Weather Preparedness

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Advance warning is the most powerful preparedness tool for severe weather. Every family should have one or more methods for receiving severe weather alerts, and at least one of these should have an audible alert to wake you in case the alert comes in the middle of the night. 

There are numerous methods to receive weather watches, warnings and advisories. Examples include:

• NOAA Weather Radio: Watches and Warnings issued by National Weather Service (NWS) air on these radios.
• Television Stations: Local or national news stations monitor and broadcast weather alerts.
• AM/FM Radio: Radio stations are required to air Emergency Alert System messages.
• Smartphone Applications: Numerous free and paid smartphone applications have been created, notifying the public of severe weather. Some of these applications use the GPS tracking on your phone and will notify you of severe weather warnings based upon your location.
• Text Message Alerts: Some television stations use text message alerts for specific areas.
• Alert FM Receiver: Similar to a NOAA Weather Radio, but relays the message from FM Stations.
• County Alert Systems: Some counties use outdoor warning sirens while others may use a telephone notification system. Contact your local EMA director to find out what warning system is used.
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): WEA are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. The alert system requires no need to download an app nor subscribe to a service. The WEA message will usually provide the category and time, the agency issuing the alert and what action you should take.