5 Best Weather Radios

A weather radio is a hand-held, portable AM/FM receiver that gets short wave signals from the National Weather Service. They are usually battery operated but can also be powered by alternating current or solar power. The main purpose of these radios is to receive alerts about dangerous situations such as severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other types of dangerous weather conditions in your area.

Benefits of weather radios:

• When out hiking or camping, weather radios are useful to know when there is a change in the forecast. This allows for proper preparation and prevents accidents;
• If you live with electricity power cuts then it’s vital that you have at least one working radio with batteries installed on your property as this will allow you to access emergency information updates from local civil protection officials via AM/FM frequencies;
• If you live in a flood-prone area then it’s important that your radio is able to pick up weather information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA);

Choosing the right weather radio for your needs can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider, such as style, size, price and features. The best way to find the perfect one is by reading reviews like this one! A few experts have compiled all of their research into an article that will answer all of your questions about which weather radios work best in different situations. This review has product recommendations and useful tips on how to make sure you’re getting the most out of your purchase.

Midland WR120B/WR120EZ Emergency Weather Alert Radio – the Editor’s choice!

Introducing the Midland WR120B/WR120EZ Emergency Weather Alert Radio! This radio will keep you safe during natural disasters with PUBLIC-ALERT certified alerts received by an aluminum, dual whip antenna that notices 7 NOAA channels. The alarm starts only when specific counties are threatened with flooding, tornado, thunderstorm warnings!

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It also has a 25-county memory system and voice alert for hands-free operation. For emergency power backup in the event of a power outage, it utilizes three AA alkaline batteries (included). Accompanied with great features like an alarm clock and snooze functions as well as built-in dual flashing warning lights; this is one terrific investment!

This product will not only provide you with all the necessary NOAA channels for a tornado, flood, and other warnings but also features a public-alert certified monitor that is capable of receiving alerts for specific counties. Not to mention it’s equipped with an alarm clock.

Kaito KA500 5-way Solar Weather Alert Radio – the best for the power source!

With a built-in standard DC 5V USB output port and special water-resistant ABS material, this emergency mobile battery charger is also an emergency radio that works without power or batteries.

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The solar-powered Kaito KA500 Solar Weather Alert Radio is perfect for both the outdoor adventurer and the indoor dweller alike. The telescopic antenna easily extends up to 14 1/2 inches, (which is valuable when traveling off the beaten path), while its loud sound will carry through apartments and office buildings alike.

This marvelous device also boasts 5 LED reading lamps, 2 LED flashlights, and a red LED S.O.S beacon light; all of which make you feel confident and prepared in any disaster or emergency (especially with its 5 outlets to charge your electronic devices).

This weather-resistant solar unit has a telescopic antenna extending up to 14.5 inches, remains fully operational in all environmental conditions, and provides 360-degree reception assisted by advanced semiconductor circuitry design and LED signal strength indicator for pin-point tuning accuracy.

Midland WR300 Deluxe Weather Alert Radio – the best for international weather alerts!

The Midland WR300 Weather Alert Radio is perfect for anyone who wants to keep up with international weather alerts. You can program the radio to receive warnings from 23 different counties, which saves you time and worry because you’ll be alerted only when it’s important in your area.

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Keep an eye on floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes, earthquakes, lightning storms – all while staying warm and styling with this Midland product!

You can also use the 90 dB siren alarm or voice alert if needed! The speaker comes equipped with an alarm clock featuring a snooze button and an AM/FM Radio so you’ll never miss another important event in your life again on 6 memory channels including all-hazard alerts for sudden changes in any county of interest nationwide.

With the Midland WR300 radio, you’ll stay informed and safe. With weather alerts that automatically scan to provide relevant warnings for your specific county, 6-memory radio stations set up to get you out of bed easily with your preferred wakeup sound (AM/FM), this is one product that should be an essential item in everyone’s emergency kit!

Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio – the best for the battery!

The Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio features 3 sustainable power sources: Solar Panel, Hand Crank, and Rechargeable 2600 mAh Battery that provides up to 32 hours of radio operation.

