NOAA Weather Radios Required for All Short-Term Rentals in Ruidoso
February 6, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The Village of Ruidoso reminds short-term rental owners that NOAA Weather Radios are required by ordinance for guest safety. This requirement supports emergency preparedness by ensuring guests receive real-time alerts for flash flooding, wildfire evacuations, severe weather, and other local emergencies—even when cell service or power is limited.
Ruidoso’s mountain terrain can experience rapid-onset emergencies, and visitors may be unfamiliar with local hazards, including wildfire risk and post-burn scar flooding. NOAA Weather Radios provide 24/7 emergency alerts directly from the National Weather Service and are designed to function reliably during power outages or connectivity disruptions.
The Village of Ruidoso is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and residents, and short-term rental owners and managers play an important role in maintaining that standard. Hosts are responsible for providing a working NOAA Weather Radio, ensuring it is programmed for the Ruidoso area, and placing it in an accessible location where guests can easily hear alerts.
NOAA Weather Radios are widely available through common retail and online outlets, and hosts are not required to purchase a radio through the Village. Common purchase options include national home-improvement, electronics, and outdoor retailers; major online marketplaces; and weather-specific radio manufacturers that offer products labeled “NOAA Weather Radio” or “Emergency Weather Radio.”
As a convenience, NOAA Weather Radios are also available for local purchase and pickup at Village Hall, 313 Cree Meadows Drive, and can be programmed on site. For assistance with purchasing, programming, or short-term rental compliance, property owners may contact the Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management at 575-258-4343.
In addition to the NOAA Weather Radio requirement, the STR ordinance includes standard fire and life-safety inspection requirements and requires short-term rentals to post emergency information inside the unit to help guests respond quickly during an emergency.
For more details on the ordinance or to apply for a short-term rental permit, visit the Village of Ruidoso’s official Short-Term Rental Compliance webpage or contact Chrysanti Jones, Short-Term Rental Administrative Assistant, at 575-258-6999 or ChrysantiJones@ruidoso-nm.gov.
To report safety concerns or disruptive activity at a short-term rental property, please call the 24/7 STR Hotline at 575-315-8354 or submit a report through the STR Complaint Portal. Together, we can help ensure Ruidoso remains a welcoming and safe mountain destination for everyone.
Related Document(s): Ordinance 2025-01
