NOAA Weather Radio SAME Technology

Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME)

On January 1, 1997, the old Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) was replaced with the new Emergency Alert System or EAS. With the implementation of EAS, media facilities will have the option to allow the NWS to automatically interrupt their normal programming to broadcast weather warnings. The NWS will input watches and warnings into EAS by using a new technology called the Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME).

The public can also benefit from this new technology through a new generation of programmable NOAA All Hazards Weather Radios. The new digital weather radios can be programmed to alarm for specific counties. For example, a resident in Greene county can program their new weather radio to alarm only for Greene county.

On a related note, the NWS would like to take this opportunity to thank those radio stations which monitor our weather radio broadcast and weekly test alarms.

SAME(FIPS) Codes for the Springfield, MO County Warning Area of Responsibility

SAME(FIPS) Codes for entire United States

To learn more about NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio visit our NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio Page.