March 19, 2024

WENS is solid, but not only alert format

Weather radios cover most of Iowa

Being signed up to receive notifications with a wireless emergency notification system, or WENS, is highly recommended, says Jasper County Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Sparks.

However, while text messaging and/or email alerts are highly effective ways for firefighters, law enforcement and weather centers to get information to the public, the most reliable way to get emergency weather information, Sparks said, is still by using a weather radio. There is a place for both types of services.

“To me, weather radios are still the best and most consistent way to find out what you need to know,” Sparks said. “Cellular signals are much more reliable than in the past, but there is still a delay, and you never know when a relay tower might get knocked out of service.”

Sparks said the main reasons emergency management agencies have embraced text and email alerts involve any member of a staff being able to send out fresh, localized information from a variety of mobile devices, whereas radio broadcasts must be created from a manned station — usually by a trained radio operator.

However, under the current system, WENS is not activated locally for weather warnings.

“Those who wish to get weather warnings through WENS can sign up on the WENS page to get a direct notification from the National Weather Service when they issue a weather warning,” Sparks said. “The user can select tornado or severe thunderstorm warning, or both, and there are many other options as well.”

Weather radios are still available in many stores, and can be ordered online for as little as $20. Sparks pointed out the network of NOAA coverage relay points doesn’t reach every corner of the larger western states, but nearly every square mile of Iowa is within reach of the network.

Sparks said he can’t count the amount of times he’s been in a remote or not-so-remote area and suddenly noticed there is no cellular coverage there.

According to www.noaa.gov, a large portion of Canada can receive English-language weather warnings as well.

Jasper County Emergency Management relies heavily on the National Weather Service for updates, passed along more quickly through social media and local AM and FM radio and other media. In addition to advisories, watches and warnings, radar maps and updates can be passed along this way.

The WENS signup will largely bring users start times to advisories, watches and warnings, and can also be utilized by law enforcement to bring citizens up to speed on a host of other public safety issues. Weather radios, Sparks pointed out, are strictly to track local weather.

Jasper County has a link to WENS signups, which can be found here: bit.ly/29U99oZ.

The NOAA coverage map and list of relay frequencies and call letters can be found here: bit.ly/29MmWk8.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com