Because cell phones rely on towers that can be affected by storms or natural disasters, and internet connections can also fail, it’s a good idea to have alternative ways to stay in touch during emergencies.
Two-way radios are a great option. These radios are a far cry from the single-channel walkie-talkies used by kids. Some two-way radios can be used right out of the box, while others require varying levels of training and licensing. Family Radio Service (FRS) and Citizens Band (CB) radios are good starting points because they don’t require a license to operate.
FRS
FRS radios are ideal for short-range communications, with a typical range of about two miles in open areas during clear weather conditions. However, that range shortens to as little as a half mile in inclement weather conditions or urban areas full of buildings, power lines, and other obstructions.Small and often weighing just under a pound, they can be used by adults and children with only minimal instruction. They typically feature 22 channels. Some models allowing settings for private communications. A pair can be purchased for about $50, making them affordable.
Newer FRS radios commonly allow monitoring of local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channels and will sound an alert in the event of impending severe weather conditions.
In addition to emergency communication, an FRS radio can be used as a practical way to stay in touch while camping, at a tailgate party, with children playing nearby, or between adults walking in the neighborhood.
Midland T51VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Talkie. Midland
CB Radios
In the 1970s, it seemed like every high school boy had a CB radio in his vehicle, and the airwaves were thick with chatter among truckers driving the nation’s interstates. Their popularity has waned since then, due in part to better service available from FRS and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios, but they’re still a viable option for alternative communications.Related Stories
CB radios have 40 channels and are available as handheld, vehicle-mounted, and base station models. Handhelds have an average range of four miles. Vehicle-mounted units and base stations’ ranges are longer, depending on the antenna used. There are legal limits on the power and antennas, so be sure to check current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations before setting up a system. There used to be a requirement to obtain an operator’s license, but that has lapsed, so now these radios can be used right out of the box.
Uniden PRO401HH Professional Series 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio. Uniden
Marine VHF
Marine VHF (very high frequency) radios are another emergency communications option, but they can only be used aboard boats and ships; using them for land communications is illegal in most circumstances. But if you own a boat and hold a current VHF operator’s license, you can use VHF radio to reach out to other VHF radios.Ham Radio
From a legal standpoint, anyone can listen to any of the frequencies received by an amateur radio (commonly referred to as a ham radio) unit. Depending on the equipment, ham radio operators can talk to local operators and those all across the world. They can also monitor weather, law enforcement, and emergency channels that are otherwise not readily accessible to civilians.However, one of three licenses is required to transmit voice, data, or text via any ham radio. The license classes range from the entry-level Technician, which allows use of VHF/UHF (very high and ultra high) frequencies, to General, which adds access to HF (high) frequencies.
The Amateur Extra License allows use of all frequencies allocated to amateur operators, the option of a personalized call sign, and more privileges. That being said, few ham operators opt for the third level. It’s possible to obtain a Technician license in as little as one day, but most take at least a few days or even weeks to navigate the process.
Ham radios can be found in ready-to-use handheld models that can be purchased for under $30, as well as complex base station models priced above $5,000, not including an antenna.
GMRS
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) operates on UHF frequencies and is similar to FRS radios, but with greater range. According to the FCC, GMRS radios facilitate communication between licensees and their immediate family. They’re also used by small businesses.As is the case when using a ham radio, using a GMRS radio also requires first obtaining a license, which is good for 10 years. Unlike the ham license, a GMRS license doesn’t require passing a test. All that’s needed is obtaining a FRN (Federal Registration Number) from the FCC, then submitting an online application and paying a $35 fee. An individual’s license covers all family members.
GMRS radios are available as handheld, base stations, or vehicle-mounted models. Base stations and radios mounted in vehicles can have ranges of up to 30 miles, subject to power levels and antennas used.
Satellite Systems
Preppers and adventurers have long relied upon orbiting satellites to stay in touch. The Iridium system is a compact Wi-Fi hotspot that allows the use of a cell phone to send texts and emails, make calls to phones all over the globe, or even send SOS messages. The drawbacks are initial expense, interruptions in service when structures or inclement weather block the signal, and the cost required to extend airtime.The SPOT X two-way satellite messenger is another way to stay connected beyond the limits of cellular phones. Priced at $249.99, the system provides a Bluetooth connection to send and receive texts and emails from a smartphone. It also allows others to track its location.
Satellite phones are more expensive, but offer a reliable alternative to cell phones. SPOTX
