If you’ve never bought an emergency radio before, it can be a daunting and mind numbing task. It really isn’t that difficult to choose a radio for your family’s needs, as long as you know what to look for. There are several different models available in all price ranges; simply choose the features you think you’re most likely to need. Common sense comes into play with this decision; obviously, if you live in Tornado Alley, you’ll want a model with backup power and a siren to help rescuers find you if you’re trapped in a collapsed building, while a simple camp radio will work if your most likely emergency is a power outage due to winter storms. Here are a few more features to consider when looking to buy an emergency radio:
Durability
Look for features such as waterproofing, unbreakable plastic housing, single-piece faceplates, and heavy duty cords in models that have a plug. While a lightweight, portable radio will serve for most purposes, a durable model will ensure that your family can still receive life-saving instructions if the radio is dropped or doused with liquids.
Automatic Multi-Band Receivers
Some models require users to manually switch between regular and emergency receivers. Save yourself the trouble by choosing a model that will automatically kick over to emergency channels when they’re broadcasting. This feature allows users to listen to standard radio broadcasts without worrying that they will miss vital alerts or instructions.
Emergency Lights
Models with built-in lighting make it easier to locate your radio in the event of a power outage, and provide extra illumination if needed. Emergency lights can be used to signal rescuers, search for victims, or simply to reassure a frightened child. Try to find models with LED lighting; they use less power, and provide glare-free illumination.
Alternative and Back-Up Power Sources
Your radio will do you no good if it doesn’t work, so always choose a model with a back-up power source. Back-up power sources can be anything from kinetic (hand-cranked) models to solar rechargable batteries. Keep enough extra batteries on hand near your radio to last for at least a week if you can’t afford a radio with a back-up power source.
Top Brands of Emergency Radios
There are several manufacturers that are known to make quality radios at reasonable prices. The most prudent consumer will not rely on a single radio, but have several to be fully prepared for any emergency that may come along. For example, I have two units at home. These are high end units that have the shortwave receivers and one that has a built in CB radio.
In each of our vehicles, we have small inexpensive emergency/weather radio’s. These receive all frequencies of NOAA weather alerts, have multiple lights and/or beacons and a siren as well as am/fm receiver.
If we’re going out of state to camp or on vacation, then I carry a waterproof emergency radio that has all the bells and whistles.
The following makers all put out a reliable and durable emergency radio: Midland, Sangean, C Crane, Fist Alert, Grundig and Eton all make a variety of emergency and/or weather alert radios to meet nearly any situation you might find yourself in.
Some emergency radios feature extra gadgets, such as small TV screens, cigarette lighters, and power outlets to run small appliances. Unless you have a steady power source, these features are essentially worthless in a real emergency. While it may be nice to watch your favorite television show or power your electric razor while waiting for rescue, these features drain battery life, and may lull you into boredom at a time when complacency can be life threatening. Skip the extra fluff unless you really want it. The above features are what you need to look for in an emergency radio!
