6. To turn off the radio, turn VOLUME to the left until it clicks. USING THE ALERT MODE You can set the Weatheradio to alert you when the National Weather Service broadcasts an emergency signal, without having to listen to continuous weather updates. Follow these steps to set the radio to the alert mode. 1. To turn on the radio, turn VOLUME to the right until it clicks. The radio is in the alert mode and the alert indicator lights. Then set VOLUME to its center position. Note: If the radio is set to receive weather broadcasts, simply press ALERT to set the radio to the alert mode. The alert indicator lights and the receiver is silent. 2. Set ALERT LOCK as follows: ON — The siren sounds until you press WEATHER to silence it. OFF — The siren sounds only during the 10-second alert signal broadcast. Note: We suggest you use the OFF setting when you will be away from the radio so the siren does not disturb others if it sounds. When you return, the radio’s alert indicator flashes to let you know that the radio received an alert signal broadcast. 3. When the radio receives an alert signal and sounds the alert siren, press WEATHER. The siren stops (if it is still sounding), the alert indicator stops flashing, and you hear the current weather broadcast. 4. To turn off the radio, turn VOLUME to the left until it clicks. Caution: If severe weather threatens, do not wait for an alert; turn on your radio and monitor the latest weather information. TESTING ALERT OPERATION For your Weatheradio to be effective, you must place the radio where you can hear its alert tone (see “Testing the Alert Circuit”) and where it can receive an emergency alert broadcast (see “Testing Alert Reception”). Once you determine a location that meets these two conditions, leave the radio there for the best protection. Testing the Alert Circuit The TEST button lets you hear the alert siren the Weatheradio produces, but does not guarantee your radio will receive an emergency alert broadcast (see “Testing Alert Reception”). Follow these steps to sound the alert siren. 1. Turn on the Weatheradio. 2. Press ALERT. The alert indicator lights. 3. Press and hold TEST. The siren sounds. If ALERT LOCK is set to ON, press WEATHER to stop the siren. If ALERT LOCK is set to OFF, the siren sounds only while you hold down TEST. Testing Alert Reception The fact that you get clear voice reception or that the siren sounds when you press TEST does not guarantee that an emergency alert broadcast will trigger your Weatheradio’s alert siren. Also, if you are in a fringe area, your radio might be triggered by an alert broadcast in one area, but not be triggered if you place it somewhere else (even close by). To verify actual reception, your radio must receive a test or emergency alert broadcast. The National Weather Service (NWS) broadcasts a test alert every week on Wednesday between 11 AM and 12 noon. To find out the specific test schedule in your area, contact your local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or National Weather Service office. These offices are usually listed in the telephone directory under “US Government, Department of Commerce.” To verify that your Weatheradio receives the test alert properly, press ALERT before the time when the test alert is broadcast in your local area. If the test alert broadcast does not trigger your radio’s alert siren, you are either out of range of the broadcast, the power cord is disconnected, or your radio’s batteries are weak. Note: If you use your Weatheradio when you travel, be sure to test it at its new location. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your Weatheradio is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your radio so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the radio dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Use and store the radio only in normal temperature environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic parts. Keep the radio away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts. Handle the radio gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases and can cause the radio to work improperly. Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type. Old batteries can leak chemicals that damage your radio’s electronic parts. CLEANER CLEANER Wipe the Weatheradio with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the radio. Modifying or tampering with the Weatheradio’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate your radio’s warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your radio is not performing as it should, take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance. FCC STATEMENT Your Weatheradio might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To determine whether you...