NOAA Weather Alert Radios Save Lives... by Talbot County Emergency Services (DES) on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 2:00pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Boldosser, 410-770-8166

June 24, 2011, Talbot County, Maryland – If you buy a NOAA Weather Alert Radio and place it in your home or business you will be immediately alerted day or night by the National Weather service when dangerous conditions are developing.

NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) 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 Communication Commission's (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 tornadoes, severe thunderstorm alerts, or other severe weather, as well as for other situations such as radiation emergencies, chemical releases, or oil spills, and for public safety alerts such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages.

In discussing the NOAA Weather Alert Radios, Talbot DES Director Clay Stamp said; “Like smoke detectors alerting residents for a fire, the NOAA Weather Alert Radios can alert residents day or night that dangerous weather conditions are developing in our area allowing persons to take immediate actions to protect themselves and their families.”

Mr. Phil (Philip) Gill, a resident of Talbot County who has been working with the National Weather Service and coordinating with Talbot DES to improve radio coverage in the Bay Hundred area explains, “The weather broadcasts are an important safety service for most people but are critical for watermen, boaters and coastal residents.”

When using a NOAA Weather Radio in Talbot County the radio should be programmed to Channel 4 (Salisbury) or Channel 5 (Sudlersville) to receive emergency alerts. Through the efforts of Mr. Gill and the NWS, radios can now also be programmed with Channel 1 (Baltimore) which provides clearer reception in portions of the Bay Hundred region of Talbot County.

NOAA Weather Radios are available for purchase in retail stores and are an excellent tool to make sure you and your families are kept informed about dangerous weather conditions unfolding.

If you purchase a NOAA Weather radio and need assistance in programming the unit you may contact Talbot DES at 410-770-8160 and we will attempt to assist.

Also for more information call the NWS at 1-888-697-7263 or visit the web at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm