How to Listen to Emergency Radio
From sirens to skies hear what’s really happening in your world, live. Discover how to use emergency radio app Broadcastify to monitor real-time emergency communications safely and legally.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
August 1, 2025
Ever wonder what that helicopter is doing overhead?
Or what delayed your train this morning?
Here's a Cool Tip: Listen Online to Emergency Radio with Broadcastify.
With one click, you can listen to live emergency and specialty radio streams, police, fire, aircraft, rail, marine, all free and right from your browser.
It’s like having a backstage pass to the world’s infrastructure and it’s surprisingly addictive.
What Is Emergency and Specialty Radio Streaming?
These are public, over-the-air radio transmissions used by police, fire, EMS, aviation, rail, and maritime agencies.
You’re not just limited to your hometown.
You can scan dispatch feeds from New York to Los Angeles, or monitor aircraft talking to JFK Tower while sipping coffee at home.
What You’ll Gain
- Hear what’s really happening—before it hits the headlines
- Explore aircraft, marine, and rail audio from across the globe
- Stream from your phone or computer instantly—no gear needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
On the Web
- Go to Broadcastify.com.
- Select "listen" from the top menu.
- Click “Browse Feeds”.
- Choose your area, or click “Top Feeds” to see what’s trending.
- Explore feeds like:
- Police and Fire Dispatch.
- Airport Control Towers.
- Railroad Operations.
- Marine VHF Channels.
- Click to listen instantly. No signup required.
 |
fig. 1 - Listen to Police, Planes, and Trains Live |
Mobile Website
- Go to m.broadcastify.com/.
- Click “Browse Feeds”.
- Choose your area, or click “Top Feeds” to see what’s trending.
- Explore feeds like:
- Police and Fire Dispatch.
- Airport Control Towers.
- Railroad Operations.
- Marine VHF Channels.
- Click to listen instantly. No signup required.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Real-time insight into local and global activity.
- Easy to use, completely free.
- Fascinating peek into public safety, logistics, and aviation.
Cons
- Audio quality varies by feed.
- Some agencies use encrypted channels, which won’t be accessible.
- Not all chatter is interesting—some streams are quiet or technical.
Real-World & Just-for-Fun Examples
- Curious commuter: You hear sirens on the highway. You stream the local fire dispatch and learn it’s a vehicle fire. There's no need to panic.
- Aviation enthusiast: You’re watching planes on FlightRadar24 and streaming the JFK Tower feed at the same time. Pure synergy.
- Rail fan: Listen to Union Pacific dispatch while watching a freight train roll through your local crossing.
And yes, you’ll get hooked.
Don’t be surprised if you lose 20 minutes listening to ships call into Boston Harbor.
Configuration Guide
No setup is needed, but for best results:
- Turn on location access in mobile apps for quick access to local feeds.
- Mark favorite channels for easier return.
- Enable listener-count alerts in Scanner Radio for breaking activity.
Who Can Use It?
- Anyone with internet access.
- No accounts, no hardware, no cost.
- Works on:
- Web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari).
- iOS and Android apps.
- Tablets and Chromebooks.
Score
Criterion Score JustificationValue: 8/10In emergencies, this is a smart tool. For fun, it's just plain fascinating.Usability: 9/10Click and listen. No configuration required.Wow Factor: 9/10The thrill of eavesdropping on air traffic or live police radio is hard to beat.Total Score: 26/30 🌟 Excellent.Highly recommended for immediate use, especially on a Friday afternoon.
Key Takeaways
Emergency and specialty radio streams give you real-time access to what’s happening around you—from police activity to air traffic to port communications.
It’s free, legal, and surprisingly fun.
Try It Yourself
Take a Friday break and listen to the world.
Head to Broadcastify.com.
Choose a city, airport, or railroad hub and just start listening.
You’ll never look at sirens, aircraft, or freight trains the same way again.
Share your favorite scanner stream with friends and subscribe to our newsletter for more surprising Cool Tips!
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