NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

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NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Working with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Alert System , NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).

These radios are essential for warning you and your family during sleeping hours of weather and other hazards. The radios stay silent until activated by a special signal issued by the National Weather Service. The radio then sounds an alarm and displays the hazard information. You may also find an additional benefit by turning the radio portion on (see manufacturer instructions) to receive the weather forecast for the day. Once the radio is purchased, it doesn't cost any additional amount, except for purchasing new batteries for the backup battery feature. Most radios perform an audible weekly test on Wednesdays between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.

Receiving warning information is only one part of being safe during weather emergencies. Knowing what to do when the weather watch or warning is issued is just as important, if not more. Practice with your family what you will do for weather watches and warnings. More information on how to prepare and make a family plan can be found on our main website page by clicking the link for "Hazard Specific Information." We encourage you to practice your plan at least quarterly, just as you should do with home fire drills.

See the following links below for where to purchase weather radios in Lee County, how to program and where to place your radio in your home, and how to properly maintain your radio.

Programming and Locating Your Radio Information

Maintenance Information

Little maintenance is required for the radios to continue functioning properly. However you should pay attention to the weekly radio test that occurs each Wednesday between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to ensure that the radio is functioning properly and has a good signal.

Follow the included manufacturer’s instructions on checking the backup battery level and how to change the backup batteries. Change the backup battery at least twice a year, and more frequent if necessary. This is especially important in the event a power failure occurs at your location lasting more than 48 hours.

By following the manufacturer’s instructions, your radio should provide you good service for many years.