty useless. Just make sure the next time you do spend some money you spend it on something that can save your life.

So, I’m going to use the phrase that has never made a story shorter in the history of mankind, “to make a long story short”, a weather radio is for everyone. Even if you live somewhere that doesn’t experience much crazy weather you can still utilize a weather radio. I am looking at you sunny and mild California! All this talk of tornadoes probably has some of you rolling your eyes but a weather radio will keep you informed about anything that is an emergency event, like wildfires and earthquakes.

So What Are Weather Radios?

A weather radio works just the same as any other radio but includes more survival based features. In my mind, a weather/emergency radio is one that doesn’t depend on having access to a power plug in order to work. I would even say it has to have a hand crank to give it a charge. The other feature it should have is the ability to tune a NOAA weather band, but even if it doesn’t you can tune a local station and get emergency alerts.

Most weather radios allow you to charge your radio by a hand crank, include multiple battery sources, have small solar panels, and give you the option to charge external devices. These extra features are nice to have but most of the time they don’t function like you need them to.

The solar panels on every radio I have ever had has been a disappointment. Heck, even the dedicated field charging stations never did anything amazing as far as charging devices goes. Hand cranking a small generator for power is indeed helpful but don’t think for a second you just give it a couple of twirls and you are fully charged and ready to go. No, we live in the real world. Most weather radios take a solid day of winding in order to get a fully charged battery.

Just keep in mind that these features are only helpful features. They aren’t something to put a whole lot of stock in and they definitely shouldn’t drive your decision on purchasing a radio.

The real question to keep in mind while reading this article is how do you plan to use a weather radio? Do you need one for the house, for the car, or for hiking? If you can answer these questions before you dive in then you will almost instantly be able to determine which radio you need.

Do You Need a Weather Radio?

I briefly touched on this but the answer should be a resounding yes for everyone. If you are really debating whether or not to buy a weather radio then ask yourself what are the last 5 things you spent $20 on. More than likely at least one of those items is not going to save your life.

Let’s be realistic. Most people aren’t going to use their weather radio to charge their phone on a regular basis, but consider a Katrina level event. There were a lot of people stranded for a very long time without access to electricity or any way to get information about where to go or what to do to get help. Cell phones die faster than you think they will when your life depends on it. And when it does die, your little safety net is nothing more than a paperweight.

An emergency radio can give you a way to charge your phone enough to make a few calls. This is probably one of the more important features these types of radios offer. Most radios also have a built in light source as well. So with a good radio, you can get the information you need, charge your phone, and find your way in the dark.

I would say having all those things when your life is on the line is worth the $20 to $50 you will spend on one of these radios.

What Are the Alternatives?

In order to get everything a weather radio has to offer you will need to combine a few pieces of everyday technology. Almost everyone has a regular radio and that is the best place to start. Your car can power it’s radio for 5-10 hours straight but when the battery dies you are done.

As far as battery charging capability goes you will need a generator. Most generators aren’t cheap and when bad things happen they end up being highly desired by unscrupulous characters. When the tornado went through Tuscaloosa, a friend of mine had his generator stolen in the middle of the night. He woke up with no power but could still hear the generator running. When he walked outside he saw his lawnmower running next to where the generator used to be.

Nothing beats a good generator and if you have the money you should buy one no matter what. But the weather radio can charge your phone for $20 and you can put most of them in your pocket.

I will say one of the most useful alternatives to a weather radio is a Ham radio. You can’t charge your phone with one but you can transmit on whatever frequency you want. And most ham radios can receive on multiple bands. The only drawback is you need to purchase extra batteries to keep it charged but the flexibility they offer sometimes outweighs the power problem. Just buy a bunch of batteries and make sure they are charged.

Features to Consider

It should be a no-brainer that you need your weather radio to actually pick up the right frequency bands. But it could be pretty easy to buy a radio that is not marketed as a weather radio and only end up with FM and AM. It would work, but having a radio that can pick up the VHF NOAA weather radio band gives you 24/7 weather reports for your area.

Hand crank power generation is another must-have for a weather radio. You not going to be able to charge all your devices at the same time but you will be able to generate enough power to keep listening to your radio and give your phone enough charge for a couple of calls.

LED lights are another feature most of these radios have. When it is dark and you have no power you quickly realize how much of a crutch electricity is. And when you are trying to survive, it is not smart to use all of your cell phone battery to light your way.

