Can NOAA alerts be received on a standard emergency scanner?

NOAA Alert Frequencies

NOAA weather alerts are broadcast on the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Radio frequencies, which are not compatible with standard emergency scanners. These frequencies, also known as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) codes, are assigned to specific areas and can be received by Weather Radio receivers. The same frequencies are used by NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) receivers, but these receivers are specifically designed to receive these frequencies and decode the SAME codes, allowing users to receive alerts for their specific area.

Receiving NOAA Alerts with a Weather Radio

To receive NOAA alerts, you will need a Weather Radio receiver or a device that can receive the SAME codes. Weather Radio receivers typically operate on frequencies between 162.400 and 162.550 MHz. Some devices, such as smart speakers or mobile apps, can also receive NOAA alerts by decoding the SAME codes broadcast on these frequencies. When choosing a Weather Radio receiver, look for one that is compliant with the SAME code protocol and can receive the specific frequencies assigned to your area.

Setting Up a Weather Radio for NOAA Alerts

To receive NOAA alerts with a Weather Radio receiver, you will need to set up the device to receive the correct frequencies and SAME codes for your area. This typically involves selecting the correct county or city code and setting the device to receive the NWS Weather Radio frequencies. Some Weather Radio receivers may also require you to enter your zip code or city name to receive the correct SAME codes. Be sure to consult your device’s user manual for specific instructions on setting up the device for NOAA alerts.