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Frequent Asked Questions
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are FIPS codes?
Your weather alert radio can receive all SAME alert signals broadcast within a
radius of up to 50-miles (80-km). To receive alerts about weather occurring only
in particular counties within that area, you can program up to nine locations into
your radio and the FIPS codes are automatically set into memory. You can then
avoid hearing an alert that applies to an area within a 50-mile radius, but not
necessarily to your county, parish, or region.
For the purpose of broadcasting weather information, the National Weather
Service (NWS) has divided the United States into areas by state and county (or
parish, where applicable) and then assigned a 6-digit FIPS code to each area. For
example, the code for Tarrant County, Texas, is 048439.
The first digit of a FIPS code identifies the county subdivision, the next two digits
identify the state, and the last three digits identify the county or parish.
Obtaining FIPS Codes: To obtain the FIPS codes, contact your local RadioShack
store or call the NWS toll free at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263).
You can also visit the NWS website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
What is an alert?
Your radio is preset to receive warnings, watches, and advisories from the NWS.
When an alert is received, a voice or tone alert sounds, and the alert description
and duration appear on the display. Alert descriptions are based on a list of
specific weather alert types published by NWS. For a list of alert descriptions
displayed on your Weather Alert Radio, refer to "NWS Alert Descriptions" on page 12.
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Note: If severe weather is imminent, do not wait for an alert tone.
What are undefined or unrecognized alerts?
The NWS occasionally broadcasts weather information intended for commercial
or other non-public use, or creates and broadcasts new alert types. If a signal for
a new alert type is received and the alert is turned on,
and the
UNRECOGNIZED
alert description (warning, watch, or advisory) displays.
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