Tips for Scanning During Severe Weather

By Jonathan Higgins
When making up your Emergency Preparedness Kit you may want to add a scanner to the list. A scanner will give you a tool of knowledge during a storm. You can get weather updates, road closures, and so much more.

Severe Weather Scanning
Having a scanner can be very helpful during a severe weather event. With most scanners you can get updates on weather via NOAA Weather Radio. Some scanners can alert you when there is severe weather coming, such as hurricanes, Tornados, severe thunderstorms and so on. Monitoring your local and state public safety will keep you informed what going on during the event.

What type of scanner do we recommend?
We highly recommend a portable scanner, in the event of power failure. Portable scanners are easy to carry with you and also operate on batteries, AC and DC power.

The Scanner models below will have NOAA Weather Radio plus weather alert technology. To see what scanner is the best for your area please visit our sister website: http://www.policescanners.net

   Type of Scanners Uniden Scanners
Analog trunking Uniden BC346XT
Digital Trunking Uniden BCD396XT
Pre Programmed Uniden HomePatrol-1

If your new to the scanning hobby, we have programming options available for each model listed above. We also carry software for programming too.

Recommend accessories with your portable scanner:

  • Carrying Case
  • AC adapter and mobile power cord
    (most scanners come with AC Adapter)
  • Alkaline /Rechargeable Batteries
  • Battery Charger with AC and DC plugs

    Already own a scanner? Here are some programming tips…
    In addition to programming your local Fire EMS and state/local police you may want to program some storm related departments such as:

  • Local and Statewide Emergency Management Agencies
  • Highway/Dept of Public Works
  • Electric Utilities Company
  • Intercity Fire and Police Networks
  • Most of this can be found on RadioReference.com

    You don’t always need to scan these departments, but you can stored them in the scanner, so in an event of a storm they can be turn on.

    Helpful Links: Basic Emergency Supply Kit
    Disaster Supply Kit
    Hurricane Evacuation Kit

    Scanner 101 – HomePatrol-1 Extreme Trunking Discovery and Analysis



    Paul Opitz, Senior Product Manager at Uniden continues his video series about the new HomePatrol-1 Extreme features:

    Trunking Analysis

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ay-8aH6bE&w=350&h=350]

    Trunking Discovery

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHp2PJmiUEg&w=350&h=350]

    Click here to see all past videos.

    How do you get HomePatrol-1 Extreme, click here to read the details.

    New Product – Audio Isolator Cables

    The Products:
    Isolator Cable Male to Male (6 foot)
    Price: $19.95

    Isolator Cable Male to Female (6 foot)
    Price: $19.95
    (Both cables made by Comtekk)

    Streaming your scanner online? The Isolator Cable is a must have. The Isolator filters out unwanted line noise improving your streams audio. This cable will also protect your computer with the exclusive Comtekk’s 600-ohm isolator with DC Blocking, ground loop elimination “hot chassis” and surge protection.

    We carry the Male to male cable for direct connection from PC to the scanner and the male to female cable so you can use extension (male to male) cable for those longer runs.

    In the photo below is the Isolator Cable Male to Male (6 foot):