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In case of emergency, 130 Lumens Emergency Flashlight is available for signaling help. If the weather changes, the NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating a risk of severe weather in your area which you can tune into on its AM/FM radio capability. Quickly charge your portable devices using the USB charging cable built-in or hand crank option when the battery runs low or is depleted without sunlight exposure.

With a durable design and an abundance of features, the Midland ER310 radio is well-equipped to withstand even the toughest conditions. Whether you want to use solar power or your hand crank or even just need a light while camping – the ER310 will be there every step of the way.

Eton American Red Cross FRX3+ Weather Radio – the best for connectivity!

The Eton American Red Cross FRX3+ Weather Radio is a multifunctional device for any outdoor enthusiast with the latest weather alerts. At only 14.9 ounces, it’s easy to take with you on camping trips or hikes, so you can enjoy nature without fear of sudden rainstorms or other emergencies.

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Plus, there are multiple ways for this radio to charge – solar panel, hand crank, built-in rechargeable battery – which means that no matter where your adventures take you, the weather will never stop you.

Always be prepared with the Eton American Weather Radio, a multifunction digital device that also comes equipped with an LED flashlight and red flashing beacon. The hand-turbine power generator is great for any emergency or disaster thanks to the great connectivity.

The Buyer’s Guide

Types of Weather Radios:

1) Desktop Weather Radios

The best desktop weather radios are ones that have a power source, an alert system and can be programmed. Many of these types of models also come with extras like USB ports to charge your phone or tablet while you’re at the computer; often they’ll run on solar power (usually via a hand crank), too.

A number of companies make quality tabletop units including Midland, Sangean, Kaito Electronics, and AcuRite.

Some products even include speakers for listening to radio broadcasts about emergencies in addition to their sound function as an alarm clock.

You should consider battery backup in case of a power outage, and look for models that have the ability to charge your phone via USB.

It’s also important to check reviews online about any tabletop model you’re considering before making your purchase – no matter who makes it! One problem experts have found with some tabletop weather radios is the poor sound quality that can be frustrating when listening during an emergency or even just as background music while working at home. It’s always best if possible to test out such features (sound especially) by checking reviews from other consumers who may mention problems like this. 

Desktop models typically have a higher price point than their smaller counterparts, but if you’re looking for the best way to monitor weather conditions at your house and charge devices it’s worth considering one of these “bad boys” – especially if you listen to music often or love background noise while working from home! 

2) Emergency Radios

Emergency radios are small, lightweight, and portable. 

They typically don’t have built-in power sources or charging ports – although there are some exceptions to this rule.

These types of weather radios can also be powered by hand crank if you’re able to find one that’s compatible with your device (or vice versa). Some emergency models will include extras like sirens for attracting attention when in an emergency situation as well as lanterns that come in handy during blackouts in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado warning.

It might seem obvious but it’s important to consider how much time is required before cranking the handle on these kinds of devices actually charges them up enough so they’ll work! This may vary from model to model so always check user reviews before making a purchase.

Some emergency weather radios also include USB ports so you can charge devices like smartphones and tablets, too – definitely something to look for if device charging is important to you in an emergency or survival situation.

Emergency radios are usually more affordable than tabletop models but there’s almost no way around the fact that they just don’t have all of the features you may expect from modern technology. Some manufacturers do offer better deals on their “bundles” compared with buying them separately though, so it might be worthwhile checking out such options online before purchasing your unit(s). 

Main Features:

Power Source and Battery Life

Various types of power sources are available for weather radios. You need to choose the best one that suits your needs and lifestyle, depending on how often you plan to use it at home or outdoors. The options include:

• AAA alkaline batteries (not rechargeable);
• Nickel Cadmium battery pack/NiCad pack (can be recharged in a compatible charger);
• Rechargeable battery pack (recharge either via USB or AC);
• Solar panel. If you are using rechargeables, make sure that solar charging is included! Without this feature, your batteries will quickly run out in an emergency when the power goes out and the sun isn’t shining;

Remember to check how long each type of battery lasts before needing replacement. The best models will run for most of a day on the highest setting. And don’t forget to replace them when needed!

