When an NWS office broadcasts an urgent audio message (warning, watch, or non-weather emergency) it also creates and broadcasts a digital SAME code (that may be heard as a very brief static burst, depending on the characteristics of the receiver). This SAME code contains the type of message, county(s) affected, and expiration time of the message. An appropriately programmed SAME weather radio will then turn on for that message, with the listener hearing the warning alarm as an attention signal, followed by the broadcast message. At the end of the broadcast message, listeners will hear a brief digital end-of-message static burst followed by a resumption of the NWR broadcast cycle.
To program currently available NWR SAME receivers with the proper county(s) of choice, a user will need to know the 6-digit SAME code number(s) for that county(s). Below is a table of SAME codes for counites in the KIMT viewing area.
Please see information from the manufacturer of your NWR SAME receiver for specific programming instructions. Another method for getting a county NWR SAME code number for programming receivers is available through the NWS's toll free telephone service. This toll free number is 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263). Users will be prompted through a simple voice menu. Users will be able to program more advanced receivers to receive alerts for specific emergencies as well as specific counties. |
