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Direct Link To This Post Topic: You should have 2
    Posted: 17 Mar 2018 at 5:49pm



Some recent topics regarding security and TV/radio issues have caused me to get on the "soapbox" and offer something to consider.

Everyone should have at least 2 battery operated NOAA radios - one at home and one in the camper. I don't know that I have ever been in an area that did not receive at least one of the 7 frequencies.

In addition to providing local weather forecasts, you can know if a tornado is about to clobber you. Also, over the years and decades, the radio system has evolved into an "all hazards" warning system - spewing forth all sorts information that we might want to know. This is good to plan our day's activities or to know if that proverbial stuff is about to hit the fan.

I like to change batteries at the same time as smoke detectors - to make sure things are ready when needed.

PS - A first aid kit is not a bad idea, either.

NOAA link

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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 2018 at 6:38pm
Smart phones can also serve as hazard alert warning devices. Check the phone's settings to see if it has "Emergency Alerts." If so, then configure them and you will be pretty well set. My wife's and my phones have alerted us a number of times.

We do have a NOAA weather radio at home. I have not gotten one for the R-Pod as the phones serve adequately for that purpose.
StephenH
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2018 at 6:28am
Originally posted by StephenH

Smart phones can also serve as hazard alert warning devices. Check the phone's settings to see if it has "Emergency Alerts." If so, then configure them and you will be pretty well set. My wife's and my phones have alerted us a number of times.We do have a NOAA weather radio at home. I have not gotten one for the R-Pod as the phones serve adequately for that purpose.



Yes, they can.........if one has cell service in camp and/or that service is not disrupted by the occurring crisis. More often than not, I don't have cell service when camping however, maybe I'm unique?

If one has a newer phone and the local carrier participates, one actually has to "opt out" of getting alerts.

cell alerts - link

I like the KISS approach of a simple FM radio broadcast. It ain't fancy or complex but, it works. In fact, you and I have been contributing a large sum of money to create a more reliable and "hardened" network for first responders (to get them OFF the less than reliable existing cell network):



Firstnet

First responders have been using the existing network for a number of purposes. However, when something happens, that network typically gets flooded and difficult, if not impossible, to use.

To me, the bottom line is - don't count on the cell phone working. It could be because of geography or network issues and/or damage.

As a side note, I read something a while back that televisions would soon be equipped with a similar alert feature. Even if the device is turned off, the alert would turn it on and receive/play the alert.

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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2018 at 3:49pm
Thanks again you two for your insight on this important issue.  I for one have used my phone, but obviously there are many places I have been out west where there is zero coverage, even with my verizon carrier.  I will be looking into purchasing a NOAA radio this week.  THAT is one reason why I have enjoyed this forum so much since joining in 2012, information like this gets brought up that we often take for granted than find ourselves noting that "Hey, that is a great idea, guess I should do that as well."
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2018 at 4:01pm
I guess I could just pack ours from the house when we travel. The downside would be having to reprogram it for the location every time we go to a new location. The phone has the benefit of not needing to be programmed for the geographical area.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2018 at 4:26pm


Thanks jato!

An absolutely true story:

2 summers ago, while at Shades State Park (SW Montgomery county, Indiana) myself and the staff Naturalist were roaming the campground. We were meeting/greeting campers, along with encouraging them to attend the evening program at the amphitheater (I think we were doing raptors?).

Things were just fine when we began roaming but, as time wore on, I noticed the sky wasn't looking too good. When we finished, there was about 30 mins. of rest before we needed to go get the program set up. Being hot, I got us both a popcycle from the freezer in the camper. The weather was getting ever more angry looking. The Naturalist, I suppose out of habit, took out her cell phone to try to get radar/weather info. She and I both know that wouldn't work as, nobody's phone works there.

I told her to just stay seated a moment. I went to my truck, dialed in the local NOAA frequency and turned it up enough that she could hear.   Dang! There was a tornado warning for SW Montgomery county! A tornado had been confirmed about 10 miles SE of us and the system was tracking NW - straight for us!   Well, she almost made it to her car before the deluge hit.

Luckily, we just had a strong storm in the park, with no damage. (We didn't do the raptor program.) The next day, she told me that she had significant tree & limb damage/cleanup at her home.

As with trailer locks, etc., we each decide what risks we might encounter and what steps we are willing to take to mitigate those risks. Each will probably approach things a little differently.

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