TESTING ALERT
OPERATION
For your scanner’s weather alert func- tion to be effective, you must place the scanner:
•Where it can receive an emer- gency alert broadcast (see “Test- ing Alert Reception” on this page)
•Where you can hear its alert tone (See “Testing the Weather Alert” on Page 11).
Once you determine a location that meets these two conditions, leave the scanner there for the best protection.
Testing Alert Reception
The fact that you get clear voice re- ception or that the tone sounds when you test the weather alert does not guarantee that an emergency alert broadcast will trigger your scanner’s alert tone. Also, if you are in a fringe area, your scanner might be triggered by a broadcast in one area, but not be triggered if you place it somewhere else (even close by).
To test for actual reception, your radio must receive a test or emergency alert broadcast. The National Weather Ser- vice (NWS) broadcasts a test alert ev- ery week on Wednesday between 11 AM and 12 Noon. To find out the spe- cific test schedule in your area, con- tact your local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or National Weather Service office.
These offices are usually listed in the telephone book under “US Govern- ment, Department of Commerce.”
To verify that your scanner receives the test alert properly, set the scanner to the weather alert standby mode (see “Using the Weather Alert Stand- by Mode” on Page 25) during the time when the test alert is broadcast in your area.
If the test alert broadcast does not trig- ger your scanner’s tone, you are out of range of the broadcast.
Note: If you use your scanner’s weather alert feature when you travel, you cannot guarantee that an emer- gency alert broadcast will trigger the scanner in all areas.
Notes for Weather Alerts:
•To ensure your scanner will sound the alert tone when it receives an emergency signal, keep the antenna fully extended at all times.
•If severe weather threatens, do not wait for an alert tone; turn on your scanner and monitor the lat- est weather information.
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