Communicating in an Emergency

Below are instructions on how to get a GMRS radio operators license from the FCC website. One GMRS radio operator's license costs $35, is good for 10 years, and covers the whole extended family with the same license call sign. No testing or exam is required to get a license.

Steps to get a GMRS radio license.

Step 1. Get your FRN number on the FCC website. https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do?csfrToken=

In the middle of this webpage, click on "register", where you see: "Need a user name?" Go through the required steps to register your name, user name and password. Write down your FRN number, user name, and password before you leave that web page!!!!!

Step 2. Use your new FCC FRN, user name, and password to log into the FCC licensing website to select a GMRS license and them pay for it online.

https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

then click on "apply for a new license", with the License options, choose "ZA General Mobile Radio (gmrs)",
go through the options and pay your $35 online.
They will send you and email within a day that has a pdf format document which will have your gmrs call sign that you use to identify your self on the radio.

Practice using your gmrs radio each week on a local radio program to check in and talk with others to see how your radio is working and to say hello to others.

A radio talk net is where radio operators check into a roll call run by a person known as the net control. This gives everyone a chance to see how their radio is performing by getting feedback from the net control, and to pass on any information that they want to share with the group who are listening. Children are participating too with the help of adults. It's been fun to hear the kids.

This net is open to anyone with a gmrs license and covers from Oak Hills, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, Victorville and much further west. The system is run solely on solar and battery backup power making it great for emergency use.

This high desert gmrs radio talk net occurs every Saturday night at 7:00 pm on the Whiskey Rocks repeater in Apple Valley. All licensed gmrs radio operators are invited to join in.

Here is the information on the Apple Valley Repeater: https://mygmrs.com/repeater/6613

1 VV stake radio response plan June2024.pdf

GMRS RADIOS - AN OPTION TO HAM RADIO

How to communicate with a radio in an emergency without having to take a ham radio license test.pdf

Stake First Three Hours - Response Plan

Final First 3 Hour - Stake Emergency Response Plan Sept 2023.pdf

ZELL0

When cell phone voice channels are jammed from overuse in a disaster situation, Zello turns your cell phone into a two-way radio by using the data-channels used for the internet and texting, which will not jam up. It 's faster than texting, which also uses the data channels.

What Is Zello and How Do You Use It?The Zello walkie-talkie app has soared in popularity during hurricane season. Here’s what it is, what it’s not and how to get started.

Private Group Conversations – Zello Support.pdf

How to create Group Conversations – Zello Support.pdf

How to Use Zello Groups & Channels.pdf

FEMA family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf

FEMA guide to creating your own family communication plan

Family-Communications-Plan-2020.pdf

Habitat for Humanity: Family communications plan

"FCC". Federal Communication Commission. Tips for Communicating in an Emergency

To ensure that your telephone call gets through to family, friends and loved-ones during an emergency or disaster, here are things to consider:

It is important for consumers to keep in mind that during an emergency, many more people are trying to use their wireless and wireline telephones at the same time when compared to normal calling activity. When more people try to call at the same time, the increased calling volume may create network congestion.

Recommended Practices for All Users

Limit non-emergency phone calls. This will minimize network congestion, free up "space" on the network for emergency communications and conserve battery power if you are using a wireless phone.
Keep all phone calls brief. If you need to use a phone, try to use it only to convey vital information to emergency personnel and/or family;
Try text messaging, also known as short messaging service (SMS) when using your wireless phone. In many cases text messages will go through when your call may not. It will also help free up more "space" for emergency communications on the telephone network;
If possible try a variety of communications services if you are unsuccessful in getting through with one. For example, if you are unsuccessful in getting through on your wireless phone, try a messaging capability like text messaging or email. Alternatively, try a landline phone if one is available. This will help spread the communications demand over multiple networks and should reduce overall congestion;
Wait 10 seconds before redialing a call. On many wireless handsets, to re-dial a number, you simply push "send" after you've ended a call to redial the previous number. If you do this too quickly, the data from the handset to the cell sites do not have enough time to clear before you've resent the same data. This contributes to a clogged network;
Have charged batteries and car-charger adapters available for backup power for your wireless phone;
Maintain a list of emergency phone numbers in your phone;
If in your vehicle, try to place calls while your vehicle is stationary;
Have a family communications plan in place. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain all family members know who to contact if they become separated;
If you have Call Forwarding on your home number, forward your home number to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation. That way you will get incoming calls from your landline phone;
Be sure that you have at least one corded telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of an electrical power outage. Cordless telephones usually will not work if there is a power outage;

Recommended Practices for People with Disabilities

Register with your local Police Department. Remind them to keep a record of the help you may need during an evacuation, power outage or other emergency;
If you have a Personal Care Attendant, work with that person to decide how you will communicate with each other, such as by cell phone, if you are separated during an emergency;
Consider getting a medical alert system that will allow you to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency. Most alert systems require a working phone line, so have a back up such as a cell phone or pager if the landlines are disrupted; and
Learn about devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), text radio, pagers, etc. that can help you receive emergency instructions and warnings from local officials. Tip: Learn about NOAA Weather Radio for the hearing impaired.

Use Facebook Crisis Response page to log in and let others know that you are ok. https://www.facebook.com/crisisresponse

Source: FCC

Facebook Crisis Response Page - Check in - find friends.