Local Emergency Management Agencies using the new Tune it Tuesday initiative to teach people about NOAA emergency weather radios.
Cumberland County EMA Director Travis Cole said the initiative helps people tune their radios correctly. Cole said weather radios are the most fail safe option for emergency updates and situations because the signal comes from an FM transmitter.
“They don’t rely on modern technology such as computer connection, internet, stuff like that,” Cole said. “When those types of infrastructure are not working, the FM transmitters are still working, so these radios can do their job effectively.”
Cole said a nationwide list of weather radio frequencies is available online. People should tune to the location nearest to where they live.
EMAs across the state are holding Tune it Tuesday events at 20 Lowe’s stores including Cookeville and Crossville. The event runs from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday. Cole said EMA staff will be on hand to answer questions and tune weather radios.
Cole said the tuning settings for the radio are based on geography. Cole said people in Cumberland County should tune to the Putnam County repeater.
“It gives us the most signal,” Cole said. “And it is also getting its information from the National Weather Service office in Nashville, which is what jurisdiction we fall in. It comes from a repeater in Cookeville for our county.”
According to the National Weather Service Website, Cookeville’s frequency is 162.400. The frequency in Spencer is 162.450.
Cole said the radios are powered by a regular wall outlet, but they also have space for two AA batteries in case the power is out. Cole said people should ensure their radios have good batteries before the power drops so they can continue to get alerts.
Cole said the radios stay on even if there is not a current emergency alert. In non emergency situations, people can tune in to their radios for a repeating message detailing the forecast for their area. Cole said these radios are used for more than just weather alerts.
“These can also send alerts for sheltering in place in the event of a hazardous materials release or just any disaster emergency that we face,” Cole said. “These can be used to pass that information along to the citizens.”
Cole said there will be some radios given away at Tune it Tuesday events. Cole said weather radios can be purchased at most major retailers, and they usually cost between $25 and $35.
