Weatheradio Canada transmitters broadcast on the Very High Frequency (VHF) public service band using one of seven frequencies: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, or 162.550 MHz.
The average range for reception of the broadcast signal is approximately 60 km from the transmitter site, but this can vary depending on the terrain.
At a few locations, low power broadcasts without the alert tone or Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) codes are transmitted on the regular FM or AM band and can be heard using an ordinary radio.
If severe weather threatens, public safety experts agree that seconds count to save lives. With a tone alert-capable Weatheradio, the device will automatically activate a visual or audio alarm for toned weather warnings, reducing the risk of the warning being missed.
An enhanced model of Weatheradio receiver with a decoder for SAME messages will screen out warnings that don't apply to your local area, alerting you only for pre-programmed events.
Weatheradio Canada is no longer just about weather, it is evolving into an "all-hazards" alert system. Warnings for non-weather related natural disasters such as tsunami advisories are already broadcast and many more of these alerts are currently being tested.
Weatheradio is not just for emergencies, it provides instant and continuous access to current weather conditions and short term weather forecasts, as well as any watches, warnings and advisories that may be in effect.
Tests are conducted on the SAME alert feature each week around noon on Wednesday. Monthly tests of the tone alert feature occur on the first Wednesday of each month. These tests provide an opportunity for listeners to ensure that their equipment is in good working order.
