Many “emergency frequency lists” displaying up on the web are a hodgepodge of frequencies scraped from varied sources and assembled into what seems to be like a reputable checklist. A few of these frequencies are helpful, however too many are deceptive and maybe even harmful. These lists gloss over coaching and licensing points, as described right here: The Talisman Radio.
Essential Disclaimer: Folks usually level out that in lots of jurisdictions, a citizen with out a radio license for a selected frequency can nonetheless make a name in case of a real emergency (often outlined as potential lack of life or property). This can be true, however it’s typically not a superb emergency communications technique: See The Talisman Radio. Most of those lists don’t deal with the difficulty of radio licensing in any respect, which may be very deceptive.
Here’s a latest FCC motion to think about: The FCC has dominated {that a} ham radio operator in Idaho should pay a document $34,000 penalty for interfering with wildfire communications on 151.145 MHz. It is a US Forest Service frequency not approved for novice radio licensees. So don’t be transmitting on unauthorized frequencies.
Deceptive Frequency Lists
One of many worst frequency lists is proven right here by Stryker Radios. This “Ham Radio Emergency Frequencies” checklist exhibits 29 frequencies, however solely two are within the ham bands. The remainder are a group of airband, marine, FEMA, search and rescue, Nationwide Guard, US Air Power, and so on. Most of those frequencies are usually not authorized for most of the people to make use of. An FCC novice radio license permits operation on the 2 ham radio frequencies listed however nothing else. The 4Patriots has an analogous checklist, leaving out the ham radio frequencies and calling the checklist “different emergency radio frequencies.” The Save Internet Radio web site additionally has a poorly thought-out frequency checklist. However they compound their errors with this assertion:
It’s essential to notice that these frequencies aren’t only for skilled rescuers and emergency employees; they can be utilized by strange residents who’re geared up with the suitable radio gear.
That is incorrect and probably harmful.
Some Particular Frequencies
These emergency frequencies have three fundamental makes use of: situational consciousness (listening to study what is going on in your surroundings), misery calls (calling out to anybody for assist), and coordination with pals (speaking with pals and associates about provides, well being and welfare, transportation, climate, and so on.)
We should contemplate our radio’s capabilities, particularly the frequency vary (for transmit and obtain, which can differ) and modulation kind (AM, FM, SSB, and so on.). The standard low-cost VHF/UHF radio that’s so frequent (Baofeng UV-5R or related) has a frequency vary of 136 to 174 MHz (VHF) and 400 to 520 MHz (UHF). Many of those radios are shipped with their transmit frequency restricted to the novice (ham) radio bands: 144 to 148 MHz and 420 to 450 MHz. Nonetheless, there could also be a technique to allow (or unlock) your entire frequency vary for transmitting. Examine the specs of your radio mannequin. These radios are virtually all the time FM solely, so no AM or SSB. Some radios can obtain AM within the plane band however received’t transmit AM.
Listening to radio exercise round you will be very useful in understanding situational consciousness. A great instance is listening to your native fireplace or regulation enforcement channels. You may hear a few of these frequencies utilizing a low-cost VHF/UHF radio however a scanner that receives digital alerts will likely be much more helpful.
Let’s look at a few of the frequencies within the Stryker checklist. I’ll skip the frequencies exterior the everyday VHF and UHF tuning ranges listed above, as your radio most probably received’t have the ability to tune them.
138.225 MHz: Major FEMA channel for catastrophe aid operations.
This frequency is within the federal VHF band, however I couldn’t affirm a selected utilization.
To transmit on this frequency, you want federal authorization.
146.52 MHz: Ham radio frequency for non-repeater communications on the two-meter band.
That is the 2m FM calling frequency, which is usually frivolously used. Chances are you’ll hear fascinating site visitors on this frequency however want a ham radio license to transmit on it.
151.625 MHz: Utilized by cell companies akin to circuses, exhibitions, commerce exhibits, and sports activities groups. Different channels in use are 154.57 and 154.60 MHz.
That is an itinerant enterprise band frequency referred to as the Pink Dot channel. The opposite two frequencies listed are MURS Channels 4 and 5. They might be helpful to program in.
154.28 MHz: Native fireplace division emergency communication channel. Further frequencies embody 154.265 and 154.295 MHz.
