NWRs are fairly simple to program. Using Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.), these numbers can be quickly entered into NWRs and the user does not have to worry about programming specific frequencies into the unit. Though the National Weather Service or Montgomery City/County EMA cannot specifically endorse a particular NWR unit, here are the programming instructions for a number of units that you may purchase on the market (special thanks to Ted Buehner of NWS WFO Seattle for these instructional slides):

• Reecom R-1630 and 1650
• Midland WR 100
• Midland WR 300 
• First Alert WX-200

Deaf or hard of hearing?

View a video that shows how to program a Midland 120 EZ radio, and it includes captions and signing.