Creating a Family Emergency Communication Plan

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A family emergency communication plan turns a collection of radios into a coordinated system that works when cell phones don't. The key is setting it up, writing it down, and practicing before you actually need it.

Step 1: Equip everyone

Every family member who might need to communicate independently should have access to a GMRS radio. Your GMRS license covers your immediate family per § 95.1705(c)(2), so there's no extra licensing cost. Choose radios that match each person's needs - adults might carry full-featured handhelds, while younger kids can use simpler models with the channel pre-set and locked.

Step 2: Create a channel plan

Designate specific channels for specific purposes and program every radio identically:

• Primary channel: Your family's main communication channel (e.g., Channel 17, CTCSS 103.5 Hz)
• Backup channel: In case the primary is busy or has interference (e.g., Channel 20, CTCSS 103.5 Hz)
• Local repeater: For extended range when simplex won't reach (program the nearest GMRS repeater with correct offset and tone)
• Travel/calling: Channel 20, 141.3 Hz - to reach other GMRS operators in the area

Step 3: Establish check-in procedures

During an emergency, designate scheduled check-in times so everyone knows when to listen:

• Frequency: Top of every hour on your primary channel
• Duration: Monitor for at least 10 minutes each hour
• Format: Each person checks in with their name, location, and status ("I'm at home, I'm okay")
• Missed check-in protocol: If someone misses two consecutive check-ins, switch to the backup channel and try there. After three missed check-ins, initiate your rally plan.

Step 4: Define rally points

Agree on physical locations where family members will meet if they can't reach each other by radio:

1. Primary rally point: Your home (if safe)
2. Secondary rally point: A nearby location outside your immediate area (a relative's house, a school, a church)
3. Tertiary rally point: A location further away, in case you need to evacuate the area entirely

Step 5: Make it portable

Create a laminated card for each family member that includes:

• Family callsign and channel plan (frequencies, tones, channel numbers)
• Check-in schedule
• Rally point addresses
• Emergency contact phone numbers
• Local repeater list

Keep one in each radio go-bag, one in each vehicle, and one at home.

Step 6: Practice quarterly

A plan that nobody remembers is no plan at all. Run a practice drill every three months:

• Have everyone turn on their radios and check in from wherever they are
• Verify that all radios are charged and programmed correctly
• Review rally points - especially if anything has changed
• Let kids practice so they're comfortable keying up and speaking clearly

Coordinate with neighbors

Your plan is stronger when neighboring families participate. A block or cul-de-sac with 3-5 families on the same GMRS channel creates a genuine neighborhood emergency network. Share your channel plan with trusted neighbors and invite them to join your quarterly drills. See our guides on setting up a family network and emergency communication for more.

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