Emergency radio basics: NOAA, FRS, GMRS, and ham

From a licensed ham (N4ACE): which radio does what, what needs a license, and what to buy first.

When the power and cell network are down, radio is how you get information and stay in touch. There are four kinds that matter for most households, and they solve different problems.

1. NOAA weather radio (listen only)

This is the first radio to buy. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts forecasts and warnings around the clock on seven channels between 162.400 and 162.550 MHz. Get one with SAME alerting so it wakes you for warnings in your county only. A hand-crank or USB-rechargeable model doubles as an outage radio with AM and FM. No license needed.

2. FRS (family radios, no license)

The blister-pack walkie-talkies. FRS is limited to 2 watts on most channels with a fixed antenna, so real range is usually a few blocks to a mile or two. They are cheap, simple, and great for keeping a family or a campsite connected. No license needed.

3. GMRS (license, no exam)

GMRS shares channels with FRS but allows much more power (up to 50 watts on mobiles), detachable antennas, and repeaters, which can push range to many miles. You need an FCC license, which has no exam, costs a fee, lasts ten years, and covers your immediate family. Use only FCC Part 95 certified GMRS radios on GMRS.

4. Amateur (ham) radio (license with an exam)

Ham radio gives you the most capability: local repeaters, simplex, and with a General license, HF that can reach across the country without any infrastructure. The entry license is Technician, a 35-question multiple choice exam given by volunteer examiners. A dual-band handheld is a fine first radio. Local clubs and ARES groups are the best place to learn, and many run nets you can check into.

What to buy first

1. A NOAA weather radio with SAME alerts.
2. A pair of FRS or GMRS radios for the household.
3. If you want more, study for Technician and get a dual-band handheld with a better antenna than the stock one.

Do not skip power

Radios eat batteries. Keep spare packs charged, add a AA battery tray if your radio supports one, and look at small power stations or USB banks on Well Supplied Power Deals.

Licensing rules summarized here are general; check the FCC rules for your service before you transmit. 73.