NOAA Weather Radio Day

Public Information Statement Statement as of 5:08 AM CST on February 22, 2013

...Today we look at NOAA Weather Radio and the emergency alert system...

NOAA Weather Radio all hazards...the voice of the National Weather Service...provides continuous weather information around the clock. The nationwide network of weather radio stations is the fastest and most reliable source of up to date life saving weather information directly from the National Weather Service.

You need a special radio to receive the NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts which originate from your nearest National Weather Service office, a radio that is capable of receiving signals in the very high frequency (vhf) public service band. In Tennessee 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525 and 162.550 megahertz are the frequencies set aside for weather radio.

Broadcasts may vary, but generally include area forecasts, present weather conditions, short-term forecasts, weather radar reports, climatic data, river and lake stage forecasts and other specialized information. The broadcasts are updated continuously to provide the most current information possible.

NOAA Weather Radio is useful anytime, but it is most important when severe weather threatens. During periods of severe weather, routine programming is interrupted, and the focus shifted to the local severe weather threat. In an emergency, a warning alarm tone is broadcast that activates specially designed receivers to turn on automatically, and to produce a visual or audible alarm. In this way...your weather radio becomes your personal tornado Siren for your home...school or business.

Commercial radio, television and cable television companies are encouraged to make use of NOAA Weather Radio, and may feel free to rebroadcast the weather radio broadcasts.

Another great source of life saving weather information is the emergency alert system. The eas is a system of communications links that utilize data in a digital form.It is a reliable means of linking the National Weather Service,emergency management agencies and the radio and television broadcast media together. The eas will help participating radio and television stations receive and relay weather warnings and other emergency information in a timely manner.

For more information on NOAA Weather Radio, check out our website...weather.Gov/Nashville