These are Hearth Mutual Help channels (VFIRE21, VFIRE22, VFIRE23) put aside for when a number of fireplace districts want to speak. Usually, every district has their very own radio frequencies and solely makes use of these when a big incident happens with a number of businesses responding. An FCC license for these particular frequencies is required to transmit on them.
155.160 MHz: Native and state company channel for search and rescue operations.
That is the commonest VHF frequency for Search and Rescue. To transmit on it, you want an FCC license for this particular frequency.
155.475 MHz: Native and state police emergency communication channel.
It is a Legislation Enforcement Mutual Help channel (VLAW31) put aside for when a number of regulation enforcement businesses want to speak. An FCC license for this frequency is required to transmit on it.
156.75 MHz: Worldwide maritime climate alerts channel.
That is marine channel 15, obtain solely, reserved for listening to emergency locator beacons. This isn’t a standard communication channel and might be not helpful in an emergency.
156.80 MHz: Worldwide maritime misery, calling, and security channel.
That is marine channel 16, the calling and misery channel, which can be helpful in coastal areas, lakes, and waterways which have vital marine radio exercise. This frequency is for marine / boating use utilizing a licensed VHF marine transceiver.
162.40 MHz to 162.55 MHz: Collection of channels used for NOAA climate broadcasts and bulletins. Additionally 163.275 MHz.
These well-known climate broadcast stations cowl a big portion of the US and are very helpful to have programmed in your radio. Don’t transmit on these frequencies.
163.4875 MHz: Nationwide emergency channel for the Nationwide Guard.
163.5125 MHz: Nationwide catastrophe preparedness frequency for the armed forces.
164.50 MHz: Nationwide communication channel for the Division of Housing and City Improvement.
These are federal frequencies requiring federal authorization to transmit on them.
168.55 MHz: Federal civilian company channel for emergencies and disasters.
This frequency is assigned solely to smoke jumpers engaged on wildfire suppression.
Don’t transmit on this frequency.
409.20 MHz: Nationwide communication channel for the Interstate Commerce Fee.
409.625 MHz: Nationwide communication channel for the Division of State.
These are federal frequencies requiring federal authorization to transmit on them.
462.675 MHz: Common Cell Radio Service channel for emergency communication and traveler help.
That is Channel 20 on GMRS and FRS radios. This frequency might be helpful, however it’s topic to the GMRS and FRS guidelines.
A few of these frequencies could also be helpful to watch in an emergency (situational consciousness), however only a few can be found for misery calling or speaking with pals.
RadioMaster Stories Frequency Record
This checklist originated on the Radiomaster Stories web site and has unfold across the internet in varied types (see under). It is among the higher prepper frequency lists, but it surely nonetheless has some points.
The low-band VHF frequency of 33.4 MHz will even not work together with your typical handheld radio. The FCC license database exhibits many companies are licensed to function on this frequency, together with many quick meals eating places. I suppose if you wish to order a hamburger in an emergency, it’d work.
When you have the suitable novice radio license, the Ham VHF and HF frequencies listed are usable within the US. On the 2-meter band, 146.52 MHz is certainly the nationwide calling frequency and was mentioned earlier. Nonetheless, the frequencies of 146.42 and 146.55 MHz don’t all the time conform to native band plans, relying on the world of the nation you’re in. So you might or might not discover exercise there. The Search and Rescue frequency (155.16 MHz) was mentioned earlier. The 2 marine frequencies listed don’t require a license however ought to solely be used for boating and related communications.
Abstract
We might proceed to look at the specifics of all these frequencies and focus on their gear necessities, licensing necessities, and correct utilization. Nonetheless, the principle message is that these frequency lists are only a assortment of random stuff compiled and propagated across the internet. None of them are well-considered and most will probably not do you a lot good in an emergency. And so they would possibly lead uninformed residents into utilizing a frequency that may get them right into a heap of bother.
I’ve been on the lookout for an inventory to advocate however haven’t discovered one. Let me know in case you come throughout one that’s really helpful.
That’s what I discovered. Let me know what you suppose.
73 Bob K0NR
References
Nationwide Subject Operations Information (NFOG)
https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/field-operations-guides
NTIA Redbook
https://www.ntia.doc.gov/publications/redbook-manual
RadioMaster Stories Frequency Record
https://radiofreeq.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/shtf_survivalist_radio_frequency_list.pdf
