Every family should have an NOAA emergency weather radio as part of their home emergency kit. An NOAA weather radio (NWR) is designed to receive regular NWR weather broadcasts, warnings, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day from a nearby National Weather Service office (NWS).
American Red Cross Microlink FR150
The American Red Cross Microlink FR150 is equipped with features vital for NOAA weather radios.
American Red Cross Microlink FR150 Features
• 7 NOAA weather emergency bands - the NWR broadcast band uses 7 frequencies. Various areas of the country receive broadcasts in different frequencies. These frequencies are:
- 162.400 MHz;
- 162.425 MHz;
- 162.450 MHz;
- 162.475 MHz;
- 162.500 MHz;
- 162.525 MHz; and
- 162.550 MHz.
This model is also capable of receiving all 7 frequencies. This assures vital warnings delivered right on time.
• Standard AM and FM broadcast bands - an AM and FM band ensures that you can receive local news and instructions on time.
• Solar and self-powered - the unit features built-in rechargeable Ni-MH batteries that can be charged by setting the radio under the sun or through its hand-crank dynamo charger. Cranking for two minutes can provide 20+ minutes of radio power. This power source is most practical for emergency situations where electricity might be cut off.
American Red Cross Microlink FR150 Additional Features
• Telescoping antenna for the FM and weather emergency bands
• Built-in speaker
• 3.5mm earphone jack
• Built-in 3 LED flashlight
• Wrist strap
• Dimensions: 5 in X 2 in X 1.75 in
• Weight: 8 ounces
American Red Cross Solarlink FR500 NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
An NOAA emergency weather radio (NWR) receives regular NWR broadcasts of weather forecasts and serious weather threat alerts. These are broadcasted from nearby National Weather Service (NWS) offices and transmitted by a network of radio stations comprising the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Every family should have this vital equipment in their homes since NWR’s ensure that you receive the most critical weather forecast and warnings on time.
The American Red Cross Solarlink FR500 is a one of a kind NOAA weather radio because it combines the functionality of a weather radio with the features of an alarm clock, a desktop radio, and a shortwave radio. It is fitted with the most critical features for an NOAA weather radio.
American Red Cross Solarlink FR500 NOAA Emergency Weather Radio Features
• 7 NOAA weather emergency bands – 7 frequencies are used as part of the NWR broadcast band to transmit all weather forecasts and warnings throughout the country. These frequencies are:
- 162.400 MHz;
- 162.425 MHz;
- 162.450 MHz;
- 162.475 MHz;
- 162.500 MHz;
- 162.525 MHz; and
- 162.550 MHz.
Different frequencies are used in each area, and more than one frequency can be received over some areas. It is important for your NWR to receive all 7 frequencies since this will ensure that your family does not miss any crucial weather forecast.
• Weather alert function - the unit can be programmed to set off alerts before dangerous weather strikes. These notifications come directly from NOAA broadcasts.
• Standard AM and FM broadcast bands - the AM and FM bands supplements the 7 NOAA weather emergency bands in providing critical local news and instructions not provided by NWR broadcasts.
• Rechargeable batteries - the unit comes with Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries that can be charged using the amorphous solar array, its hand-crank dynamo generator, or a standard 5-volt DC adaptor bundled with the unit. Alternatively, three AA batteries can also provide power to this device.
American Red Cross Solarlink FR500 NOAA Emergency Weather Radio Additional Features
• Shortwave broadcast bands
• Built-in white 4 LED flashlight
• Standard digital alarm clock
• Dimension: 7. 5 in (W) X 2.5 in (D)
• Weight: 2.4 lbs.
For more information, read How To Select an NOAA Emergency Weather Radio.