Just about all emergency radios come with a rechargeable Li-ion battery. But these batteries have been known to be temperamental. Every radio in this list comes with a warning to maintain the battery by charging once every three months or so. Li-ion batteries are powerful but because of the design they can become unstable when they lose their charge.

Believe me, I’ve had a laptop battery swell and break the keyboard and trackpad because it completely lost its charge.

So, consider buying a radio that has both a Li-ion battery as well as a place to put good old AA or AAA dry cells.

Our Review & Testing Methodology

Our team evaluates each radio for build quality, reliability, reception strength, and overall usability. While many models come from large assembly lines overseas, a surprising number still deliver outstanding performance and durability — you just have to know what to look for.

We compare real-world features like tuning stability, power options, alert accuracy, and charging performance rather than marketing claims. Radios that offered replaceable batteries or multiple charging options generally scored higher in our rankings.

Finally, we rank these based on practicality: if we were cut off during a major storm or blackout, which model would we actually trust to get the job done? That question shaped the order of this list.

For example, if we needed a dependable bedside radio, we’d go with the Eton Odyssey. For hiking or vehicle kits, lighter models like the Sangean MMR-88 make more sense. Your own use case should guide your choice just as much as our rankings.

Best Emergency Radios (2025 Picks)

We re-ordered the picks to highlight models people actually look for when storms hit or the grid goes down. Each one below focuses on reliability first, with power redundancy and clear weather reception as the baseline.

1. Eton Odyssey Hand-Crank NOAA Weather Radio (Best Overall)

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The Odyssey is the “cover all bases” choice. It pulls in NOAA alerts, runs on solar/hand-crank/USB battery, and keeps a clean layout with a large, easy-to-read display. Bluetooth is there for normal listening, but the weather features and power redundancy are what make it a standout when the lights go out.

Reception & alerts: Weather channels lock in quickly, and the alert tone is loud enough to wake a light sleeper in the next room. Shortwave is a bonus for hobby listening or getting a broader picture during regional disasters, but the main value here is clean AM/FM and dependable NOAA monitoring. The telescopic antenna doesn’t feel flimsy, and the big display makes it obvious which band and frequency you’re on—less fumbling when the power’s out.

Power strategy: Treat the built-in solar panel as a slow trickle charger and the crank as your “get me through the night” option. A couple of minutes on the handle buys you several minutes of radio or a short burst on the flashlight—enough to check the latest advisory and conserve battery. Day to day, keep it topped via USB-C and store it with a partial charge; once a month, wake it up, scan weather bands, and give it a short top-off so it’s ready when you need it.

Real-world use: The flashlight’s SOS and area modes are genuinely useful for stairwells and breaker boxes. Phone charging works in a pinch, but don’t expect to refuel a dead smartphone to 100%—use it for brief calls or texts and keep a dedicated power bank in your kit. Bluetooth is nice when the grid is up, but turn it off during outages to stretch the battery.

Small caveats: It’s not pocket-sized, and like any multi-powered unit, the crank is more about maintaining comms than refilling a phone. If you want a smaller daily-carry radio, look at the Sangean; if you want AA battery redundancy, the Midland is the safer move.

Odyssey vs Midland ER310 vs C. Crane Solar BT

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2. C. Crane CCRadio Solar BT (Best Solar Performance)

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Few compact emergency radios strike the right balance between simplicity, battery efficiency, and audio quality. The CCRadio Solar BT does. It’s roughly the size of a travel mug, but the oversized solar panel actually harvests usable power — something that can’t be said for most small hand-crank models. It’s ideal for homes, cabins, or RVs that want a daily-use radio that doubles as a reliable standby when the grid drops.

Performance and usability: Reception is clear and stable across AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands. The audio has C. Crane’s signature warmth, making it pleasant enough for normal listening, not just emergencies. The control layout is straightforward — large tuning and volume dials, a top handle, and a well-placed display with clock and alarm readouts. That ease of use means even non-tech-savvy family members can grab it during a storm and get it running immediately.

Power and charging: The large top-mounted solar panel can keep the internal battery charged with moderate daily light, and the hand crank adds insurance when conditions are overcast. The rechargeable cell is user-replaceable, extending the radio’s lifespan, and you can even run it off standard AA batteries if needed. A USB port allows top-ups from a wall charger or power bank, while the USB output lets you trickle charge a phone — helpful for texts or checking updates.

