Emergency Communications and Information
In an emergency, communication and timely information is a necessity. Communication devices can let you find out what is going on, and let others know if you require assistance. Phone lines and cell towers often go down or become overloaded in emergencies. These are a great primary resource, but not a good secondary/emergency resource.
Types of Communication and Distances
Most radio communications use “Line of Sight”, meaning the antenna on one device must be able to “See” the other device’s antenna if you drew a straight line between them. This can include going through some non-reflecting structures (trees, some houses or buildings), but the more obstacles the signal encounters, the weaker it will get. In general, the higher your antenna, the farther you can communicate. Radio, TV, and Cellular networks use towers to raise their antennas higher for better coverage. Another Line of Sight limiting factor is the curvature of the Earth (horizon) since most signals cannot move through the ground or water. Some radio frequencies use Repeaters, which greatly extend the range and coverage area of radios by listening for your transmission on one frequency (input), and simultaneously retransmitting the signal back out (usually at a higher power) on another frequency. Since Repeater antennas are usually mounted high up on a tower or top of a hill, their line of sight is much better than handheld or mobile radios by themselves. AM broadcast radio, like in your car, uses ground waves during the day and can cover around 100 miles. At night, its signal can bounce off the Earth’s atmosphere (37-190 miles above Earth’s surface) and can go thousands of miles in the right conditions. This makes it very useful in emergencies since you could potentially hear stations outside of your affected area.
Types of Communication Devices
CBRS – Citizens Band Radio Service, most commonly called CB, has 40 standard channels, although more channels (USB/LSB/FM) are available on more expensive models. CB Is generally inexpensive, widely used, does not require a license, and is good for local communications. This is a type of AM radio, so the sound quality is not the greatest.
FRS/GMRS – Field Radio Service and General Mobile Radio Service. For FRS, no license required. The communication range is very limited (1/2 miles). GMRS, license required, no test, $35 license covers your family for 10 years. Coverage of 1-2 miles typical. Widely used, supports repeaters. Good for local communications. *Repeaters cannot be linked* and may not be available in an emergency. There are FM radios, so the sound quality is better than AM. For more information, read our article on How to Get Your GMRS License.
Amateur (Ham) Radio – This type of radio requires you to pass a test to be licensed. Rules for its use must be followed. Depending on the band (frequency ranges) it can be used for local or worldwide coverage. It supports repeaters, which in an emergency will most likely be running and linked to one another to provide a very large area of coverage. The more expensive radios will have both AM and FM to use for different frequencies and purposes.For more information, read our article on How to Get Your Amateur Radio License.
AM/FM Broadcast Radio – AM/FM Broadcast is a one-way communication. It’s a good source of information for your local area, or at night on AM, a large area. It is listen-only, you will not be able to talk back. The information you get may not be as timely as needed in an emergency, but every vehicle made has to have a radio that can receive AM/FM.
Other: There are also special radios just for listening to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) frequencies to give you 24/7 weather conditions and emergency alerts.
Prices for different communications devices
CB – Can be had for as little as $25 for a handheld, with mobile or base stations starting closer to $100 depending on device/antenna/output power.
FRS – Small handheld FRS radios start around $15 and go up depending on features. All FRS radios have the same power.
GMRS – Handheld radios start around $25 and up. $50 – $100 can buy a VERY nice GMRS radio in either handheld or mobile.
Amateur Radio (Ham) – $25 and up for local coverage radio frequencies (2 meter or 70cm). Since most Amateur radios are targeted at a more “radio educated” crowd, they are generally built to higher standards and can get very expensive. Generally, the more you spend on a radio, the better the device will be and the more capabilities it will have. For long-range amateur radios, expect to pay at least $300 just for the radio. The antennas for these radios start around $50. Amateur radio operators are you best friends in emergencies. Each year they have a “field day” where they get outside, setup their gear, and communicate with one another for 24 hours straight using only emergency power (batteries, solar, generators) to ensure that in an emergency nationwide or worldwide communications are possible with little notice. Many times, throughout the year amateur radio operators help with special events (parades, marathons, races) and work with local hospitals and emergency personnel to ensure that in an emergency they have the communications capabilities they need. ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) is a group of specially trained amateur radio operator volunteers organized to assist in public service and emergency communications. They volunteer to help with communications during emergencies (natural disasters, etc.) to assist
How to communicate in an Emergency
If you need emergency assistance, use ANY MEANS at your disposal. It is called the law of necessity. Don’t worry about licenses or other restrictions. All services have an “emergency” or calling frequency (channel 9 on CB, 146.520 on Amateur radio, etc.). However, you should have a means of communication that you can practice with BEFORE the emergency strikes. Remember, Noah built the Ark BEFORE the rain. Take some time and learn to use your radio!
If emergency assistance is not needed, stay within the laws/rules of the communications method you are using and start by listening. If you do not need to communicate an emergency, but rather get information during an emergency, tune around and see where people are already talking, and listen for a bit. See if they are covering the information you need. See how they operate. Do they provide specific information in a certain format? Is there a Net Control Operator (NCO) or moderator of any sort that calls on stations in turn? Is there a check-in method? On a radio you cannot generally speak over someone else. If you speak at the same time, you will garble their transmission and most likely yours, which may give an indication that someone else is trying to use the frequency but may not result in your message being understood.
Mayday is a universal call for help. Simply say, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday any station please respond. Over.” You can also simply say, “Emergency, Emergency, Emergency any station please respond. Over.”, and then listen for 3-5 seconds to see if you were heard. If not, repeat your call and listen again until you are heard. If you are heard give them enough information so they can try to get you the help you need. In this order, give your location, the nature of the emergency, what type of assistance you need, what methods of location or communication you have available, and lastly your name or any other information they may ask for. Since a radio transmission may not be clear, always start with the most important information first (location) and be ready to repeat information as needed. Try to speak slowly and annunciate. Don’t yell or speak too fast as this may garble the transmission and make it harder to understand. Do speak loud enough that you can be easily heard (without yelling) as this can boost your signal’s strength and readability.
Once you have relayed the information, if you are able, stay on that frequency for guidance and any additional information that may be needed. If you must leave the radio to help others, announce this to the station responding, and tell them you will check back in regular intervals if possible. Keep the radio with you if possible while helping yourself or others. If battery power is an issue, you can arrange a check-in schedule as the situation permits to conserve battery power. (every 5 min, 1/2 hour, etc.). If using a cell phone, and reception or power are an issue, get as high as you can safely, and once you have a signal call for help or change your voicemail announcement to your emergency message.
Nets are a good place to get started since they follow a simple format/ You check-in when asked, wait to be acknowledged by the Net Control Operator, and then when they get to you, you will have your turn to speak. You can also tune into any local repeater and listen to the “seasoned hams” to see how they talk and what they chat about (anything and everything). They are always happy to hear a new voice, and most will be very encouraging and helpful towards new hams.