Some people claim that due to the reliability of cellular networks, two-way emergency radio communication has become somewhat obsolete and is no longer useful. Even in the worst-case scenarios.
They’re wrong!
If you’ve ever visited an area ravaged by an earthquake or hurricane, then you know that nothing could be further from the truth. As good as cell coverage is nowadays it doesn’t take much to disable it, or at the very least severely disrupt it. When networks are still up and running authorities often advise people not to make calls or send SMS messages. This even applies if they’re lucky enough to get a signal since the lines can get extremely busy real fast.
Even land-line telephones can suffer from this sort of problem. With infrastructure being poor in many areas it can be hard to find one anyway. Even harder nowadays since there are fewer telephones because everyone has a cell phone!
Nevertheless, even the most primitive 11-meter Citizens Band (CB) radio running off a repurposed battery can work flawlessly in this sort of situation.
Emergency communications, also known as EmComm, thrive on ready access to two-way radio equipment.
Being able to receive broadcasts is important too, especially when it comes to weather reports and information about relief operations.
If you’re looking for a way to stay in touch when the SHTF you have a number of options to choose from. All of them offering something different, but range and power are definitely two of the most noticeable differences.
Citizen’s Band for Emergency Radio Communication
Over-the-road truckers and people who work on large farms are among the largest users of CB radios. Since there’s no license needed to transmit anyone can use CB radio.
All radios made for sale in the United States since 1977 offer 40 channels. This means you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a clear channel to communicate on. Even when things get pretty hairy.
CB technology is widespread and as such is relatively easy to obtain. This is why official EmComm organizations will often turn to it before other services.
Since it’s based in the 11-meter band, you’ll have to deal with a bit of static and some larger antennas. In exchange, though, you’ll be able to talk with people for many miles around regardless of conditions.
Look for units that offer both SSB and AM modes to increase your range even further.
Check out our post about the best CB Radios for beginners here!
FRS & GMRS (Two-way radios, Walkie Talkies)
Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) units allow you to communicate over a number of UHF channels.
The services are very similar. Two-way radios designed to work with either service usually have some form of sub-audible squelch system. These cut out transmissions from other parties. This is particularly useful when several damage control teams are working to clean up after a disaster.
While GMRS operators have to hold a license, there isn’t any examination required to do so. Members of your immediate family can share your license privileges and use GMRS equipment without getting certified themselves.
FRS equipment doesn’t require any license to operate.
Both services offer users 22 different voice channels.
You might want to keep equipment tuned for either service around at all times since it can provide relatively static-free operation at a moment’s notice.
GMRS rigs put out up to five watts of power while FRS rigs have a 500-milliwatts limit at most. This gives GMRS equipment a much better range. Although when compared to a CB or Ham radio their range is somewhat limited, especially in urban locations.
Even though limited in range, FRS and GMRS two-way radios are ideal for most preppers. As they are an affordable entry point into the world of EMCOMM.
Not only are they more affordable, but they are also extremely easy to use. This makes them perfect for younger and elderly members of the family.
There are hundreds of two-way radios available which can make things pretty confusing when looking for good radios.
Luckily, we’ve got this covered and our guide to selecting the best long-range two-way radios will definitely help you make a more informed decision.
Maritime & First Responder VHF Bands
If you’re in an area with navigable waterways, then you might want to invest in a VHF ship-to-shore radio.
While you require a license to transmit on any of the maritime mobile bands, all US citizens can listen without holding any kind of certificate.
While some channels are free for passing general messages, some are solely used to transmit pertinent information and distress signals.
Even if you live in an inland area away from rivers and lakes, you should still consider investing in a solid scanner as they can receive signals from land-based mobile first responders.
You may be able to receive reports from police, fire, and medical services before they become available to the general public.
NOAA Weather Radios
These stations provide broadcasts featuring local weather reports that are much more up-to-date than those delivered through nearly any other means.
There are nearly 430 transmitting stations spread out over the 50 states plus most of the country’s insular areas.
The odds are that you’re located close to at least one of these. In fact, over 95 percent of the population is!
NOAA broadcasts are commercial-free and operate continuously.
Weather stations might also carry special instructions about situations unrelated to forecasts.
If there’s a serious geological or industrial disaster in their service area for example.
If you don’t already have one, then look for a radio with onboard Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology.
Hand crank emergency weather radios are your best choice. They don’t rely on an external power source for up-to-the-minute weather updates.
Pushing the SAME button will give you the option of plugging in your local geographical region. This means you only hear important alerts regarding your immediate area. You can then leave the radio on in the background without getting interrupted all the time.
Amateur (Ham) Radio
A large chunk of the electromagnetic spectrum is available for amateur radio operators. Some of the most preeminent EmComm services in the country use them as their primary communication method for staying in touch. Even when other options are available.
Radio amateurs need to pass one of three written exams to prove their technical acumen. However, the FCC no longer requires them to learn Morse.
Study materials are readily available online. There are testing locations scattered throughout the country if you’re interested in getting your certificate.
Ham radio operators, as they’re sometimes called, have assembled a network of land-based repeater stations. As well as orbital satellites that can provide static-free communication over a large area.
You’d only need a small VHF or UHF handheld ham radio to take advantage of this network. Although a ham radio base station or mobile ham radio for your car are equally good options. Frequencies are regularly published in directories and make it even easier to use.
Ham Radio is a huge topic, far too big to cover even partially in this short introductory article about emergency radio communication. However, if you would like to learn more about the requirements for the use of ham radio in emergency situations then check out the ultimate survivalist’s guide to ham radio. It’s an excellent article and provides all the information you will need.
Last Words on Emergency Radio Communication…
Ham radio is certainly the most versatile, offering the greatest range and power. But it is also the most expensive and the most technical to use.
FRS/GMRS is easily the most affordable and is very easy to use. But is also extremely limited on the range.
Citizens Band is somewhere in between the two. This would seem to make CB radio the best option, but every emergency situation is different.
If you need a radio for communication between family members. Who are in or around the same area. And the objective is to get them all together as quickly as possible. Then an affordable set of FRS/GMRS consumer two-way radios is the ticket.
Anything further afield and a CB would probably be a better choice.
However, if you need reliable communication over considerable distances and you want a radio that does it all. Then Ham radio is definitely the way to go.
We at Alpha Survivalist believe in covering all the bases so our choice of EmComm would definitely be ham radio. But… we would also add a hand crank emergency weather radio to that. It requires no external power source unlike everything else covered in this post. And will provide you with weather and situation updates when you have no power for your radios.