[Todd Bayliss]

I keep getting these things in the mail offering me a free EMA radio. The latest was a card wanting my phone number as well as my name and address.

I've briefly searched the net and haven't found anything to be suspicious about, and yet I've never known the government to do anything that was purely for my own benefit, so it kind of makes me wonder what the angle is.

Reality check please. Do I have tinfoil on my head?

[SwedeSteve]

Haven't heard of it.

[SwedeSteve]

Found this:
AM Radio is Becoming EMA Radio Article

[Todd Bayliss]

I think the free feal is only a few counties here in Alabama arrayed around the Anniston Army Depot where they have been destroying the chemical weapons. The implication is so we can be notified if there is an accident at the Depot, but a couple months ago they announced that the last of the weapons had been destroyed.

Maybe its nothing, but they seem to REALLY want me to have this radio.

Here's a link:
Welcome | Emergency Alert Radio

[Big Dog]

I have that same radio - it's great for weather alerts here int he Hurricane Belt, and for Tornado alerts/warnings too. You set it to your nearest NOAA station, and it gives automatic alerts of any emergency.
Especially good with the ill-fated move to Digital TV.
With the digital signal so quirky - I lose signal for virtually NO reason - the TV will be DEAD in the event of bad weather. Bet on it! The Emergency Broadcast message on telly will NOT work. DIGITAL TV is crap.

GET the radio! It could be a life-saver!
I bought mine for $25 at the local Publix grocery - but be aware - when it goes into warning mode at night - it WILL wake you up!

[Todd Bayliss]

I've already got a NOAA radio I bought about 5 years ago, and yes it wakes you up for sure!

You're right about the digital TV. Its what I said when they first went to digital for cellular. Digital has only 2 states, on and off. For radio this means the signal is perfect or you get none at all. Terrible idea for radio.

[thatdogwonthunt]

heck if they are giving them out for free id get one it sounds like they are trying to help you out as your in a hurricane and tornado area

[one in the pipe]

Refrain from any goverment lists is my policy . I know they know about me after all I am a citizen but as my pappy used to say god rest his soul. THE NAIL THAT STICKS UP GET THE HAMMER.

[Todd Bayliss]

Well, it was way harder than need be, but I finally drug the straight skinny out of somebody (actually pieces of it from several sources).

First and most important to everyone: The NWS is converting to new technology that will make older radios obsolete. You need to get one with S.A.M.E. technology which will usually also be labeled as "Public Alert" compliant. Scrol down this page for a list of compatible radios:
NOAA Weather Radio

It looks like the reason for this is because it is currently possible for a nefarious soul to hijack the EMS radio system. The new system will be more secure, or so they say.