Durability and real-world impressions: Though not marketed as fully waterproof, the build feels solid and splash-resistant. It’s the sort of unit you can leave near a window year-round to catch sun and know it’ll wake up when you need it. The included flashlight isn’t as bright as the Midland’s, but it’s adequate for moving around a dark room or tent. Bluetooth streaming is a bonus, but for critical listening during storms, keeping that feature off saves valuable runtime.

In short: The CCRadio Solar BT’s efficient solar charging and replaceable battery make it the best “low-maintenance” choice. Leave it on a sunny windowsill, and it’ll be ready when your phone and flashlight aren’t. For frequent travelers or minimalist kits, it’s the rare radio that fits both daily listening and emergency prep without compromise.

CCRadio Solar BT vs FosPower A1 vs Eton Odyssey

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3. Midland ER310 (Most Trusted Storm Pick)

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The Midland ER310 has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable emergency radios on the market. It’s the model you’ll see recommended by prep guides, outdoor instructors, and storm chasers alike — because it simply works when things get loud and unpredictable. The controls are intuitive, the alert system is dependable, and its ability to run on both internal and AA batteries makes it nearly foolproof in long power outages.

Weather and alert performance: The built-in NOAA Weather Scan cycles through available channels and locks on to the strongest one in seconds. When a watch or warning is issued, the ER310’s alarm triggers automatically. The speaker is crisp enough to cut through wind or background noise, and the display’s backlight stays readable without eating through battery life. For most households in storm zones, this unit alone checks every alert requirement.

Power and battery life: Between the solar panel, hand crank, rechargeable pack, and AA battery bay, you get redundancy that’s hard to match. A full charge provides roughly 25 hours of regular use, and if you stock spare AAs, you’re essentially unlimited. The crank produces usable power faster than most budget units — a solid 60 seconds of turning translates into about 10 to 15 minutes of radio runtime. Keeping it charged from a wall or USB bank before storms is the best approach, but the self-sufficiency here is what gives the ER310 its staying power.

Lighting and practical extras: The 130-lumen CREE flashlight easily doubles as your main storm light. Its focused beam is bright enough for outdoor use, and switching to the SOS mode turns it into a reliable distress signal. One small but underrated touch is the built-in ultrasonic dog whistle — designed for search and rescue operations, but also handy for signaling responders or nearby pets in noisy conditions.

Build and reliability: The shell feels dense and impact-resistant without being bulky. The knobs are firm, the ports have rubber flaps, and the antenna folds in neatly for storage. It’s not waterproof, but it’ll survive heavy humidity or short exposure to rain. After years on the market, Midland’s quality control record is proven — this is the “buy it once” radio for homes that lose power several times a year.

Bottom line: For storm preparedness or general home use, the Midland ER310 remains the most balanced and time-tested pick. It may lack Bluetooth or flashy extras, but it nails the fundamentals — loud alerts, flexible power options, and enough runtime to get you through any outage without stress.

Midland ER310 vs FosPower A1 vs Kaito KA500

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4. FosPower A1 (Best Budget)

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The FosPower A1 is a no-nonsense emergency radio that covers the basics without breaking the bank. It’s lightweight, simple to operate, and built around the core survival features you actually need: NOAA weather alerts, multiple power sources, and a small internal battery that doubles as a phone charger. It doesn’t try to be fancy — it’s the kind of tool you buy, throw in a drawer or vehicle, and forget about until you need it.

Function and reception: The radio’s reception is reliable on both AM and FM bands, and NOAA weather channels come in clearly across most regions. It’s not a high-fidelity speaker by any means, but voices and emergency broadcasts sound crisp and easy to understand. Tuning is analog with a solid dial feel, which actually makes it easier to use in stressful conditions than touch-button digital models.

Power options: Three different power inputs give it a level of redundancy that’s rare at this price point. The small solar panel provides a slow, steady charge in daylight, while the hand crank produces usable runtime surprisingly fast — around one minute of cranking for 5 to 10 minutes of playback. If you’re in a pinch, the AAA battery compartment is the easiest backup. Just drop in a fresh set and you’re running again instantly.

