Emergency Radio — Everything You Need to Know
If you love to go on adventures, you’re no stranger to risk, but you also know that being prepared is the best preventative action. As an adventurer, you need an emergency radio with you at all times.
Even as a homebody, an emergency radio is an excellent addition to your safety equipment. If the power goes out, you can stay apprised of changing weather. Having an emergency radio on hand is essential no matter where you are. Here’s what you need to know about emergency radios and the top picks to add to your gear or in your home emergency kit.
What is an Emergency Radio?
An emergency radio’s primary function is to retain power during power outages or when you’re far in the wilderness. A few radios can broadcast on the Emergency Alert System even with the radio sound turned off. This feature is excellent in areas where bad weather comes up quickly.
Most emergency radios cover the AM and FM bandwidths and weather radio alerts, and some may have emergency shortwave radio capabilities.
1. HH50B Pocket Weather Alert Radio - $24.99
For ultimate convenience wherever you go, this portable pocket weather alert radio provides NOAA weather alerts when you need them. Keep this radio in your pocket or purse, and you can keep it on Standby Mode. It will alert you when bad weather is about to strike. The Auto-Scan feature makes it easy to find your nearest local weather channel.
2. WR300 AM/FM Weather Alert Radio - $59.99
If you want to customize your emergency radio systems, the WR300 gives you control. Choose the warnings that meet your area’s needs, from evacuations to flash floods to avalanches. This model doubles as an AM/FM radio and alarm clock, so it’s a multifunctional device you can use every day.
3. WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio - $69.99
This classic weather radio keeps you informed of weather conditions wherever you are. You get instant notifications from the National Weather Service, along with any official instructions or evacuation orders.
With emergency radio systems power backup and an 8 decibel alarm, you are never caught unawares in extreme weather conditions. This is a reliable radio at an affordable price.
4. WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio - $39.99
The gold standard of weather alert radios, the WR120 recognizes 60 kinds of weather hazards, so you always know what’s coming.
With S.A.M.E. programming, the radio weeds out alerts from farther afield and delivers information from your local area. At just under $40, the W120 is an affordable way to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
6. ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Radio - $69.99
The ER310 is the quintessential emergency radio that’s easy to pack, easy to use, and reliable. You don’t have to worry about running out of juice on the trail with a hand crank. It also has solar charging abilities, so you can keep the batteries fully charged when the sun’s out. You can even use the ER310 to charge your USB compatible devices.
7. EX37VP E+Ready Walkie Talkie Kit - $49.99
Emergency radio information isn’t limited to passive messages from local weather stations. These X-Talker radios allow you to communicate with members of your team from up to 26 miles away. The kit includes a multi-purpose compass, a convenient carrying case, and two water-resistant walkie talkies that also receive emergency radio systems information.
