The NOAA weather radio broadcast can be received by special weather radios or by a scanner. There are two basic models of NOAA weather radio. The older NOAA weather radio still works BUT, it is a basic radio and may not receive all frequencies currently used by NOAA weather radio (see below). The new technology in weather radios with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoder) makes a radio more useful and less of an annoyance. A scanner can be used for this broadcast BUT it would not receive warnings when turned off or monitoring other frequencies.

The "basic" NOAA weather radio such as the "weather cube" or "Bearcat weather radio" uses a tone alert for ANY warning issued for ANY county in the warning area. This would mean that the radio could be triggered for warnings that would not impact McDonough County. This could result in a "false alarm" or a type of "cry wolf" situation where the radio is ignored or shut off because of annoyance.

The newer radios use the SAME (Specific Area Message Encoder) technology which prevents the "false alarm" problem. These radios are in the $50 to $90 price range and allow the programming of warnings for a specific county or counties. The Radio Shack model 12-250, $ 69.95 suggested price, is one of 3 brands that allow programming of the warning area. Oregon Scientific model WR 122 $99 suggested price for a desktop model or the WR 102 portable weather radio at $69 suggested price. Midland Radio also has 2 models also. The 74-200 and the 74-210 are both a desktop model of radio.

At this time, the Radio Shack model 12-250 and the Oregon Scientific model WR102 have been reviewed.  (A Midland model 74-200 is on order and when reviewed, information will be added)  Both models have the capability to allow the user to program in multiple county FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) codes. For instance, you can "turn on" McDonough County (017109), Hancock County (017067), Henderson County (017071), Warren County (017187), Schuyler County (017169) and Fulton County (017057). It will also allow the blocking of some messages that might be broadcast from triggering the radio, however, this is not recommended. Even test messages allow the user to verify that the unit is working.

Some models may not be able to receive all 7 channels used for NOAA weather radio or be able to program multiple county codes in the radio.  However, advanced notice of a weather threat can give you time to prepare to evacuate to a better shelter. McDonough County E.S.D.A. would suggest that you be able to program your radio to warn of weather threats in McDonough, Adams, Henderson, Hancock, Fulton, and Schuyler Counties. This gives you some time to get advance warning of approaching storms. Also, be aware that these radios can give you notice of other emergencies such as the need to evacuate due to a non weather related threat such as a hazardous materials incident or other emergency needing immediate action.

Other counties that are in proximity to West Central Illinois and McDonough county include Adams county (017001) radio freq. 162.475 , Lee County Ia. (019111) radio freq. 162.525, Louisa County Ia. (019115) radio freq. 162.550 Des Moines Ia. (019057) radio freq. 162.525, Henry County Ia. (019087) radio freq. 162.525, Clark County Mo. (029045) radio freq. 162.450, Lewis County Mo. (029111) radio freq. 162.450,