Now how do we convince folks to turn them on and replace the batteries occasionally? After the novelty has worn off, they will be turned off (false alarms will take care of that) and like smoke detectors … batteries will never be replace in most, ever.
After the novelty has worn off, they will be turned off (false alarms will take care of that) and like smoke detectors … batteries will never be replace in most, ever.
That's worth repeating. This makes some politician somewhere feel (and look) as if he's doing something important. But as someone who once lived in a trailer, I'll vouch that I could have afforded a $20 radio on my own.
Trailers are not "tornado magnets". They're just so flimsy that the incredibe low pressure and high winds of a tornado blow them up while nearby houses aren't hurt. That's a risk you take when you live in one.
Come to think of it, maybe we could mandate that they all come with On-Star.
Imagine the ad: "Hello, this is On-Star. I've just been informed that your home has been flipped over on its side, are you OK?"
"Oh -- yes. Actually a soda straw has been driven through my right bicep from the force of the storm."
Not to worry, Sir. I'll call emergency services for you. Would you like me to remain on the line?"
Yes, please.
[Sound of ambulance siren]
"They're here, thank you very much."
"Glad I could help. Actually, Sir, we show that your bill is two weeks overdue. There's a nasty cold front heading your way from Kansas, you might want to think about paying up. Thank you for calling On-Star."
Just a thought.