Two-Way radios or commonly called Walkie-Talkies are ideal for emergencies. The receiver/transmitters were first developed for the US military during the 1940's. The radios use a dedicated range of frequencies that will allow you to communicate with others even when cell phone towers are down or landlines do not work.
The most commonly used channels are 1-14, which have pre-set frequencies. To use higher range channels such as 14-23 or in some cases 7-21 you would need to obtain a license. The range is dependent upon weather, terrain and channels used. You can expect a range anywhere from one to seven miles. Most Walkie-Talkies operate using dedicate channels on the Family Radio Service (FRS) and are consider non-commercial personal use only devices.
Walkie-Talkies are an essential part of emergency disaster plans. Reliable communication is important during a survival situation or any emergency to include rescue operations. Make sure each family member has a handset that is set to the correct channel. You can monitor your radio for information that others may be broadcasting. You can set most radios to monitor while you perform other tasks.
The radios will have an open mike that can be heard by anyone in the room or immediate area so use caution to keep certain information safe. The radios do not broadcast in secure mode, unless you purchase an optional device that will encrypt your traffic. You can also use hands free devices to talk and listen so you clip the radio on your belt to keep both hands free.
To move through frequencies simply change the channel to monitor traffic from anyone using that frequency. Use your radio to signal for help if you become lost or stranded. Most base stations can receive your signal as well as ham radios and many times emergency responders have the ability to monitor family radios.
Three burst of static every few minutes is a signal that you are in distress if you cannot speak into the radio. Certain radios have rechargeable battery packs and a cradle to rest the radio in to recharge the packs. Other radios may simply have batteries that must be discarded and replaced. Ensure you always have extra batteries or charged battery packs.
Every person that has a walkie-talkie, receiver/transmitter and they are in range can communicate with you if they are tuned to the correct frequency. This makes the radios ideal for family communications' during a crisis or for rescue operations where a supervisor can broadcast information to multiple people.
You can obtain a license from the FCC, in most cases, to use higher wattage channels that will increase the number of channels available as well as boost your range. Typically, it would be a violation of FCC rules to use a booster to increase wattage output unless you are member of law enforcement, the military or have a specific license. There would be a fee associated with the license.
The most commonly used channels are 1-14, which have pre-set frequencies. To use higher range channels such as 14-23 or in some cases 7-21 you would need to obtain a license. The range is dependent upon weather, terrain and channels used. You can expect a range anywhere from one to seven miles. Most Walkie-Talkies operate using dedicate channels on the Family Radio Service (FRS) and are consider non-commercial personal use only devices.
Walkie-Talkies are an essential part of emergency disaster plans. Reliable communication is important during a survival situation or any emergency to include rescue operations. Make sure each family member has a handset that is set to the correct channel. You can monitor your radio for information that others may be broadcasting. You can set most radios to monitor while you perform other tasks.
The radios will have an open mike that can be heard by anyone in the room or immediate area so use caution to keep certain information safe. The radios do not broadcast in secure mode, unless you purchase an optional device that will encrypt your traffic. You can also use hands free devices to talk and listen so you clip the radio on your belt to keep both hands free.
To move through frequencies simply change the channel to monitor traffic from anyone using that frequency. Use your radio to signal for help if you become lost or stranded. Most base stations can receive your signal as well as ham radios and many times emergency responders have the ability to monitor family radios.
Three burst of static every few minutes is a signal that you are in distress if you cannot speak into the radio. Certain radios have rechargeable battery packs and a cradle to rest the radio in to recharge the packs. Other radios may simply have batteries that must be discarded and replaced. Ensure you always have extra batteries or charged battery packs.
Every person that has a walkie-talkie, receiver/transmitter and they are in range can communicate with you if they are tuned to the correct frequency. This makes the radios ideal for family communications' during a crisis or for rescue operations where a supervisor can broadcast information to multiple people.
You can obtain a license from the FCC, in most cases, to use higher wattage channels that will increase the number of channels available as well as boost your range. Typically, it would be a violation of FCC rules to use a booster to increase wattage output unless you are member of law enforcement, the military or have a specific license. There would be a fee associated with the license.
About the Author:
As one can tell from the article, it is vital to have a good set of walkie-talkies in your bug-out bag. This is only one of numerous steps in preparing for a crisis that everyone should do, not just doomsday preppers.
The Communication Blog
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