Types of Alerts:

1) Audible Alerts 

These are the most common type of weather alert radios. They have an audible alarm that goes off whenever a warning signal is released by your local NWS offices. The siren will beep constantly at increasing volume until you turn it down or shut it off completely. This is especially useful when sleeping, as they cannot be easily muted without getting out of bed to do so (which can potentially save your life if you’re in an area where severe conditions pose a great danger to those who stay indoors after hours). 

Some models with multiple speakers provide stereo sound for a better listening experience. These tend to cost more though! If possible, try them out before buying one since some people find that single speaker units work just as well or even better for them.

It’s important to note that they do not emit any voice messages telling you what type of alert is being issued (tornado, flood warning, etc.). You will only be able to determine the cause by checking your radio regularly since there are no LED screens either! 

There are also models that can connect with NOAA All-Hazards weather radios via Bluetooth technology. These give audible alerts anytime a public service announcement(PSA) message is sent out (for emergencies like wildland fires and missing hikers). This feature may be useful if you want more audio options than just an alarm system alone offers. However, this comes at an additional cost so it’s best to consider whether these extra features are needed or not.

Most weather alert radios are designed to go off whenever any type of warning is issued, regardless of the location, it was sent out from. This includes warnings that can only be relevant for your neighbor’s town/city even if you are nowhere near there! 

2) Flashing LED Warning Systems 

These are more useful for those living in areas where the same type of weather hazards are prevalent regardless of which county nearby they originate from. So if you’re worried about tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes, this is definitely a feature worth considering! 

Warning signals come with their related LED light patterns too so there’s no need to memorize codes anymore (which can be confusing even for adults who have been living in that area all their life). A steady red flash means severe thunderstorms are on the way while an orange one tells you it’s time to prepare yourself and your family just in case heavy rainfall starts pouring down soon. If nothing else, these lights will at least give everyone some peace of mind knowing what to expect and what action to take.

Most of these models also come with a special weather radio feature, which can be especially useful if you want to listen for AM/FM broadcast stations along with the usual NOAA weather band reception (which is more common in most standard radios). You can even tune into specific frequencies like your favorite FM music station! 

This gives it that extra “cool” factor too when showing off around friends or family members who have never seen this type of device before. Some units offer dual speakers so they sound just as good as any other high-end stereo system on the market today. 

But since both LED lights and speaker grills usually add additional weight, you need to consider how much everyone will carry when going on a camping or hiking trip.

Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME)

The SAME function of the weather radio is what sets it apart from other emergency radios. It can be activated manually or automatically and alerts you only when it’s important for your area to know about an incident. 

For example, if there’s a tornado warning in your county but not yours, the alert will play on all radios throughout the county except for those tuned into receivers broadcasting that specific message code. You don’t have to worry about listening to alarms constantly! 

This feature makes having an NOAA-certified weather radio worth every penny – besides playing critical information like tornado warnings over broadcast channels (AM/FM), it also provides visual cues whenever possible by lighting up its display with Amber Alert text during emergencies. 

This way even people who are hearing impaired or don’t understand English can receive the same information as everyone else. 

Durability and Weather Resistance

Durable materials for weather radios are extremely important. You will want a radio that can withstand any weather conditions without being damaged or not working properly.

Whether you plan to keep your radio in the house, on your boat, at work or anywhere else; make sure the case and components are waterproof and made of durable materials like rubber handles and stainless steel parts with no plastic or flimsy hinges. 

Durability is extremely important because these radios may need to last for years even through bad circumstances! Make sure it has an emergency auto shut off if submerged underwater as well as floats – this way you won’t lose track of where it is if dropped into the sea.

