Emergency Communications – Talking Points Outline
Purpose of Discussion
Explore practical, realistic emergency communications
Focus on what the average ham operator can do
Serve as a springboard for future emcomm discussions
Not a survival fantasy or gear showcase
Core Principle
Listening is more important than transmitting
Situational awareness comes first
Information > airtime
Talk only when there is a clear need
Baseline Monitoring Equipment
Battery-powered AM/FM broadcast radio
Shortwave receiver (highly recommended)
Police / public safety scanner with battery capability
Goal: understand local and regional conditions
Assumed Scenario (for discussion)
Grid down: electricity, cellular, and internet unavailable
People advised to stay in place
Cause is irrelevant; focus is communications response
Amateur Radio Bands – Likely Reality
VHF / UHF
Most hams go to:
Favorite repeater first
Known simplex if repeater is down
Generally organized, efficient exchanges
Unlicensed operators are a nuisance but limited on simplex
HF
Likely chaotic
High power stations dominating frequencies
Listening more valuable than transmitting
Long-distance help is limited in practical value
Potential “Quieter” Bands
6 meters
220 MHz
Less congestion due to limited radio availability
900 MHz may be active but still useful
Non-Ham Bands (GMRS / FRS / CB / MURS)
Expect heavy congestion, especially in populated areas
High power, poor operating practices, illegal modes
PL tones reduce what you hear—not what interferes
Better for monitoring than coordinated traffic
Organized Prepper Networks
AMRRON (American Redoubt Radio Operators Network)
Multi-band concept:
CB Channel 3
MURS Channel 3
FRS Channel 3
146.420 MHz simplex
Worth studying for planning concepts
Reference: HF Underground
LPI Communications (Low Probability of Intercept)
Focus on:
Low power
Uncommon frequencies
Simple modes
Example:
47 MHz legacy walkie-talkie frequencies
Legal, quiet, largely ignored
Emphasizes discretion over range
FCC Rules Reminder
Illegal transmissions only permitted in life-threatening emergencies
Saving a life = permissible
Convenience or curiosity = not permissible
Meshtastic (Open Discussion Topic)
Mesh networking potential
Unknown traffic capacity in large-scale emergencies
Invite subject-matter input
Power Is the Limiting Factor
Radios are useless without power
Consider:
Battery banks (LiFePO₄)
Powerpole adapters
Buck/boost converters
Silent power options
Generators may not always be desirable
Key Takeaways
No single radio or band “saves the world”
Planning and awareness matter more than gear
Flexibility beats perfection
Listening is survival
