The Family Radio Service (FRS) is an improved walkie talkie radio system authorized in the United States since 1996. This personal radio service uses channelized frequencies in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band. It does not suffer the interference effects found on citizens' band (CB) at 27 MHz, or the 49 MHz band also used by cordless phones, toys, and baby monitors. FRS uses frequency modulation (FM) instead of amplitude modulation (AM). Since the UHF band has different radio propagation characteristics, short-range use of FRS may be more predictable than license-free radios operating in the HF CB band. (source: Wikipedia).
What does a FRS Radio look like? (similar to these shown)
Can be purchased at any electronics store, Target, Wal-mart, etc.
Why do I need them? (For this we turn Robin P. to share his expertise, which follows - Thanks Robin!)
"A lot folks feel that this is all for nought because (a) nothing will ever happen but (b) if it does, we just pick up our home or cell phones or turn on the computer and send an e-mail. As to (a), we know we are close to an earthquake fault and those who study such things indicate that we are due for a good shaker - when, not if. As to (b), in real disasters, the very first thing to go is the phones, cell and home because the channels are designed only for a small (10% max) percentage of people being on the phone at the same time. Any more than about 10% and calls simply don't get through. Also, the power to cell towers can be lost and often is, further preventing the use of cell phones. Further, the power to the final distribution points for the internet, called DSLAMs, goes out, killing internet access and of course e-mails, etc.
We hope nothing serious ever happens but if it does, we're striving and making progress to get ready to communicate.
Just an FYI for those who are curious- on the ham radio side at the Stake level, we have the ability to communicate with the Sandy Bishops' Storehouse for valley-wide emergencies, who then communicates to Welfare Square, who in turn communicates with Church HQ, all via ham radios. For more local emergencies, we communicate with a local county team called ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), or with a nation-wide group called DCF-ARC (Disaster Communicators' Forum - American Red Cross) if we have to reach further for help. Further, there are newtorks amateur radio repaters that are also independent of phone lines, the internet and electricity that enable communications over much Utah along with Nevada, Wyoming and Idaho. DCF-ARC can also be accessed via a lap-top with the proper equipment via either a hot spot or land line if those are available. Beyond that, there is a way to communicate via ham radios with a laptop called "Packet", which uses a lap top, a radio and a radio network independent of any telephone company equipment. If electricity is unavailable and all our batteries die off, say in a prolonged situation, I have the equipment needed to run my radios purely off solar energy indefinitely, even it it's overcast and snowing all day."
So, I have my radios...now what?
Step 1. Be sure to ALWAYS have extra batteries on hand. It is recommended to keep them in your fridge to help extend their shelf-life.
Step 2: On the FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH participate in our Emergency Radio Check-In. It is at 7:35 pm. Turn your radios to CHANNEL 13.0 (no codes) and follow instructions to "voice" your check-in. This is a great chance to learn how to use your radios and practice communicating, since this is how we will communicate in a real emergency.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Channel 13.0 (no codes) is our WARD channel. Channel 14.0 (no codes) is the STAKE channel. Ward leadership will control our practice check-ins and afterward they will report our "status" to the Stake...just as it will be done during an emergency.
Next check-in is SEPTEMBER 4th, 7:35 pm on CHANNEL 13!