Waterproof ratings play a big role when considering durability too:

• IPX-0 (not protected);
• IPX-60 (protected from jets of water);
• IPX-65 (waterproof protection);
• The most durable rating is an “IPXXB” or better known as a “submersible” radio;

Make sure your new radio has a solid construction with no creaks, squeaks, or noticeable flexing while you handle it. It should feel heavy enough so it won’t jump around easily if bumped or handled roughly by children (or adults who still act like kids). The front panel controls should have good tactile feedback — pushbuttons shouldn’t feel mushy and hard-to-press, and knobs and dials should rotate smoothly and with nice, solid clicks. 

If the radio has an external antenna jack or connection point for a car-antenna adapter (for extending reception range), it should feel rugged and well-sealed against moisture infiltration when plugged in securely to its mating connector on the back of the unit.

Size and Weight

Size and weight are extremely important factors to consider when purchasing a new radio. You would want one that is not too big or bulky to carry around so you can take it with you if an emergency strikes your area. It should be lightweight enough for easy transportation but still have enough heft so the unit won’t slip out of your hands easily and break on impact (a heavier radio will also hold its ground better against strong winds).

The size, shape, and dimensions of each particular model should fit nicely in your hand as well as other nearby storage spaces like backpack pockets without being too tight or loose causing discomfort or requiring excessive pressure to insert into those areas respectively.

If possible, choose a radio design similar to what you already use every day — not too bulky, thick, or heavy.

This way you can carry it with ease and enjoy its many features without worrying about the size.

Size does matter when choosing a new weather radio, but not too much! Even if slightly bigger means you have more to work with in terms of space for larger buttons or controls, consider how these changes will affect portability before making your final decision. 

A good rule is that you should be able to hold the entire unit easily in one hand while operating it with your thumb no problem at all – so long as there are no sharp edges poking out anywhere on this device causing pain or discomfort after holding it for an extended amount of time. 

It is important to check the dimensions of the radio before you purchase it because even if it looks small enough in pictures, this may not be the case when comparing measurements. Look for exact numbers about how many inches long, wide, and tall each unit will be so there are no surprises upon receiving your new weather product. Most manufacturers list these details on their website or within customer reviews online where you can find honest opinions from previous buyers who have purchased this item already. 

You should also pay attention to any special features that might influence size such as carrying cases available with some models which double as stands – but take note of whether they attach securely (or at all) without sliding around loosely or falling off easily when in use.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if your unit doesn’t come with a case, you may wish to purchase one separately before the next time it starts raining (bad pun intended) so you can carry around and protect your investment safely during transport. 

Weight should also be taken into consideration when choosing the best weather radio – especially for hiking or camping trips where all members of the group out on an adventure might not desire extra equipment like this together. 

If possible look for something lightweight but still durable enough to withstand falls from trees branches or other natural hazards without breaking apart upon impact too easily which would render its usefulness useless! 

It shouldn’t have any sharp edges either because these could potentially cut through the material while you carry it around and become a safety hazard.

Flashlight & Reading Lamp

A helpful feature to look for is a built-in flashlight that can serve as an emergency light source when the power goes out. 

Be sure this LED (light-emitting diode) bulb illuminates brightly and evenly without producing too much heat or wasting batteries quickly – especially if you plan on using it frequently in emergencies whether indoors or outside at night time while camping, hiking, or even searching your home for intruders. 

When looking closely at each model’s specifications check carefully for any mention of bulbs with higher lumen quantities since these will produce brighter lights which are usually preferred over dimmer ones unless they last longer before burning out completely.

Be aware also of how bright each unit’s lamp be so that no one gets temporarily blinded after turning it on too quickly within a dark room or if you use it while trying to read something in low light conditions. 

Other types of lamps that are commonly found inside weather radios include fluorescent and incandescent bulbs that can be useful while reading maps during storms since they cast better lighting than LED alternatives without draining batteries as fast either. These are used most often when camping outside at nighttime, especially by those who aren’t familiar with an area’s topography well enough yet to navigate through rough terrain safely even under normal circumstances.

Smartphone Charging

Another feature to look for in a weather radio is the ability to charge your phone or other electronic devices when they are running low on power, especially during emergencies where you might have no choice but to rely upon this unit’s capabilities even if it isn’t one of the best.

