Survival guides · Family & Communication

Two-Way Radios

WHEN TO USE THISFamily radios work when the cell network doesn't — no towers, a few miles of range.

1. Know your radio

   • FRS: 22 channels, no license. Real range: ½ to 2 miles. ("35 miles" assumes a mountaintop.)
   • GMRS: the same channels plus repeaters and more power — far more range. Needs an FCC license: one covers your family, no test.

2. Pick your channels

   • A main and a backup — agree on them now.
   • Skip Channel 1 — it's the busiest.
   • Channels 8–14 are low-power, short range. 2–7 and 15–22 reach further.
   • Channel 20 is the informal calling and emergency channel. Keep it as the backup, not your everyday one.
   • Hear strangers on yours? Switch to the backup.

3. Talk clearly

   • Press, wait a second, then speak.
   • Short. Your first name first.
   • "Over" = your turn. "Out" = done.
   • Emergency: say "Emergency, emergency, emergency," then the message.

4. Get more range

   • Go high — a hill, a top floor, a parking-garage roof.
   • Not from basements, valleys or inside concrete.
   • Antenna straight up.
   • Full batteries — weak ones cut range. Keep spares.

Sources: FCC FRS/GMRS Radio Service Rules · FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

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