Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a system that provides immediate communications and information to the general public at the national, state, or local level during periods of national emergency. The EAS may also be used by state and local governments to disseminate emergency information to the public in their area.

KWTX (97.5 FM) and WACO (99.9 FM) are the official EAS station for the Harker Heights area and can re-broadcast emergency messages transmitted by the City of Harker Heights.  EAS messages are also broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio.

Additional information about EAS can be seen at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) web page.


NOAA Radio

NOAA All-Hazards Radio (formerly called "Weather Alert Radios")

Weather Radios broadcast National Weather Service (NWS) warnings, watches, forecasts and other non-weather related hazard information 24 hours a day. During an emergency, NWS forecasters interrupt routine broadcasts and send a special tone activating local weather radios. Weather radios with the alert feature are equipped with a special alarm tone feature sound an alert to give you immediate information about a life-threatening situation. Most Weather Radios have back up battery power that will allow for operation even when power is lost. Batteries should be checked and changed as needed on a regular basis.

NOAA Weather Radio receivers can be purchased at many retail stores that sell electronic merchandise, including stand-alone electronic retail outlets, electronics departments within department stores, and some drug stores. NOAA Weather Radio receivers can also be purchased through some mail order catalogs.

In addition, NOAA Weather Radio receivers are often sold in boat and marine accessory businesses since they are popular in the marine community. These are just some of the places that NOAA Weather Radio receivers can be purchased. Be sure to purchase receivers with the alert feature incorporated into their design.

The NOAA Radio Transmitter for Bell County is a 1000 watt transmitter located in Waco, Texas.  It’s call sign is WXK35 and it transmits on a frequency of 162.475 (VHF).