Why just receive NOAA, AM/FM HAM... Why not spend a little time and $14 to get an Amateur (HAM) Technician license? Yeah, a HAM hand-held costs more money, but even $400 isn't too much for the advantages and something I can use and enjoy not just in an emergency. The license is easy to get, with numerous resources to prepare for the test (there is no longer any Morse code requirement).

I got mine when I started commuting in a van pool and wouldn't always have my car handy. I have a 2 hour, 84 mile, urban and rural commute each way. A Yaesu VX-7R is now my most used piece of EDC. I carry it, extra batteries, spare antenna, and other accessories in an old soft RhinoSkin in my laptop bag with other essentials.

Advantages -

1. Two way communication, even when cell towers are down. My cell was useless in the 2002 black-out. HAMs are active in almost every emergency. Even with a low power HT, your chances of talking are better than none. Get your spouse and kids licensed at the same time and you can use HAM HT on the road, camping, hunting...
2. Skywarn - I monitor the local Skywarn repeaters during hazardous weather and often know what is coming ahead of NOAA broadcasts. I have also had the Skywarn training and participate in Skywarn nets.
3. Many modern HAM HTs are broadband receivers, NOAA (dedicated channels), AM FM SW broadcast, local police, fire. Maybe not as many receive functions as a dedicated scanner, but still nice.
4. Reliability - My HT is rugged and water resistant (rain, splash, etc.) I've even hosed it down. Do that with most NOAA receivers.
5. Yes, it uses a rechargeable battery, but will also work with AAAs. I carry a set of Lithium AAAs. Receive works the same as with the rechargeable, transmit is lower power. And there are a multitude of alternate power sources available, car or boat battery, solar panels... use your imagination.

I can think of many more. The cost is $150-$500, depending on what you want, but well worth it in my book.

Doug