Look closely at charging cables that come with each model and decide whether they can be connected easily enough without needing an adapter that may need to be purchased separately then stored away safely until needed later – so beware of any units whose cords are too short since these won’t work well around corners or behind furniture! 

If possible, find out what kinds of smartphones or tablets can be charged by each unit as another important factor influencing its overall usefulness depending upon who will use it most often.

This is also a useful feature when camping or hiking in remote areas since it can keep you connected to the outside world even without cell phone service. Although they shouldn’t be used as your primary power source for these devices because their energy output might not always provide enough “juice” over long periods of time compared with dedicated smartphone chargers that plug directly into electrical outlets which are safer and more reliable overall anyway.

Some weather radios have USB ports instead of AC adapters that work just as well to charge smaller gadgets quickly if needed while others come with built-in batteries so you won’t need any cords at all! However, remember how long each unit’s battery lasts before having to recharge or replace it entirely – especially important if there isn’t anywhere to plug it in nearby.

Overall, having a weather radio that can recharge your phone or tablet is an important feature that needs careful consideration depending upon how often you use it for each purpose because not all devices are created equal when it comes to keeping them charged during emergencies where electricity might be unavailable even temporarily! 

Other things to consider when buying weather radios:

• You may want to consider a model with some kind of built-in carrying handle for easier transportation if you plan on taking your radio everywhere you go;
• If you don’t plan on taking your radio with you when evacuating from a disaster area, make sure the controls are large and easy to use without having to read tiny labels or buttons. You should be able to feel where each button is just by rubbing your hand over the surface of that model’s control panel;
• Some models have larger screens than others — if possible choose one with a bright backlight for easier viewing in low-light conditions. If there isn’t an option for this it may not matter much unless your main concern is being able to see what you need during nighttime emergencies (which sometimes happen);
• You may also want to think about purchasing a hand-cranked or solar-powered weather radio so you can always have it with you and never need batteries — these types of radios are more expensive but come with the added benefit of not needing any electricity (or having dead batteries) to operate them! Make sure, if your new model has the feature that it is built into the unit itself and not just an add-on accessory like some models offer;
• Some radios allow users to set up specific groups for their phone contacts as well, especially those who live with them such as family members, roommates, etc., along with various important phone numbers like 911 operators and hospitals among others. In times of crisis then everyone will know exactly what to do so they can contact you or someone else who might be attending to your needs;
• The digital display should also provide information about when an alert was issued and for how long before giving additional details regarding where exactly these threats are expected to come from as well as their estimated severity levels depending on factors like wind speed, etc. This way everyone knows just what kind of impact they need to prepare themselves for once disaster strikes unexpectedly;
• Most weather radios have alerts that range between 90-120 decibels so anyone who is nearby will definitely know when one of these alerts goes off and what exactly it means for their safety. Some models even come equipped with Bluetooth capabilities that allow users to connect them with smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops in order to receive real-time updates about any new threats that might appear unexpectedly on the radar;
• The radios should also have a tone-alert feature so that even when it’s noisy outside due to heavy winds, for example, you’ll still be able to hear it from wherever you may happen to be at the time;
• The alerts should also include Amber Alerts that are meant for child abduction cases along with other emergencies requiring immediate attention from authorities like terrorist attacks;

A good idea would be to invest in 2 separate weather radios that operate on different frequencies and can communicate with one another in case of an emergency. This way, you will be able to monitor the situation more closely that is ideal if there are members within your household who might need special assistance such as elderly family members or perhaps young children. 

It would be best not to rely solely on weather forecasts via television because there might be times when these reports are delayed due to ongoing power outages for example; instead, people should make use of various apps available online like AccuWeather (for US users) along with The Weather Network app (which is ideal for).

How to use a weather radio?

Weather radios should be used to monitor local weather conditions and emergency alerts. When a warning is issued, the radio will sound an alert tone as well as give critical information about what to do next if you’re in danger or how soon it might arrive at your location. That means that their main purpose is not necessarily for entertainment but rather news updates and safety instructions when necessary. 

