From the mailbag…
This note came in from an ABC 33/40 viewer yesterday:
“Heard James talking about NOAA weather radio. I'd love to see him post some information regarding GOOD weather radios and such for those of us who haven't a clue where to start. Would also like to know more about NOAA - since my best guess when I started trying to figure that out was "Noah radio!" (Hey- rained for him
I do realize that mentioning brand names and such may be an issue (
, but would appreciate any help offered up...what to look for, what to avoid. We simply do not always hear the sirens here so we are wanting a little extra help in that arena. Thanks so much.”
This is a reminder that very few Alabamians have a NOAA Weather Radio receiver in their home. Based on my many trips across the state and speaking with different groups, I would expect only about one percent of Alabama homes have one. Pretty scary stuff considering how many tornadoes we have to dodge around here. And, I have great fear a large percentage of Alabamians expect to “hear a siren” before every tornado. I have been on many rants here about how “tornado sirens” are useless for people in their homes; they designed to reach people OUTDOORS.
In answer to the viewer question, you can buy a good NOAA Weather Radio receiver at most electronic stores (like Radio Shack), and some major retailers (like Walmart). Be sure your model has a battery back-up, and the digital S.A.M.E. technology, which allows you to choose the counties for which the alarm sounds. Until we get a NOAA Weather Radio in a majority of Alabama homes, the tornado warning process will be very, very limited!
This note came in from an ABC 33/40 viewer yesterday:
“Heard James talking about NOAA weather radio. I'd love to see him post some information regarding GOOD weather radios and such for those of us who haven't a clue where to start. Would also like to know more about NOAA - since my best guess when I started trying to figure that out was "Noah radio!" (Hey- rained for him
I do realize that mentioning brand names and such may be an issue (, but would appreciate any help offered up...what to look for, what to avoid. We simply do not always hear the sirens here so we are wanting a little extra help in that arena. Thanks so much.”This is a reminder that very few Alabamians have a NOAA Weather Radio receiver in their home. Based on my many trips across the state and speaking with different groups, I would expect only about one percent of Alabama homes have one. Pretty scary stuff considering how many tornadoes we have to dodge around here. And, I have great fear a large percentage of Alabamians expect to “hear a siren” before every tornado. I have been on many rants here about how “tornado sirens” are useless for people in their homes; they designed to reach people OUTDOORS.
In answer to the viewer question, you can buy a good NOAA Weather Radio receiver at most electronic stores (like Radio Shack), and some major retailers (like Walmart). Be sure your model has a battery back-up, and the digital S.A.M.E. technology, which allows you to choose the counties for which the alarm sounds. Until we get a NOAA Weather Radio in a majority of Alabama homes, the tornado warning process will be very, very limited!
. I programmed it for just my county and to give audible alerts just for tornado and severe storm warnings only (no watches). That way it doesn't wake me up for flood and other watches that don't concern me. This radio came with software so I can hook it up to the usb port of my computer to program it. It hasn't failed me yet.
on April 17, 2006, 10:18 pm
I'm not sure about the radio / clock types . The one I have is just simply a NOAA Wx radio . From what I understand the other type/s may be more complex or just not worth the buy . But mine, just plain 'O' SAME wx radio.....i love it....marvelous . Very much worth the money .
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on April 17, 2006, 11:14 pm
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