Multiple charging options and a reliable battery: These are crucial in an emergency situation.It’s not a total dealbreaker if your radio can’t pick up these alert signals, as long as it still gets the main NOAA radio transmissions, but it does mean you will have to remember to turn it on if you’re anticipating inclement weather. There are also Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) alerts, which, after you manually program your location, transmit a series of codes that are relevant to only that exact position (SAME-enabled radios tend to be stationary, rather than portable). These messages, which are broadcast over the weather-band frequencies, automatically turn the radio into a siren emitting sounds and/or flashing lights to warn of upcoming storms or to convey other crucial information that could affect the general area. Ability to receive dedicated weather alerts from NOAA’s Emergency Alert System: This feature is also important, particularly if you live in a tornado- or flash-flood-prone area.The signal covers all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the US Pacific Territories, and is much more reliable than standard AM/FM radio or cell service. Ability to receive transmissions from NOAA’s Weather Radio All Hazards: This nationwide network of radio stations broadcasts continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.But the rest of its upgrades more than make up for that. However, the flashlight isn’t quite as bright as on our other picks, and the position of the handle means you might accidentally press a button and alter the radio or alert settings while you’re carrying it. Like our other picks, it’s reliably resistant against tumbles and water, and it offers USB charging and a headphone jack, as well. In addition to receiving AM/FM, weather-band radio, and NOAA weather alerts, the Sidekick also picks up the hyper-local and customizable Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) alerts-it’s the only portable emergency weather radio we’ve found that does so. Plus, the back panel works as a 5-by-5-inch reading light, making it a great option for reading or finding kindling in the dark. It’s one of the few models we found with Bluetooth or an aux-in port, and it also has the best-sounding speaker of any weather radio we’ve ever tested. If you want a weather radio that you can also enjoy as an on-the-go entertainment center, we recommend the Eton Sidekick.

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