Best Emergency Radio UK: What to Look For
Why GOV.UK recommends a battery or wind-up radio, which features matter, and how to find UK emergency radio stations and frequencies.
GOV.UK recommends a battery or wind-up FM radio in every emergency kit. When the power is off, mobile masts can go down and broadband stops working, but radio keeps broadcasting official updates.
Based on official GOV.UK Be Ready guidance.
Features that matter
- FM reception. This is the one GOV.UK names; DAB is a bonus, not a substitute.
- More than one power source: wind-up crank, batteries and ideally USB or solar.
- A built-in torch, so one device does two jobs.
- A USB output to top up a phone, though cranking a phone to full takes a long time.
- A headphone socket to save battery overnight.
- Easy controls you can use in the dark.
Finding UK emergency stations
In an emergency, BBC local radio and BBC Radio 4 are the main sources of official information, alongside your local commercial stations. Frequencies depend on where you live.
GOV.UK advises writing your local station frequencies down and keeping them with your radio and your household emergency plan. Look up your BBC local radio station’s FM frequency on the BBC website now, while you have power.
Emergency Alerts on your phone
The UK Government can also send Emergency Alerts to mobile phones in an affected area. They arrive with a loud siren-like sound, even on silent. A radio is still essential, because alerts depend on the mobile network working.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best emergency radio UK?
Look for one with FM reception, a wind-up crank plus batteries or USB charging, a built-in torch and simple controls. FM is what GOV.UK recommends.
What frequency is emergency radio in the UK?
There is no single emergency frequency. Listen to BBC local radio, BBC Radio 4 or local stations; frequencies vary by area, so write yours down in advance.
Do I need a DAB or FM emergency radio?
FM. GOV.UK specifically recommends an FM radio. DAB is a nice extra but uses more power.
Are wind-up radios any good?
Yes, as a backup that never runs out of power. Choose one that also takes batteries so you are not cranking constantly.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.