Life-Saving Gear
Emergency Weather Radios: Your Early Warning System
Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening. A dedicated NOAA weather radio should be the first piece of comms gear you buy. It stays silent until there is an emergency, then alerts you immediately—even if you are asleep.
The “Big Two” Recommendations
1. The Home Base: Midland WR400
This is a “desktop” radio that plugs into the wall but has battery backup. It uses SAME technology, meaning you can program it to only alert you for your specific county.
2. The Portable: Midland ER310
The “Emergency Crank” radio. It can be powered by AA batteries, a rechargeable internal battery, a hand crank, or solar. Includes a powerful flashlight.
What to Look For
- SAME Technology: Allows you to filter out alerts for distant counties.
- Multiple Power Sources: Essential for long-term grid-down scenarios.
- Alert Flash: Visual alerts for those who may be hard of hearing or in noisy environments.