...NOAA WEATHER RADIO / All HAZARDS INFORMATION…

NOAA Weather Radio uses the emergency alert system to alarm radios when some warnings are issued.

What is the emergency alert system?

The emergency alert system (EAS) is used by all broadcasters throughout the United States as a means of alerting the public to life and property threatening situations. A digital burst of data contains information about the danger such as what the threat is…where it is…and when the threat will exist. When the EAS system is activated either a voice is heard and/or a voice and text crawl for TV is displayed describing the threat. Specially built radio and TV receivers are also capable of turning themselves on upon receipt of an EAS signal. So even if your radio is off…if an alarm is transmitted, your radio will turn on and notify you of the threat.

Where can you get radios and TVs that are EAS equipped?

Ask your local electronic's dealer or search the internet for products that are emergency alert system enabled. Inexpensive NOAA weather radios that are EAS enabled are available for purchase at a variety of electronic stores. EAS enabled TVs are relatively new but are also available. Most of the NOAA weather radio receivers can be placed in a silent standby mode ready to sound the alarm when a warning is issued. A list of all hazards radios can be found at weather.gov/nwr.

What kind of warnings are transmitted with the eas signal?

Most warnings across the country are weather related. In tornado alley most warnings are either tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. Iin flash flood prone areas like the Desert Southwest…many of the warnings are for flash floods. Iin many parts of the Pacific Northwest, there could be a mix of all three.

In addition to weather warnings…EAS can be used by local civil authorities to warn of a child abduction emergency or hazardous materials spill such as a tanker truck accident involving dangerous chemicals.

What should I do when an EAS warning is heard on radio or TV?

Listen carefully to the message. When an EAS activation occurs the broadcaster, or text message on TV, will describe the reason for the activation…the location where the threat exists…and the time frame when the hazard is expected to exist. Iinstructions on how to avoid the threat may also be part of the message.

The EAS system is tested on weekly and monthly basis. The National Weather Service also conducts tests on the NOAA Weather Radio on Wednesday. Listen for the tests so you recognize what an EAS activation sounds like. When a real activation takes place, you will be able to immediately recognize the EAS sound.

How do I hear NOAA Weather Radio?

NOAA Weather Radio is broadcast on frequencies ranging from 162.400 mhz to 162.550 mhz. This frequency range is just above the normal FM band. Special NOAA Weather Radio receivers can be purchased or many multi band radios also include the NOAA Weather Radio frequencies. You can check for your nearest transmitter at weather.gov/nwr.

When important information must be relayed quickly to the public…EAS will most likely be used. When you hear the EAS alert signal…pay attention to the information and take appropriate action. The information you hear will keep you out of harms way.

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This week is Severe Weather Awareness week in the Pacific Northwest. Now is the time to get prepared for thunderstorms and tornadoes. Public information statements will be issued throughout the week to give safety information, and help you know how to respond when severe weather threatens.

additional information can be found on the web at: http://weather.gov .