# Emergency radio questions and answers

> Short answers on emergency radios in the UK: why FM, which BBC station to tune to, whether long wave still works, wind-up or batteries, and how often to test.

- Canonical URL: https://emergencyradio.co.uk/faq/
- Source: [Be Ready, the UK government's household emergency checklist](https://beready.campaign.gov.uk/be-ready-for-emergencies/)
- Checked: 2026-10-25

## The basics

**Do I really need a radio?**
The government's Be Ready checklist includes a battery or wind-up FM radio in every home's emergency kit ([gov.uk](https://beready.campaign.gov.uk/be-ready-for-emergencies/)). It keeps you informed when mobile networks, broadband or mains power fail.

**Why FM and not DAB?**
The checklist names FM. Every BBC local and nations station broadcasts on FM. A DAB radio is fine for everyday listening; make sure your emergency set has FM.

**Which station should I tune to?**
Your BBC local station, or BBC Radio Scotland, Wales, Ulster or Foyle, for local news; BBC Radio 4 on FM for national news. Use the [station finder](https://emergencyradio.co.uk/find-your-bbc-station/).

## Old radios and bands

**Does long wave still work?**
Not for the BBC: Radio 4's 198 kHz long wave service closed on 27 June 2026 ([RSGB](https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/rsgb-notices/2026/05/29/the-closure-of-bbc-long-wave/)).

**And medium wave?**
The last local BBC medium wave services in England close by the end of 2026 ([WorldDAB](https://www.worlddab.org/newsroom/18594/why-bbc-local-radio-s-remaining-medium-wave-services-are-closing)), and 5 Live's medium wave is being phased out.

## Choosing and keeping it

**Wind-up, solar or batteries?**
Two sources are best: a crank plus batteries, or a crank plus solar. See [the comparison](https://emergencyradio.co.uk/wind-up-solar-or-battery/).

**Can a wind-up radio charge my phone?**
Many have a USB port, but winding gives only a small top-up. A charged power bank, also on the official list, does that job better.

**How often should I test it?**
Every six months, when the clocks change: batteries, a minute of winding, your station still tuned. The app can add a calendar reminder.

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Emergency Radio UK · Contact: contact@emergencyradio.co.uk