Know Your Zone

What is a FIPS Code?

FIPS stands for Federal Information Processing Standards. Every county in the United States has a unique 5-digit code that identifies it.

Weather radios use FIPS codes to know which alerts to broadcast. When you program your county's FIPS code into your weather radio, it will only alert you for warnings in your area!

How FIPS Codes Work

• First 2 digits = State code (example: 48 = Texas)
• Last 3 digits = County code (example: 201 = Harris County)
• Full code: 48201 = Harris County, Texas (Houston area)

How to Program Your Weather Radio

Once you know your FIPS code, follow these general steps (check your radio's manual for specific instructions):

1. Enter programming mode - Usually hold a button for 3 seconds or press a "Program" button
2. Select SAME/FIPS mode - Choose to program by county code
3. Enter your FIPS code - Type in your 5-digit code
4. Add nearby counties - Most radios let you program multiple codes (storms don't follow county lines!)
5. Save and exit - Confirm your settings
6. Test it! - Wait for the weekly test broadcast on Wednesdays

Pro Tip: Add Extra Counties!

Storms can affect areas just outside your county. Program your county plus any neighboring counties for maximum warning time!

Why Zones Matter

Without FIPS programming, your weather radio alerts you for every warning in your state - including places hundreds of miles away! That's annoying and can cause "alert fatigue."

With proper FIPS programming:

• You only get alerts for YOUR area
• You're more likely to pay attention when it beeps
• You'll know the warning applies to you
• Your family stays safer!

NWS Forecast Zones

The National Weather Service also uses forecast zones that are slightly different from FIPS county codes. These zones help forecasters divide large counties into smaller areas.

For example, a large county with mountains on one side and desert on the other might have:

• Zone 1: Mountain areas (higher elevation, more snow)
• Zone 2: Valley areas (different weather patterns)

Most weather radios work with FIPS county codes, but some advanced models support zone codes too. Check your radio's features!

My Zone Card

Print this card and fill in your information!