Practical lighting and extras: The built-in flashlight is bright enough for short-range navigation, and the small reading light mode is handy for tents or cars. It also includes a modest USB output for charging a phone or flashlight, though it’s best for brief top-ups rather than full recharges. This isn’t a long-term power bank — it’s a tool for staying connected, not streaming video.

Durability and reliability: The plastic body is light but feels tougher than most generic crank radios. It’ll handle drops, rough glove-box storage, or occasional rain exposure without issue. Its compact size also makes it one of the few radios you can realistically keep in a hiking bag or emergency kit without it feeling bulky. For less than the price of dinner, it’s an insurance policy worth having in every vehicle or go-bag.

Takeaway: The FosPower A1 is not meant to impress gear junkies — it’s built to sit quietly until needed and then deliver the essentials. Perfect for car kits, students, or anyone building a low-cost emergency setup that still covers all the bases.

FosPower A1 vs Sangean MMR-88 vs C. Crane Solar BT

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5. Sangean MMR-88 (Most Portable)

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The Sangean MMR-88 has long been the favorite “real radio” for preppers and hikers who want something truly portable without sacrificing alert performance. It’s smaller than most smartphones, yet still carries Public Alert certification — meaning it meets strict standards for NOAA reception and emergency broadcast reliability. This isn’t a novelty hand crank; it’s a professional-grade miniature weather radio that’s built to work when cell towers don’t.

Performance and signal quality: Reception is consistently strong for its size, especially across AM and FM bands. The NOAA weather alerts come through loud and clear, and the MMR-88 automatically triggers alarms for incoming warnings once it’s set up. The built-in digital tuner holds up to 19 presets — far more than you’ll ever need for emergency use — but it makes daily listening much easier if you want to use this as a travel companion too.

Charging and power options: Like other compact units, the MMR-88 offers solar, hand-crank, and DC charging, but it’s notably efficient at all three. A short crank session produces around 10–15 minutes of playback, and the top-mounted solar panel charges well even through window light. Plugging in via USB remains the fastest method, and the radio includes a USB-out port to top off your phone in a pinch. The internal battery is small, but well-managed — you’ll get roughly 12 hours of listening or several hours of standby alerts per charge.

Build and design: The housing is rugged with reinforced corners and a rubberized coating that helps it shrug off drops or moisture. Buttons are tactile and large enough to use with gloves, and the integrated wrist strap makes it easy to hang on a pack or tent pole. A bright LED flashlight and a red blinking beacon provide emergency visibility, while the backlit display makes tuning straightforward at night.

Practical takeaway: The MMR-88 is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket but capable enough to rely on during extended power outages or backcountry trips. It’s one of the few pocket radios that feels engineered, not gimmicky — and the Public Alert certification gives it credibility many cheaper models can’t match.

In summary: The Sangean MMR-88 is a pocket-sized powerhouse — a dependable backup for those who value real signal quality and verified weather alert certification. It’s less of a gadget and more of a professional tool in miniature form.

Sangean MMR-88 vs FosPower A1 vs Eton Odyssey

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6. Kaito KA500 Voyager (Wide Coverage & Six Power Options)

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The Kaito KA500 Voyager has been around for more than a decade, and it still earns top marks for people who prefer manual reliability over digital complexity. It’s the kind of radio that feels like a field tool—solid, slightly overbuilt, and capable of pulling in broadcasts from halfway around the world. Between the AM/FM/2×SW/NOAA bands and six separate power options, the Voyager is one of the few emergency radios that can function entirely off the grid without depending on built-in lithium cells.

Reception and broadcast range: The KA500’s analog tuner locks onto stations with surprising sensitivity, particularly in shortwave ranges that cheaper models can’t even detect. During storms or blackouts, the seven pre-programmed NOAA channels ensure you get consistent weather coverage. The audio isn’t premium, but the speaker is large enough to cut through wind or generator noise — a big plus if you’re monitoring alerts outdoors or at night.

Power system: The Voyager’s claim to fame is redundancy. You can run it off a rechargeable battery pack, a solar panel, a hand crank, AA batteries, a USB input, or even an optional wall adapter. That flexibility means no matter what fails — grid, batteries, or sunlight — you still have a way to generate power. It’s an especially good fit for homesteads, cabins, or vehicles where charging methods vary.

