Information That Can Save Your Life
Release Date: September 13, 2004
Release Number: 1536-028
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- In a potentially dangerous severe-weather situation would you (and your family) prefer to be among the first or among the last to know?
Hint: first is a whole lot better and it doesn't cost much. The price of a no-frills NOAA Weather Radio is about $25. A weather radio provides instant access to the same weather reports and emergency information that meteorologists and emergency personnel use: information that can save your life.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency and West Virginia Office of Emergency Services recommend that every home have as standard equipment a NOAA Weather Radio receiver. These receivers are equipped with a special alarm tone feature that can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life-threatening situation.
During an emergency, National Weather Service forecasters will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out the special tone that activates weather radios in the listening area. NOAA Weather Radio now broadcasts warning and post event information for all types of hazards.
Through the NOAA Weather Radio, you'll not only receive emergency information, but also 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 NOAA Weather Radio will also advise you of emergency conditions whether at home, at work, traveling, on vacation or at play.
To purchase a NOAA 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: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr. Before making a purchase, be sure to access the map provided to determine if there is coverage in your area.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 13-Sep-2004 08:54:48