I thought about getting one of those a few years ago - but my city started a Code Red system since then and they call all residents in the city on their home and cell phones if there's a severe storm warning, any other emergencies, too.

They called a few days ago because we'd have over 50mph winds.

 

That's a good point, Sarge. To expand on it a bit also check/replace/charge the batteries in any portable radios, scanners and HTs you may have in your emergency kit.

A lot of cities have implemented systems like this, but if the phone lines, cell towers or internet are interupted the system becomes useless. A portable scanner programmed with the frequencies used for the city emergency communications and the amateur radio ARES frequencies can be your best friend in a situation like this.

 

My city also started an alert system. We also have emergency sirens they can activate from the county's 911 system. Plus my scanner has a weather radio that's always charged so I'm set.