Radio Communication Basics for Emergencies

Know which frequencies reach help. FM radios (88–108 MHz) broadcast emergency alerts on regular stations. AM radios (530–1700 kHz) carry emergency messages. CB Radio: Channel 9 (27.065 MHz) is monitored by truckers and first responders. FRS/GMRS: Channels 1–7 are Family Radio Service (free, no license); channels 8–22 are GMRS (monitored in emergencies). Shortwave: 6.765–7.405 MHz, 9.4–9.5 MHz, and 11.65–12.1 MHz carry international broadcasts. NOAA Weather Radio: 162.40–162.55 MHz for continuous alerts and severe weather warnings.

Turn the power knob on. Rotate the frequency dial slowly until you hear voices or static. Adjust volume to a comfortable level. For transmitting radios (CB, FRS, GMRS): locate the PTT (push-to-talk) button on the side or microphone. Hold it down to broadcast; release to listen. Speak clearly and normally—don't shout. Release the button when finished. On shortwave, tune slowly; frequencies are narrow and require precise positioning.

Holding PTT too long blocks others from using the frequency.

Spell letters clearly for critical information. A=Alfa, B=Bravo, C=Charlie, D=Delta, E=Echo, F=Foxtrot, G=Golf, H=Hotel, I=India, J=Juliett, K=Kilo, L=Lima, M=Mike, N=November, O=Oscar, P=Papa, Q=Quebec, R=Romeo, S=Sierra, T=Tango, U=Uniform, V=Victor, W=Whiskey, X=X-ray, Y=Yankee, Z=Zulu. Example: "My name is Mike-India-Kilo-Echo." Spell slowly and pause after each letter.

Listen before transmitting. Speak slowly and pause between thoughts. End each transmission with "over" to signal the other person can respond. End the conversation with "out." Keep messages brief: state your location, situation, and what you need. Example: "This is civilian at 42 Main Street with three injured. Need ambulance. Over." Wait for responses; never talk over others.

Never use profanity or code in emergencies—clarity and speed save lives.

Tune a dedicated NOAA weather radio to one of these frequencies: 162.40, 162.425, 162.45, 162.475, 162.50, 162.525, or 162.55 MHz. Identify your local frequency beforehand if possible. Enable the alarm tone if your radio has one; it activates automatically during warnings. Listen for tone alerts indicating tornadoes, flash floods, hurricanes, or civil emergencies. NOAA radios require no license. This is the most reliable civilian weather and emergency alert system.

Replace the short rubber antenna with a longer external antenna (dipole or whip style). Extend it fully and position it vertically. Elevate the radio as high as possible: windowsill, shelf, or outdoor structure. Improvised improvement: tape copper wire or metal tubing along the existing antenna. Keep antennas away from metal objects that block signals. For shortwave, a 10+ foot wire antenna strung outdoors dramatically outperforms built-in antennas.

Never touch antennas during thunderstorms—lightning strike risk.