Emergency Radio
When weather or national security emergencies occur, an emergency radio can be an essential lifeline to breaking news, critical instructions from authorities, and informal communications from amateur radio operators around the affected area and the world. Every household should have more than one emergency radio. Here is what to look for in an emergency radio.
Having an emergency radio on hand can be life saving, but at the very least it's comforting. You may choose for an emergency radio that keeps you up-to-date on weather. Or you may want to stay abreast of what first responders are doing so select a scanner. A CB radio can help you reach out to people, not a bad type of emergency radio to have. Or if you are a first responder you need a ham radio that lets you talk on specific emergency bands, as well as listen. Now it's time to figure out how you are going to energize the radio.
An emergency radio is designed to work without external power. An emergency radio may be powered by batteries, but batteries run dry and replacements may not be available during extended civil emergencies. So the best emergency radio has alternative power sources such as solar power panels or hand-cranked magneto generators. Some models can be plugged into a diesel-powered DC current generator. An emergency radio is also designed to use the minimal amount of power, so its dials may not be backlit. On the other hand, backlit dials are preferable in case external light is unavailable.
All but the most inexpensive emergency radios cover more than just AM and FM radio signal bands. Shortwave radio bands can bring communications from civil authorities and amateur radio operators. The ham radio signal band is also handy for getting on-the-spot reports from unofficial observers. Some countries provide dedicated weather radio channels, and an emergency radio should be able to receive these channels too.
Emergency radios are widely available on the internet. Prices range from $30 to over $100. The higher-priced models come with bells and whistles such as sirens, flashlights, and so on. It is a good idea to get a water-resistant emergency radio.
Some vendors or emergency radios include the Red Cross and National Public Radio, nonprofits with excellent track records for providing quality emergency radios at affordable prices. NPR's top-of-the-line Freeplay Emergency Radio and Flashlight Kit includes the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Alert channels; a built-in wind-up, energy-stingy LED flashlight; and external energy-conserving and extremely bright Xenon flashlight that shines for 20 hours when fully charged; and NiMH batteries with a conventional AC/DC adapter for non-emergency charging. The Freeplay EyeMax Radio runs for 35 minutes after just 30 seconds of winding, or for 25 hours when fully charged. It costs $99.95. Your purchase helps support National Public Radio, a worthy cause.
At the lower end of the price spectrum is the $40 Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio, available via Amazon.com and other online vendors. It is powered by a hand crank and does not include an AC/DC charger. It receives AM and FM radio signals, and two shortwave bands including weather radio channels. The tuning knob includes a superimposed fine-tuning dial to help pull in distant, faint signals. A white LED emergency light is built into the FR200 Emergency Radio.
Buying an emergency radio is an investment in preparedness for any emergency. You don't have to live in "Tornado Alley" to benefit from this peace of mind. In the event of a nuclear or terrorist attack, an emergency radio can provide the comfort of outside communication and vital directions to food, shelter, and safety.