Build quality and usability: The Voyager’s body is made from thick ABS plastic with rubberized knobs and covers for ports, giving it a rugged, slightly utilitarian look. It’s not fully waterproof, but the shell resists splashes and light rain without complaint. The telescopic antenna and carry handle make it ideal for both fixed and mobile setups. The controls are all physical — no menus, no apps — which makes it reliable even in the cold or when wearing gloves.

Lighting and extras: The integrated LED system includes a reading lamp, front flashlight, and red flashing SOS beacon. The light is modest but efficient, designed for tent illumination or emergency signaling. A USB output port lets you trickle-charge small devices like flashlights or phones, though it won’t replace a full power bank. Kaito’s simple approach makes maintenance easy — everything is replaceable and standardized, right down to the battery compartment.

Bottom line: The Kaito KA500 Voyager is a proven classic. It’s not sleek or modern, but it’s dependable, field-repairable, and packed with thoughtful design touches. If you want a rugged emergency radio that doesn’t depend on proprietary batteries or software, the Voyager remains one of the best all-around survival radios available today.

Kaito KA500 vs Midland ER310 vs Sangean MMR-88

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7. BaoFeng BF-F8HP PRO (Ham Handheld Alternative)

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The BaoFeng BF-F8HP PRO is a popular entry-level dual-band VHF/UHF transceiver that shows up in many preparedness kits. It’s not a weather radio in the traditional sense, but it earns a mention because it fills a gap no other product on this list covers: real-time, two-way communication. In situations where cellular service fails, having a handheld ham radio lets you reach local repeaters, relay messages, or stay connected to your group. Think of it as a companion to a NOAA receiver — not a substitute.

Capabilities and tuning: The BF-F8HP PRO can receive standard FM radio as well as NOAA weather frequencies, public service bands, and amateur frequencies. With a proper FCC license (Technician level or higher), it can transmit across local repeater networks for neighborhood or search-and-rescue coordination. It’s fully programmable via keypad or PC using CHIRP software, which makes setting up regional repeaters or emergency channels straightforward once you know the basics.

Range and power: The 8-watt output and long whip antenna deliver far better range than basic handhelds, often several miles in open terrain or through repeaters. You can switch between high, medium, and low power modes to conserve battery life. The included Li-ion battery pack runs for 10–12 hours under moderate use, and replacements are inexpensive and widely available. Optional extended packs and car adapters make it even more flexible for basecamp or vehicle setups.

Build and usability: Like most BaoFeng radios, the F8HP is compact and utilitarian. The controls have a small learning curve if you’re new to amateur radio, but once programmed, it’s easy to switch channels, scan, and monitor emergency frequencies. The unit includes a bright LED flashlight, a high-contrast display, and solid belt clip — all small but useful touches for field use.

Licensing note: You do not need a license to listen, but transmitting on most frequencies requires an FCC amateur radio license. It’s easy to get, and even a single licensed operator in a family or group makes this tool far more valuable. For those serious about preparedness or community response, learning to use and program a handheld transceiver is a small investment with huge communication payoff.

Bottom line: The BaoFeng BF-F8HP PRO isn’t a replacement for a dedicated emergency radio, but it fills a communication gap most preppers overlook. Pair it with a true NOAA receiver like the Midland ER310, and you’ll have both broadcast alerts and two-way contact — a powerful combination for serious readiness.

BaoFeng BF-F8HP vs Midland ER310 vs Kaito KA500 Voyager

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Quick Comparison: Top 5 At-A-Glance

Which One to Choose?

Pick the Odyssey if you want one radio that covers daily use and emergencies with a straightforward interface. Go C. Crane if compact size and solar efficiency matter most. Choose Midland if you want AA backups and a tried-and-true storm setup. On a tight budget? FosPower is the no-brainer. Need something pocketable for trail kits? Sangean is hard to beat. If two-way comms are on your list later, add a Baofeng handheld as a supplement.

Frequently Asked Weather Radio Questions

What is the NOAA Weather Band?

Even if you don’t remember what the acronym stands for, you still know that NOAA has to do with official weather. So for starters let’s discuss what NOAA is. NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it’s a standard government acronym that quickly loses its meaning and quickly becomes known as the acronym itself.

NOAA is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce. Their focus is to keep the public informed about all things related to environmental changes from the sky to the ocean floor. That’s right, they like playing at the beach just like I do.

