[ARRL-OK] Statement from OEM about WX Radio's

[KE5EXY]

Michelann Ooten 
Public Information Manager 
Oklahoma Dept. of Emergency Management 
P.O. Box 53365 
Oklahoma City, OK 73152 


News Release

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

National Weather Service


November 7, 2005                                                                            
Contact: Michelann Ooten, OEM
Rick Smith, NWS Norman; 



Midwest Tornadoes Remind Oklahomans of Need for NOAA Weather Radios



This weekend's killer tornadoes in Indiana and Kentucky should serve as a reminder to Oklahomans that a NOAA Weather Radio should be part of everyone's preparedness plan, officials with the National Weather Service (NWS) and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) said today.

The tornadoes ripped through western Kentucky and southwestern Indiana early Sunday morning killing at least 22 and injuring more than 200. Most were sleeping and likely did not have access to other weather warning sources, like television broadcasts or outdoor warning sirens. 

"It's critical that you have multiple ways to get life-saving weather warnings no matter where you are or what time of day it is," said OEM Director Albert Ashwood. "Tornadoes can strike in any month, and at any time of day in Oklahoma and NOAA weather radios broadcast severe weather warning and watch information as well as Emergency Alert System notifications 24 hours a day," he added.

     
Weather radios are a first line of defense, explained Rick Smith, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS Office at Norman. "They provide that initial warning message which lets us know to take immediate action to protect lives and property. When the warning alarm sounds on the weather radio, that's your cue to go find additional information," Smith said. 

Weather radio technology has improved in recent years. Today, weather radios can be programmed to only provide warnings for select counties and are especially valuable when individuals are asleep and not paying attention to other weather information sources. "If your home has a smoke detector, it should also have a NOAA Weather Radio," Smith added

     
While this weekend's tragedy reminds us of the need for tornado warnings, at this time of year we must realize that the possibility of dangerous winter weather is right around the corner, explained Ashwood. "The good news is the same weather radio you depend on in the spring and fall for tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood warnings will also keep you informed when it comes to inclement winter weather," he added.