[KE5NWT]

Radio that is a very good article. Thanks for posting it.

I want to stress the importance that everyone needs a S.A.M.E. capable Weather Alert Radio! Put one in your house within hearing of the bedrooms, in the RV, cars, at work, everywhere you spend time. Request that your employer put one in the office. Demand that your schools have one in their offices. They need to be wherever people gather. They remain quiet until the alert is activated by the NWS and they will wake you up from sleep. No other system in the world will get your attention and warn you 24 hours a day, yet not bug you during normal weather.

Many newer mobile ham radios have the capabilty to scan the weather frequencies and will activate (open the squelch) only if the alert tone is sounded. However these do not have SAME capability, so they may alarm for areas close to you that you dont really want to know about. You cant program them to be county specific like you can a SAME radio. They are however very good while traveling.

I have been a trained spotter and a police officer for over twenty years. One of these weather radios is the best thing you can do to help yourself and your family.

This time of year the NWS goes into the communities and presents weather awareness and storm spotter training. All ages benefit from the weather awareness seminars. They usually are 4 hours long or less. Contact your local NWS or local Emergency Management (EOC) and ask when the next seminar is in your area. They are free and very educational.