As a community of scientists who seek to understand and predict changes in our climate, NOAA has developed a nationwide network of radio stations. These stations broadcast continuous weather reports that come directly from the National Weather Service. And the National Weather Service is where every news station gets their official news. So if you are getting up to date broadcasts from NOAA, you are getting the same information your local meteorologist is getting.

The nice thing about the 24 hour service is that it updates every 1 to 3 hours when nothing is really going on. When severe weather strikes it will update more frequently in response to rapidly changing weather conditions.

The only caveat is that the weather radios don’t give you much information in terms of severe storm live-tracking. In the last couple of years, there have been many advances in storm tracking technology. I remember when meteorologists only really knew where the storm front was. Now they not only can track storm rotation, but they can also predict where it could possibly go within a great deal of accuracy.

Unfortunately, the NOAA band doesn’t give you such detailed information, but if your electricity goes out, the fancy graphics the meteorologist points to won’t mean anything to you anyway. The main point is that a weather radio can sound an alarm and play the broadcast so you can find a safe place and hunker down.

How Do I Receive a NOAA Broadcast?

If you want to receive a NOAA broadcast you need to have a radio that can pick up the weather frequency band. The weather frequency band is a VHF public service band and ranges from 162.4 MHz to 162.55 MHz. Specifically, the NOAA weather bands are transmitted on 8 different frequencies all over the United States. So if you were to memorize all of them, you are going to be able to pick a station up no matter where you are in the US.

Fortunately, you don’t have to memorize these frequencies if you have a good weather radio because most of them come with the 8 presets built-in. And if you don’t have the 8 presets on your radio, no big deal. As long as your radio can pick up the weather radio band you can just scan until you pick up a good signal.

There are now well over a thousand NOAA weather broadcasting stations. The chances are good that wherever you live you can pick up a station. Broadcast coverage in the United States is over 97% and will continue to improve. So when you are in doubt, just tune up the strongest station (in most cases it will be the only station) and you will be listening to your local NOAA station.

If you really want to know what the frequency is to your nearest station, just check out the National Weather Service website and look under NOAA Weather Radio NWR coverage maps. Or hit the easy button and follow this link to the map: NWR Map.

What Does S.A.M.E Mean and Why Do You Need it?

S.A.M.E is one of those cool things that is super simple but gives us a ton of benefits. S.A.M.E stands for specific area message encoding and basically is an attention signal. This signal is the annoyingly long 1050 Hz beep that precedes a weather statement.

When a severe weather alert is issued and the message is broadcast, the message itself comes in a package. First comes a header, then comes the Attention signal, then the actual message, and finally the message tail (information that tells the radio the message is complete).

You have probably experienced a weather broadcast interrupting a regular station program before. This is done automatically because of the design of the emergency message package. It tells the regular program to turn off, it broadcasts the emergency message, then it tells the radio that the message is complete so it can resume its normal programming.

What is important about the attention signal is that it will actually signal a dormant radio to wake up and broadcast the alert. If you have a radio with this “alert mode” you can set it up and forget about it. When a real alert is issued the radio will come on and give you the emergency weather information.

This feature alone can save you some sleep when those evening thunderstorms roll through. Instead of staying up late to watch the weather you can set the radio alert function and go rack out for the night. I really like the radios that have these features. You can just leave a radio by your bed and know it will work no matter what.

I’ve put the same faith in a phone app before just to wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of tornado sirens. Sometimes the phone apps just don’t work when they need to. And if you leave your phone in your car or someplace far from where you sleep, you probably won’t even hear the alert when it does sound.

There are plenty of advanced weather radios out there that allow you to program different event codes, which starts getting into specific alerts such as flash flood warnings, coastal flooding, avalanche watch, etc. Being able to program alert codes is a nice function to have when you don’t want to be awakened by a flash flood warning.

But since we are talking about emergency radios, we just want basic alert functionality. If you are on a camping trip, pretty much any alert the weather service issues is probably something you want to know about. If you only programmed tornado warning alert codes, you could be caught in bad thunderstorms without your radio ever alerting you. This is one of the reasons the radios on this list don’t have this function.

How Do Emergency Radios Work?

Skip this section unless you want to get technical. But if you want to understand the “black magic” of RF then keep reading. Don’t worry, we won’t be getting deep into physics.