Welcome back to Electronically Speaking! As the winter season progresses, we're keeping a close eye on the weather reports here in Sequim, WA. With a severe cold snap and potential snow on the way this week, it's essential to be prepared for any emergencies that might arise. That's why we've put together a brief list of our favorite NOAA weather emergency radios to help keep you connected and informed during this winter weather. Whether you're hunkering down at home or braving the elements, these radios will ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest news and alerts. So, let's dive into a small portion of our inventory for the best NOAA weather emergency radios to help you weather the storm!
CONTENTS:
WALKMAN-SIZE RADIOS
First up on our list of emergency radios is the Sangean DT800. Though it comes with a higher price tag, this radio offers unparalleled quality and performance in a Walkman-sized package. With its digital tuner, built-in quality speaker, and high-quality earbuds, you'll be able to pick up crystal-clear AM/FM even in the most remote areas. Plus, the DT800 is equipped with NOAA Weather Alert functionality to keep you informed of any impending storms or other emergencies. This small but mighty radio also has a built in battery charger so it can keep rechargeable AA batteries charged and ready to go. Additionally, the DT400 has a clock, alarm, and sleep timer, making it a versatile radio for everyday use. If you're looking for the best in portable emergency radios, the Sangean DT800 is an excellent choice.
SMALL RADIOS (LARGER THAN WALKMAN)
The Midland ER210 is a versatile emergency radio that's perfect for those who want the ability to charge their devices in addition to staying connected to the latest news and weather reports. With both a solar panel and a hand crank, in addition to it's rechargeable via USB battery, you can keep the ER210 powered up no matter what the weather brings. Plus, it features a built-in flashlight and a NOAA Weather Alert function to ensure you stay informed of any incoming severe weather. This radio also has the smallest footprint of radios in this size category. This radio also has a device-charging USB port so that you can sacrifice its battery to give your cell phone (or other USB powered device) a charge in an emergency.
For those who want the very best in portable emergency radios, the Sangean MMR88 is the cream of the crop and is one of our best-sellers on this list.. This compact, yet powerful radio features a high-quality speaker and a digital tuner for crystal-clear sound, as well as a built-in solar panel and hand crank for power on the go. I especially appreciate that its built-in rechargeable battery (18350 lithium battery 3.7v / 850mAh) is both accessible and replaceable. It also has a built-in flashlight with SOS settings and NOAA Weather Alert functionality to keep you informed of any potential dangers. It has shock-resistant rubber on all 4 corners, providing extra protection in case of a fall or drop. This radio also has a device-charging USB port so that you can sacrifice its battery to give your cell phone (or other USB powered device) a charge in an emergency. The MMR88 is a bit pricier than some other models on this list, but it's worth it for the outstanding quality and performance it provides.
MID TO LARGE SIZE RADIOS
For those who want the best quality weather radio, the Sangean PR-D4 is an excellent choice. It has the best sound out of our list of radios covered today and is our best-selling radio on this list.. It has a durable, rugged design, and features AM/FM and NOAA weather band reception. It includes a built-in speaker, a backlit LCD display, and an alarm clock function. The PR-D4 is also easy to program and use, making it a great option for emergency situations. This radio runs on electricity or four D batteries.
SPECIAL MENTION:
The SOLARBOX8 9-in-1 Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker Lighting Unit with Power Bank & Radio from Technical Pro is a versatile and practical device that's perfect for outdoor activities and emergency situations. It features analog radio capability, including AM, FM, and Shortwave channels, but it does not include NOAA weather channels like some of the other radios we've reviewed. Additionally, it doubles as a powerful LED lighting system, with three LED bulbs that have individual 3-meter cords and ON/OFF switches. The 4V 2400mAh battery provides up to 11 hours of music, and the unit can be charged via power cord in 9-10 hours or through the built-in solar panel in 13 hours. The power bank also allows you to charge devices like iPhones, Androids, and digital cameras, making this device a strong consideration for any outdoor enthusiast or emergency preparedness kit.
TIPS FOR USING AN EMERGENCY RADIO
When a severe weather event hits, it's important to have a reliable emergency radio on hand. But having a radio is only part of the equation – you also need to know how to use it effectively. In this section, we'll provide some tips for tuning in to specific frequencies, conserving battery life, and ensuring your radio is working properly when you need it most. Follow these tips to stay informed and safe during a cold snap, power outage, or other emergency situation.
Familiarize yourself with your radio: Before an emergency occurs, take the time to read the manual and get to know the features of your radio. This will make it easier to use when you need it. Better yet--practice!
Conserve battery life: During an extended power outage, it's important to conserve the battery life of your radio. Turn off any unnecessary features, such as the backlight or alarm, and use headphones to reduce the drain on the battery.
Test your radio regularly: Check the batteries, antenna, and other components to make sure everything is in working order.
Use the radio as part of a larger emergency preparedness plan: An emergency radio is just one component of an overall emergency preparedness plan. Make sure you have other supplies and plans in place, such as food, water, and a designated meeting place, in case of an emergency.
Tune in to the appropriate frequency: During an emergency, it's important to know which frequency to tune in to for the latest updates. The NOAA weather radio is the primary source for weather information during an emergency, so make sure you know which frequency to tune in to for your area. The following information is from https://www.weather.gov/nwr/county_coverage?State=WA and the information was copied on February 18, 2023:
CONCLUSION
Don't let the next cold snap or severe weather event catch you off guard. Be prepared with a reliable emergency radio from Sequim Electronics. We have a wide variety of models to choose from, including the ones featured in this post. Visit us today to check out our huge inventory and make sure you have the equipment you need to stay safe and informed during any emergency.