Survival guides · Family & Communication

Emergency Frequencies

WHEN TO USE THISA quick reference. Keep a copy with your radio and in your go-bag.

1. NOAA Weather Radio

   • 162.400 · 162.425 · 162.450 · 162.475 · 162.500 · 162.525 · 162.550 MHz
   • Weather and all-hazards alerts, around the clock, all 50 states.
   • Most places get 1–3 of them.

2. FRS / GMRS

   • No official emergency channel. Channel 20 (462.675 MHz) is the informal one.
   • FRS and GMRS radios talk to each other on channels 1–22.
   • Channel 9 is CB's emergency channel — not FRS's.

3. Marine and CB

   • Marine VHF Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) — distress. The Coast Guard listens around the clock. Near a coast, big lake or river, it may be your best bet.
   • CB Channel 9 (27.065 MHz) — emergency.

4. Ham radio

   • 146.520 MHz (2 m) and 446.000 MHz (70 cm) — national calling frequencies.
   • In disasters, ham operators run emergency nets (ARES / RACES).
   • Anyone can listen. Transmitting needs a license — the Technician exam is the entry level.

Sources: FCC Radio Frequency Allocations · NOAA National Weather Service

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.