(COLORADO SPRINGS) – “America’s Official Federal Warning System,” designated as such by President Gerald Ford in 1975, turns 50 next year.

Bruce Jones, meteorologist and national spokesperson for Midland Radio, is in town for the International Association of Emergency Managers annual conference taking place this week at the Broadmoor. Jones joined Matt Meister, FOX21 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist on set to talk about the importance of having redundant methods of receiving emergency alert and weather information.

“NOAA Weather Radio comprises 1,034 transmitters serving all 50 states,” said Jones. “It reaches 94-percent of the U.S. population that can be accessed through an inexpensive receiver.”

Jones says that even in the days of EAS alerts being enabled through cell-phones and warnings being delivered through various mobile apps, including the FOX21 Storm Team app, NOAA Weather Radio is an important tool.

“During wildfires, cell phone towers burn up as fast as the trees around them,” said Jones. “If a cell phone is in do not disturb mode while you’re sleeping NOAA weather radio will still provide you a potentially life-saving alert.”

Midland radios can be purchased at on-line retailers including Amazon and local retailers and sports stores across southern Colorado.

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Desktop versions, as well as more portable, hand-crankable, models are available for those on the go.