The Maxon WX80 is strictly a weather radio and it only receives the seven
NOAA weather radio channels.  The SAME technology allows you to select which
counties and sub areas that you want your radio to respond to.  With the new
"all hazard" radios, you can also disable categories of messages that you
don't want to receive.  Some time around the beginning of this year the
National weather service and the Department of Homeland Security signed an
agreement so that all kinds of emergency info can be broadcast over the
weather radio system.  In some states, even Amber alerts are broadcast.

Hope that helps,

Bob, K8LR