ALL-HAZARD NOAA WEATHER RADIO RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY CONTRIBUTIONS

The American Meteorological Society recognized the all-hazard NOAA Weather Radio system for its “immeasurable contributions to personal and community safety” with an award at the annual AMS convention today in Seattle. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“The vital messages broadcast over the all-hazard NOAA Weather Radio system can make a life-saving difference,” said John J. Kelly Jr., deputy under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere. Kelly accepted the award for NOAA. “We believe every home and public venue, including schools, day care centers, senior citizen homes, and hospitals should have this emergency alert capability.”

The all-hazard NOAA Weather Radio transmits emergency messages about weather, natural disasters, chemical spills, AMBER Alerts and other civil emergency information critical to saving lives and protecting property.

“NOAA Weather Radio is one of the most direct ways that we reach the American citizens and take a very active, involved part in saving lives and protecting property,” said retired Navy VADM Conrad Lautenbacher, PhD, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, and NOAA administrator. “The expanded scope of warnings issued over NOAA Weather Radio provides an invaluable and indispensable safety feature for everyone.”

More than 870 NOAA Weather Radio transmitters cover 95 percent of the U.S. population. The 24 by 7 all-hazard NOAA Weather Radio has proven effective in saving lives during threats such as hurricanes and tornadoes for more than 30 years. These warnings have recently expanded to include non-weather emergencies.

NOAA Weather Radio receivers are also available now in selected cars, TVs, police scanners, CB radios, personal stereos and other electronic devices.

As part of a program to increase public safety through NOAA Weather Radio warnings, the Consumer Electronics Association developed a new “Public Alert” designator logo that will appear on devices certified as meeting certain technical specifications and carrying public-safety alerts broadcast over the all-hazard NOAA Weather Radio system and the Environment Canada Weather Radio Network, beginning spring 2004.

NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national security.

The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. To learn more about NOAA, please visit http://www.noaa.gov.