The most common use of a weather radio is to know what emergency measures should be taken in response to an imminent threat or when the warning has been issued for your area. In addition, it can provide early warnings and important updates on natural calamities such as earthquakes, storms, floods, tornadoes, and tsunamis. 

A weather radio comes in handy during power outages too because they run on batteries rather than electricity so you won’t have to worry about them losing their charge easily even if there is no source of alternative energy around. It also helps that these radios do not require hookups either so you can take them wherever you need to go, be it a camping trip or just your backyard.

A step-by-step guide for a weather radio:

1. Make sure you have it with you at all times. It should be easily accessible so that when an alert is issued, you can take immediate action;
2. Take note of the specific hazards affecting your location or surrounding areas and know whether there are any early warnings for these threats in particular. If the radio has a manual setting then go ahead and look up what to do next depending on where exactly you are located as well as how soon this threat will reach your area. The alerts will include information about earthquakes, storms, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis, etc.
3. Tune in to the radio station that will provide you with updates about your specific situation. A lot of weather radios come equipped with special settings for emergency messages so make sure yours is activated when necessary;
4. Be prepared. If you’re in an area that is susceptible to flooding, for example, then be aware of the nearest high ground and ideally carry a small kit with essential items such as drinking water and canned food along with your radio when necessary;
5. Practice preparedness measures during non-emergencies too by staying updated with news reports and weather forecasts daily at a minimum just like you would do before an actual disaster strikes unexpectedly during critical times. This way everyone knows how best they can protect themselves from harm under every kind of situation imaginable; whether this is related to personal emergencies or commercial properties as well as if this pertains to different types of weather forecasts;
6. You might also want to invest in additional gear like survival tools and equipment just in case there are any problems on the road or if you need shelter for a few days until authorities arrive to help those affected by disaster recovery efforts. Everyone should know exactly what they need to do when it comes down to filling out various forms related to insurance claims, medical treatment bills, etc. So that everything is taken care of properly with minimal hassle even during critical situations that can sometimes take place unexpectedly at home or work.

Weather radio care and maintenance

Be sure to keep your weather radio fully charged in case of emergencies. Some radios come with an AC adapter that is plugged into a power source when not in use so you can be assured that it will work even if the lights go out. The batteries should also have enough juice for them to function properly before they need recharging although most models are equipped with LED indicators so you’ll know exactly when this happens.

You might think about investing in several types of coverage, whether personal or commercial property insurance, along with health and life insurance plans just in case disaster strikes unexpectedly at home or on the job. 

Another good idea would be to purchase additional emergency kits too because having more than one set of everything important will certainly ease your mind no matter where you are or what type of disaster takes place.

You can also check the radio’s alarm system to see if it has a beeping sound that will alert you about any upcoming alerts so that you won’t have to constantly monitor your device for updates and warnings regarding weather conditions in particular. This is typically activated when there is an active warning already impacting your area or within a specified radius depending on how far away from home/work this threat might come from.

FAQ

Are weather radios worth it?

Weather radios are simple devices that can be extremely useful. They allow you to receive critical information about upcoming hazards in your area, which allows people to take an appropriate course of action whether it’s taking shelter or evacuating. 

If you live in a hazardous weather environment (which is essentially everywhere outside the tropics), then having one could potentially save your life. 

The best thing about them is they’re typically inexpensive and very easy to use! 

That being said, if there isn’t any chance for you to hear what’s going on around town because of noise pollution, lack of windows/doors/etc., or other factors beyond your control – these may not be right for you. However, most Americans have at least some access to audio alerts over the radio or through a smartphone.

Who makes the best weather alert radio?

One of the best weather radios is the Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Alert Radio. It’s a great alternative to battery-powered radios since it has a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged using an AC adapter or by hand cranking. 

What is the difference between a weather radio and a regular radio?

A weather radio is tuned to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) All Hazards Radio frequencies. When activated, it will receive critical information regarding threats such as tornadoes or flash flooding that may be headed your way. Because this warning system is run by the Federal Government, you can always rely on its accuracy.

