HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT EMERGENCY RADIO

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Including an emergency radio in your emergency kit is a common piece of advice. However, not many people know how to pick out a reliable emergency radio that's actually going to help them get through a crisis. Not every emergency radio is made equal to another, and when you're in the midst of an emergency without power - whether you're at home or traveling - your survival may depend on the gear you've stocked up on. We've come up with some emergency weather radio tips to help you choose the perfect emergency radio for you.

What Type of Radio Should You Get?

When it comes to emergency radios, you first and foremost need a self-powered radio that will deliver NOAA alerts. The primary use of your emergency radio will most likely be to stay informed about the outside world.A standalone AM/FM receiver allows you to tune into any local FM stations that are still broadcasting and keep up with NOAA alerts, relief instructions and more information that is sent via AM radio. During severe emergencies, FM stations are not likely to be available, so having a radio that broadcasts AM is extremely important. If you want to be able to communicate with others via your radio, you’ll need a two-way radio; however, most people do fine with a standalone receiver. Battery-operated radios are often the go-to option for new emergency radio buyers; however, it's ideal that you find a radio that is supported by multiple power sources. An AC adapter is perfect when you have power. A solar NOAA weather radio or a hand-crank radio is a better option for traveling or as a backup for when the power goes out. Remember: if your emergency weather radio has extra features, the power will drain faster.

What Size Radio Should You Get?

For your at-home emergency stock, it's a good idea to purchase a large NOAA weather radio with special features of your choice (see below) and one small radio in case you need to relocate. For your car, office, boat or cabin, it's recommended you keep a smaller radio on hand that you can continue to travel with when necessary.

What Makes an Emergency Radio the Best?

As discussed, the best emergency radio will broadcast both FM and AM and can run without electricity. Remember you need an AM radio, not an FM radio only. You’ll need to be able to tune to the NOAA weather channel, receive SOS alarm notifications, and other emergency alerts. The most important part of a good weather alert radio is dependability. You'll need some power source, so make sure you have options.

What Are Some Types of Emergency Radios?

Solar panel radios and hand-crank radios are always a great power option. But remember that you need access to sunlight to use solar power. Battery-powered radios also make great emergency devices, as long as you remember to stock up on extra batteries. Double check whether you need AA batteries or AAA battery packs. However, what makes some radios stand out more than others is the additional features they come with. Some have an extra power bank, while others have a USB port. Some of our favorite options include:

1. A Solar/Hand Crank Radio with an LED Flashlight
2. A Solar/Hand Crank Radio with a Flashlight, Whistle, & More
3. A Battery Powered Radio with Voice Alerts & Flashing LED Warnings

Finally, you should consider searching for radios that offer SAME - Specific Alert Message Encoding. SAME allows you to receive warnings for specific areas, so you can be notified when there’s a hurricane, tornado, or another natural disaster headed your way.

How Do You Find the Right Radio?

Remember that it's important to be able to receive any severe weather alert message by the National Weather Service or other public alert issued by emergency management. During an emergency situation you'll need to be able to rely on your survival radio for important updates. Depending on your region, you may need to be able to receive any NOAA alert as well as updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Other types of radios include a shortwave radio, ham radio, a Fospower emergency radio, or the Midland ER, and Midland ER310. For a wide variety of the best emergency weather radios including a NOAA weather radio, search no further than SOS Survival Products. If you're still wondering which radio is right for you, give the experts at SOS a call! We'd be happy to help you find the best emergency radio for you.