Ready For Unsteady

Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life
Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life

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Emergency Communication

Disasters can knock out cell service, internet, and power in an instant, so it’s essential to prepare for emergency communication before you’re cut off. A solid plan keeps you connected with loved ones, ensures you receive vital updates, and helps you call for help when it matters most.

 

  • Cell Phones: Ensure your phone is fully charged and you have a backup power source.
  • Landline Phones: If you have a landline, keep it in working order.
  • Satellite phones: These can be expensive but offer reliable communication in remote areas.
  • Push-To-Talk (PTT) Walkie Talkie Apps: These require WiFi or cell networks, but require far less bandwidth than typical SMS/MMS

 

  • Family Radio Service (FRS): Ideal for short-range communication (walkie-talkie), often used for nearby family and friends. Compatible with some GMRS channels.
  • Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS): Operates on a higher power than FRS, allowing for a slightly longer range (up to 2 miles line-of-sight). However, MURS has low adoption rates and may be more difficult to be heard if in need of help. Keep in mind they’re not compatible with FMS or GMRS radios.
  • General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) (Requires FCC license): Offers longer range (up to 5 miles line-of-sight) and more channels than FRS and MURS, suitable for neighborhood communication.
  • HAM (Amateur) Radio (Requires FCC license): Provides the longest range and most versatility.
  • CB radios: While not as reliable as GMRS or HAM, they can be useful in certain situations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle convoys or evacuations where multiple vehicles need to stay in contact. They also don’t require licensing.

 

  • Include vital information: Your name, address, phone numbers of close family and friends, emergency contact information, and any medical conditions.
  • Carry it with you: Keep the card on your person or in your wallet.
  • Share with loved ones: Give copies to close friends and family.
  • Download Template Here

 

  • Identify key contacts: Determine who you need to communicate with in an emergency.
  • Establish meeting points: Decide on locations where you can meet if separated.
  • Create a backup plan: Have a contingency plan in case your primary communication methods fail.
  • Physical maps: Keep physical maps on-hand in the event your GPS does not work. You can request free maps from state tourism sites – see the full list of state sites here.

 

  • Choose a trusted individual: Someone who lives outside your region and can act as a central point of contact.
  • Inform them of your plans: Let them know about your communication methods and emergency plans.
  • Provide their contact information: Share their details with friends and family.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) Licensing

GMRS is a two-way radio service designed for personal and family use. It’s often used by families, groups of friends, or businesses for communication purposes.
  • Family communication: Keeping in touch with family members while they’re out and about, especially during emergencies or outdoor activities.
  • Group communication: Coordinating activities with friends, clubs, or organizations.
  • Business communication: Communicating between employees or between a business and its customers.
  • Emergency communication: Providing a backup local communication system during disasters or power outages.
  • Familiarize yourself with GMRS and best practices. While it doesn’t take much to get a license, there is an etiquette to communicating via GMRS (including knowing/addressing yourself by your call sign). Remember, these frequencies are public – and if you’re not careful/respectful, you can upset other locals without knowing the basics before you decide to communicate.
  • Register an FRN number with the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES)
  • Log in to the FCC’s License Manager and apply for a General Radio License (GMRS) for $35

HAM (Amateur) Radio Licensing

HAM radio is a shortened term for Amateur Radio. It’s a popular hobby and service that involves using radio waves to communicate with other people around the world.
  • Communication: Connecting with people from all over the world, sharing experiences, and building friendships.
  • Emergency communication: Providing a vital lifeline during disasters when other communication channels fail.
  • Experimentation: Exploring different radio frequencies, technologies, and operating modes.
  • Contesting: Participating in competitions to see how many contacts can be made in a specific time period.
  • Education: Learning about electronics, radio technology, and communication systems.
  • Public service: Assisting with various community events and projects.
HAM radio licensing is more extensive than GMRS. This license opens the door to world-wide communications and requires passing a 35-question written exam held by a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator.
 
To obtain a HAM license:
  1. Review HAM radio resources from the National Association for Amateur Radio
  2. If possible, join a local amateur radio club. The best way to learn is from experienced operators and attend their training workshops.
  3. Find a license exam in your area.
  4. Study for the exam (apps like HAM Study can be helpful for practicing test questions)
  5. Pass the written exam