Watch vs warning › Choose a NOAA weather radio for home or an emergency kit
National Weather Service alert guide
Choose a NOAA weather radio for home or an emergency kit
For county-filtered alerts at home, start with a SAME-capable desktop radio and battery backup. For an emergency kit, choose a portable radio with weather-alert mode. Those are different features.
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A NOAA weather radio receives broadcasts without internet or cell service. It still needs power, a working transmitter and a usable signal. Keep more than one way to receive official warnings.
This comparison uses manufacturer documentation, not hands-on testing. SAME means Specific Area Message Encoding. A SAME receiver can filter alerts by the county or area codes you select. A portable tone-alert radio may sound for the whole transmitter coverage area.
Compare the radio features
Scroll the comparison sideways on a narrow screen. A hand crank does not imply SAME county filtering.
| Model | SAME county filtering | Backup power | Weather alert mode | Suitable use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midland WR120 | Yes | AC adapter with AA battery backup | Tone, voice or display settings | A dedicated home alert radio |
| Midland WR400 | Yes | AC adapter with AA battery backup | Configurable alert settings | Home alerts plus AM/FM and a clock |
| Midland ER310 | No | Rechargeable battery; USB, crank or solar charging | Weather tone alerts; no county selection | A portable emergency kit |
Choose by where you will use it
Midland WR120: A dedicated home radio with SAME county filtering and battery backup. Choose the alert settings in its manual, then leave the radio powered and receiving your local transmitter. Search Amazon
Midland WR400: A desktop SAME radio for people who also want AM/FM and a clock. It offers alert settings and battery backup. Search Amazon
Midland ER310: A portable radio with a rechargeable battery, USB phone charging and a flashlight. It can recharge by USB, crank or solar. Enable its weather-alert mode for tone alerts. It does not filter alerts by SAME county code. Search Amazon
Check the exact model number before buying. A newer model with a similar name may have different power options or alert settings. We do not claim that every Amazon search result is the model described here.
What to check before buying
- County filtering: look for SAME if you want to select the areas that trigger alerts. Receiving NOAA weather broadcasts alone does not provide this feature.
- Reception: confirm which transmitter covers your county. Building materials and distance can affect the signal indoors.
- Backup power: keep the correct batteries available and follow the manufacturer's charging instructions. Crank and solar charging are supplemental power sources, not unlimited runtime.
- Alert behavior: confirm the radio can alert while you are not listening to a broadcast. Display-only mode may not wake you.
- Accessibility: check for compatible strobes or bed shakers if an audible tone is not enough for your household.
- Model documentation: review its manual, included power accessories and return policy. NOAA Weather Radio reception and Public Alert certification are not identical claims.
Set up county alerts and check reception
- Use the NWS county coverage directory linked below to find your transmitter and six-digit SAME location code.
- Tune the radio to that transmitter. Confirm that you can hear the weather broadcast clearly where the radio will stay.
- On a SAME-capable model, enter the location codes using its manual. The ER310 has no SAME-code setup.
- Choose an audible weather-alert mode and install or charge the backup battery as the manual directs.
- Check for the local NWS weekly test. Some receivers display the test without sounding a tone. A button test alone does not confirm that the radio receives your transmitter.
- If a test is missed, check the local test schedule, transmitter status, reception, power and settings. Severe weather can postpone a scheduled test.
Common questions
Does a phone replace a weather radio?
Use both if you can. Phones and weather radios use different delivery systems. Radio reception, transmitter availability, batteries and settings still matter. No single device guarantees that you receive every alert.
Source: www.weather.gov/nwrDoes a hand-crank radio filter alerts by county?
Not necessarily. Crank charging is a power feature. SAME is the county-filtering feature. The ER310 receives weather tone alerts but does not offer SAME county selection.
Source: support.midlandusa.com/hc/en-us/articles/33020284947351-Midland-ER310-Emergency-Crank-Weather-Alert-Radio-Full-User-GuideCan I choose which alerts sound?
Some models let you disable selected event types, but certain warnings remain enabled. SAME filters location; event settings are separate. Check your model's manual before changing alerts.
Source: support.midlandusa.com/hc/en-us/articles/34892944201495-Customizing-the-WR120-and-WR400-Alert-OptionsHow do I know the radio is ready?
Confirm clear reception, correct area settings, alert mode and backup power. Check receipt of your local NWS weekly test using the behavior described in your manual. Follow the battery maker's replacement guidance; a missed test needs investigation.
Source: www.weather.gov/phi/nwrfaq