NOAA Weather Radios can receive alerts by the National Weather Service during emergencies. | Contributed Photo
NOAA Weather Radios can receive alerts by the National Weather Service during emergencies. | Contributed Photo
The City of Santa Rosa recently announced that it will distribute 12,000 All Hazards NOAA Weather Radios (NWR) free of charge to local residents.
The radios will be distributed via drive-thru distribution events & via non-profit partnerships and will enhance the city's existing emergency alert & warning tools by providing one more way to alert Santa Rosa residents during various states of emergency.
“NWRs are reliable, safe and not dependent on cell phone towers,” Santa Rosa City Mayor Chris Rogers said. “The city is pleased to provide another means of emergency alerting to our residents, especially to those who may be impacted by power outages and not able to receive traditional alerts through other means.”
NOAA Weather Radios are a low-cost home alerting solution that can be remotely activated by the National Weather Service to issue crucial alerts by first responders during various emergencies.
"When the power is out or cell phones don't work, a NOAA weather radio can still get emergency messages that need the information," the city said in a video posted April 2 on Twitter. "Radios distributed by the city are pre-programmed to frequency 162.475 the channel on which the National Weather Service will broadcast its alerts and warnings for the city of Santa Rosa."
The city was awarded up to $318,068.25 in funds from FEMA through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to distribute the radios to residents. HMGP is providing an award to match 75% federal share for this project. The city’s non-federal share contribution for the project is up to $106,022.75.
"Being prepared is the best way to navigate any emergency," the city said. "When you have every alert at your disposal, you can get a head start on your general preparedness for when the next emergency arises."
Residents should leave the radio plugged in at all times to let it silently monitor for alerts. The batteries are a backup for any potential power outages and should be replaced annually.
The National Weather Service will send out a required weekly test to the radio every Wednesday morning between 11 a.m. and noon. The radio screen will display 'REQUIRED WEEKLY TEST' across the screen which means the radio is operating properly.
The full distribution schedule with times and distribution locations can be found here.
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