| The first series of these articles is intended to | | | | broadcasts may be heard on GMRS or two way |
| provide an understanding of what weather radios | | | | radios, scanners, marine radios, or specially |
| do. Essentially they are designed to give you | | | | designed weather radios. The NWS has S.A.M.E. |
| information (watches and warnings) concerning | | | | (Specific Area Message Encoding) that allows |
| the weather. However updated technology has | | | | these alerts only to be heard in designated areas. |
| allowed them to provide information such as | | | | You do not have to listen to alerts for all areas of |
| hurricane warnings, terrorists alerts, and amber | | | | your local service coverage area. This is |
| alerts (missing and kidnapped children and adults). | | | | accomplished by a series of FIPS codes (Federal |
| The main purpose of a weather radio is to issue | | | | Information Processing Standards) that assigns |
| watches, warnings and special weather | | | | every state and county a specific code to |
| statements issued by the National Weather | | | | program into their weather radio to receive alerts |
| Service(NWS). The National Weather Service is | | | | for their county and/or surrounding counties or all |
| the only agency that may issue watches and | | | | counties in the service area. These codes can be |
| warnings. While we see these on local television or | | | | found on the internet or a link at the National |
| hear them on local radio stations they are issued | | | | Weather Service, or at or by performing an |
| by the NWS. Local TV stations cannot issue these | | | | internet search for FIPS codes. |
| warnings. | | | | In summary weather radios provide a multitude |
| The system is set up with various weather | | | | of information from your local forecast to special |
| service locations strategically stationed throughout | | | | warnings and alerts to protect you and your |
| the United States. They operate on seven | | | | property from impending weather emergencies |
| frequencies. This is primarily so that practically | | | | and natural disasters. It is very important to have |
| everyone can receive the NWS on one of these | | | | access to this information during power outages, |
| frequencies virtually anywhere in the U.S. Each | | | | during the night, or during outdoor activities away |
| frequency or channel constantly broadcasts a | | | | from home. More information is provided at the |
| forecast for that service area. However, in times | | | | National Weather Service webpage and on many |
| of severe weather the station broadcasts an alert | | | | other websites. The next article will provide |
| tone followed by pertinent information concerning | | | | information on how the weather alert system |
| existing weather conditions whether it be a | | | | works followed by an article on picking a weather |
| tornado watch or warning or flash flood warning | | | | radio or finding a source for this information that |
| with actions to be taken by the public. These | | | | meets each individuals needs. |