Information That Can Save Your Life 

Release Date: April 16, 2006
Release Number: 1634-018

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms and Tornadoes

JACKSON, TENN. -- In a potentially dangerous severe weather situation, would you rather you and your family be among the first or last to know?

Obviously, being first is best, especially since it doesn't cost much. The price of a no-frills NOAA weather radio is about $20. A weather radio provides instant access to the same weather reports and emergency information that meteorologists and emergency personnel use. This information can save your life.

The State of Tennessee recognizes a weather radio's value. They have been installed in every public school in the state to give advance warning in just such emergencies as this year's tornadoes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency recommend that every home have a NOAA receiver as standard equipment. These receivers are equipped with a special alarm tone that sounds an alert and gives immediate information about a life-threatening situation.

During an emergency the weather service will send out a special tone that activates weather radios in the listening area. NOAA then broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards. They are especially valuable in places that are prone to tornadoes.

With a NOAA weather radio, you'll also get around-the-clock weather reports and information to help you prepare for the day ahead. The hearing-and-visually impaired also can get these warnings by connecting weather radios with alarm tones to other kinds of attention-getting devices like strobe lights, pagers, bed-shakers, personal computers and text printers. A battery-operated weather radio will also advise you of emergency conditions whether at home, at work, traveling, on vacation or at play.

To buy a weather radio check with stores that sell electronics, or call the National Weather Service office closest to you. More information is available through the Weather Service's NOAA Weather Radio Web Site.

Last Modified: Monday, 17-Apr-2006 09:05:36