How to Buy a NOAA Weather Radio

Look for the "Public Alert" logo on any NOAA weather radio you are looking at. The official "Public Alert" logo means that the radio has met certain criteria and is programmed for "Specific Area Message Encoding" (SAME). SAME allows you to program the weather radio to your specific area so you don't receive alerts for a large area. A "Public Alert" logo also means that your NOAA weather radio has a battery back-up, especially important during severe storms. Make sure the weather radio you're buying is capable of receiving the "All Hazard" alert system, which will notify you of all emergencies in your area as requested by local officials.

Consider the accessories available with the NOAA weather radio you'll be buying. If you live in an area that typically doesn't have good radio reception, consider buying a weather radio with an exterior antenna connection. Visual and hearing impaired people can benefit by buying a NOAA weather radio with strobe lights, pagers or even bed shakers.

Shop locally if possible. NOAA weather radios are available online at auction sites or electronics store websites, however the radio could be damaged and you'd have to return it. You'll also pay extra for shipping charges. If you shop locally at an electronics store or big box store, you can easily return it for repairs and replacement.