It’s important to get weather and emergency alerts so you can stay informed. While there are many ways to get alerts, it’s important that you get alerts that are accessible and work for you. NOAA Weather Radios have features and accessories that can make them a good option for people with disabilities.
For individuals who are blind or have low vision, weather radios provide information via sound, including an alarm when there’s an emergency. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, some weather radios provide information visually, which could include a screen that displays text and, if there is an alert, lights that indicate the level of the alert (i.e., advisory, watch, or warning). There are also some accessories – like strobe lights and pillow shakers – available to make a weather radio useful for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In addition to being an accessible option, weather radios can offer other advantages, too.
- Weather radios receive information over radio waves, and some weather radios can use batteries for power, so if there is a cell, internet, and/or power outage, a weather radio should still be able to keep you informed, regardless of the situation.
- Being battery powered makes a weather radio very portable.
- Some weather radios have additional features you might find useful, like a built-in flashlight or a port for charging other devices.
- In addition to providing timely alerts about severe weather and local emergencies, weather radios also provide regular weather information 24 hours per day.
See our Weather & Emergency Alerts for Texans with Disabilities for information about other alerts that can help you stay informed.
Updated: March 25, 2024
Publication Code: DPR12
www.DRTx.org
Statewide Intake: 1-800-252-9108
Sign Language Video Phone: 1-866-362-2851
Purple 2 Video Phone: 512-271-9391
Online Intake available 24/7: intake.DRTx.org
Disclaimer: Disability Rights Texas strives to update its materials on an annual basis, and this handout is based upon the law at the time it was written. The law changes frequently and is subject to various interpretations by different courts. Future changes in the law may make some information in this handout inaccurate.
The handout is not intended to and does not replace an attorney’s advice or assistance based on your particular situation.
To request this handout in ASL, Braille, or as an audio file, contact us.
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