On top of being accurate, a regular radio does not have any access to emergency alerts. This means if there are severe storms coming towards your area, you would never know about them until they had already hit – which could mean disaster! 

NOAA or National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration radios are much more powerful than standard FM/AM broadcast stations. They transmit on seven different frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz which can be picked up by many different kinds of a hand crank, solar, and electrical powered emergency radios. 

The only downside is you need an external power source in order for them to work since they do not have their own batteries so consider this when choosing your device depending on where you plan to use it most often during disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

How do you choose a weather radio?

Weather radios are available in two formats – hand-cranked or self-powered batteries. 

Hand-cranked ones usually have multiple power options including solar and wind up plus they can be used as a flashlight if needed making them very versatile for use on your home’s emergency preparedness kit.

Self-powered units are generally radio-only devices that rely on batteries for power. The battery life is determined by how often the device is activated and whether or not you use it as a flashlight when needed. 

There are also self-powered weather radios with plugs into your car’s 12v cigarette lighter which makes them ideal to keep in your vehicle emergency kit if necessary. 

All of these products have pros and cons but overall they fall within the same price range making them all good options depending on what exactly you need from one. They both cover AM/FM bands so this feature isn’t an issue, either way, just something worth mentioning about each product for comparison purposes between the two models listed here specifically. 

What channel should my weather radio be on?

The best weather radios are activated by the NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. If your radio is not on this channel, you will only receive alerts for general emergencies where there isn’t an imminent threat to life or property. It’s important that everyone in your household knows how to change the channel just in case of any emergency situations that may arise! 

What does “NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio” mean?

The NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is a special radio station that broadcasts official alerts, watches, and warnings for weather or other hazards. It can be activated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which means it’s important to have this channel on in order to receive any serious emergency situations including natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, etc. 

This station will broadcast an alert if there isn’t time enough to give you details about what may happen so pay attention when these types of tones are going off! If your local area doesn’t have access to this type of technology we also recommend purchasing a personal weather radio.

What should you do with your weather radio during a power outage?

During a long-term power outage where the electricity is out, you will need to use your battery or crank-powered radio. Make sure that these types of radios are stored in an easy-to-reach place at home and it’s also helpful if everyone knows how to operate them! 

During rainstorms but especially around hurricane season, experts recommend adding additional batteries as well as flashlights for each family member just in case the lights go out unexpectedly. 

Some other important tips: make sure you replace all old batteries before they expire; remember not to mix different kinds of batteries; don’t store extra fresh ones near older ones (for example, put new D cell alkaline next to your D cell rechargeable batteries). 

Is there a weather radio app?

While there are many “apps” that claim to be weather radios, most of them are not true. Only a few actually meet the requirements set by NOAA for being considered a weather radio. One of the accurate apps is Tornado Warning! (by WeatherBug) available on Android phones and tablets at this time.

Some apps will say they can turn your phone into an emergency siren or play alerts when the National Weather Service issues severe warnings for your area. But these features don’t work in practice because cell service providers do not want you using up all their data during emergencies so they shut off voice calls including text messages which means any kind of alerting feature would never get through.

How long do weather radios last?

They have a long shelf life because they are built to be durable. The average battery life is five years but the radio itself can last for much longer depending on how it’s used and cared for. 

How often should you replace your weather radio?

Most weather radios are designed to offer solid performance for at least five years. Some brands, however, suggest that their products should be replaced every few years even if they appear to work fine, otherwise, because of the possibility of corrosion or damage due to battery leakage. If you notice any rust on your radio’s casing after several days in a wet environment, it is probably time to replace the device regardless of how well it performs.

Useful Video: 10 Best Weather & Emergency Radios 2020

Final thoughts 

Hopefully, this review has helped you narrow down the options so that you can find a weather radio that works well for your needs and budget. Remember, it’s always best to do some research before making any major purchases so experts recommend reading reviews like this one from other customers who have been in your shoes.