When storms threaten, real-time information can make a difference. This guide shows how to use police/fire/EMS scanners alongside NOAA Weather Radio and official alerts. You’ll learn what to monitor, how to set up notifications, and the safety do’s and don’ts during severe weather.
Quick Start: Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone, keep a
NOAA Weather Radio on your desk/nightstand, and monitor local fire/EMS and public works
channels for impact reports.
What To Monitor During Severe Weather
- NOAA Weather Radio (NWR): Official warnings (Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm/Flash Flood), watches, and immediate safety instructions.
- Fire & EMS Dispatch: Injury calls, water rescues, wires down, structure fires from lightning.
- Police/Traffic: Road closures, crashes, blocked intersections, detours.
- Public Works/Utilities: Reports of downed trees, power lines, debris, water main breaks.
- Skywarn/Spotter Nets (where public): Trained spotter reports (hail size, rotation, damage).
Encrypted or tactical channels are not publicly monitorable and won’t appear on feeds.
Essential Setup
NOAA Weather Radio
- Buy a SAME-capable radio; program your county FIPS code.
- Place it where you sleep; use battery backup in case of power loss.
- Test weekly; keep volume/audible alerts on for overnights.
Scanner/Apps
- Favorite your local Fire/EMS Dispatch and County/City Ops.
- Add State Patrol for highway closures and major crashes.
- Label groups (PD, Fire, EMS, Public Works) for quick toggling.
Know Your Alerts (Common Types)
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch/Warning — Damaging winds, hail; follow shelter guidance.
- Tornado Watch/Warning — Rotation observed or radar-indicated; seek safe shelter immediately.
- Flash Flood Warning — Rapid flooding; avoid underpasses, low spots, and moving water.
- Winter Storm/Ice/Blizzard Warnings — Travel impacts, power outages, dangerous wind chills.
Do’s & Don’ts During Storms
- Do shelter promptly when a warning is issued.
- Do keep phones charged; have battery banks and flashlights ready.
- Do use scanners for situational awareness, not response.
- Don’t drive through flooded roads (“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”).
- Don’t go “storm chasing” without training and proper equipment.
- Don’t rely on social media rumors — verify with official bulletins.
Power Outages & Backup Plans
- Keep a 72-hour kit (water, food, meds, first aid, radio, batteries).
- Have a car charger and battery banks for phones/handheld radios.
- Consider a hand-crank/solar radio with NOAA alerts.
- Pre-download offline maps; know local shelters and warming/cooling sites.
Scanner Clues During Storms
- Multiple trees/wires down → Widespread wind damage; expect blocked roads.
- Water rescues & stalled vehicles → Flash flooding; avoid low-lying areas.
- Transformer pops & structure fires → Lightning/line damage; stay clear of downed lines.
- Requests for barricades/utility crews → Extended closures; plan alternate routes.
Keep Learning
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational use only and is not an official weather statement. Always follow NOAA/NWS warnings and local emergency management instructions. Do not self-deploy to incidents you hear over scanners.