Stay Safe This National Preparedness Month with a Weather Radio

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual reminder to that being ready for emergencies can make all the difference when it comes to protecting yourself, your family, and your community. Each year, FEMA and ready.gov designate September as a time to highlight the importance of preparation in the face of disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires.

Emergencies can happen at any time. Severe storms can take out power for days. Hurricanes like Helene in 2024, can sweep through entire regions with devastating force. Wildfires, like those in LA in early 2025, can threaten neighborhoods with little warning. Tornadoes can form in minutes, leaving little time to react. Flash floods, like those seen in Texas in early July 2025 can wreak havoc on the most rural communities. The reality is clear- the more prepared you are, the safer you and your loved ones will be.

At the center of every well-built emergency plan and kit is a weather radio.

Unlike cell phones, TVs, or internet alerts that can fail when the power goes out or towers go down, a NOAA Weather Radio delivers instant, reliable emergency alerts directly from the National Weather Service. It's the backbone of preparedness- a direct line to the most important, life-saving information when seconds count.

This National Preparedness Month, Midland is here to help families across the country take the simple, but life-saving step of adding a weather radio to their go kits.

Why a Weather Radio is Essential 

When people think about emergency alerts, many rely on smartphones. While cell phones are helpful, they aren't foolproof. It's important to have multiple, redundant ways of receiving alerts. 

-Cell towers can fail during hurricanes or tornadoes

-Networks can overload when everyone is trying to access alerts at the same time

-Power outages can leave devices drained with no way to recharge

That's when a weather radio becomes critical. NOAA Weather Radios are often called "the smoke alarm for sever weather" because they are always on, already ready to notify you, and always monitoring for alerts in your area. The moment a warning is issued, your radio sounds an alarm and delivers the update, giving you the time needed to act. 

Whether it's a flash flood warning in the middle of the night, a tornado watch during a busy afternoon, or a hurricane update as the storm changes course, a weather radio ensures you never miss life-saving information. 

Midland- America's Trusted Standard

When it comes to weather radios, Midland stands out.

For decades, Midland has been America's trusted standard in weather and emergency radios, delivering peace of mind to families across the country. 

Midland's radios are Public Alert certified, built to withstand the demands of emergencies, and they're trusted by experts and households alike. From compact portable units for a go kit to desktop models for your home, Midland has a weather radio designed to keep you safe before, during, and after the storm. 

Weather Radios to Rely On

This National Preparedness month, Midland recommends 4 essential weather radios, each designed with unique features to fit different needs. 

WR120: America's Best-Selling Weather Radio

The Midland WR120 is one of the most widely trusted weather radios in the country. Simple to use and affordable, it brings NOAA Weather Alerts right into your home. 

Features:

-S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology so you only receive alerts for your county

-Loud, clear alerts with flashing warning lights

-Customizable settings for different types of warnings

The WR120 is a must have for families who want a reliable, easy-to-use radio that works straight out oof the box. 

WR400: The Deluxe Weather Radio

If you want more advanced features, the Midland WR400 is the top choice. Often called the "deluxe" model, it takes everything about the WR120 and enhances it.

Features:

-S.A.M.E. technology with customizable alerts

-Large, easy-to-read display

-Alarm clock with snooze function 

-Color-coded alert indicators

-Stores up to 25 counties

ER40: Compact and Portable

Your preparedness plan shouldn't stop at home. Emergencies can force you to evacuate your home or they can happen on the road during a camping trip. 

Features:

-Compact size makes it ideal for go kits and travel bags

-NOAA Weather Alerts and AM/FM radio

-Built-in flashlight and SOS strobe

-Multiple power sources, including solar and crank

The ER40 ensures you're never without critical alerts or light, even when you're on the move. It's the perfect companion for road trips, camping, or keeping in your emergency bag.

ER210: Versatile and Reliable

The Midland ER210 is another excellent portable option, built for both reliability and versatility. 

Features:

-NOAA Weather Alerts and AM/FM radio

-Solar panel, hand crank, and rechargeable lithium battery

-Bright LED flashlight with SOS beacon

-Compact, but powerful design

Like the ER40, the ER210 is designed for mobility, making it an essential addition to your go kit, car, or emergency supplies. 

Building Your Emergency Kit

A weather radio is the cornerstone of preparedness, but it works best as part of a complete emergency kit. FEMA recommends that every household have supplies that last at least 72 hours. Some of the essentials include:

-Water (one gallon per person, per day)

-Non-perishable food

-First aid kit

-Flashlights and extra batteries

-Medications and personal hygiene items 

-Important documents

-Extra clothing and blankets

-Multi-purpose tools

-A reliable weather/emergency radio

By pairing Midland's trusted radios with these essentials, you can be confident you're prepared for whatever comes your way.

Why National Preparedness Month Matters

Every September, National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that disasters don't wait for the right time. They happen suddenly, sometimes with little notice. Take action now, before a store is in the forecast to give your family the best chance of staying safe. 

This year, take a proactive step by adding a weather radio to your emergency plan. It's one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure you're never caught off guard. 

Take Action Today

Midland makes it easy to get prepared with our wide range of reliable, trusted weather radios. Whether you need a WR1210 for your home, a WR400 for advanced coverage, or portable models like the ER40 and ER210 for your go kit, Midland has something for every household.