For operators who want more than a bubble pack.
One of the biggest advantages of GMRS is that a single license covers your entire immediate family. That makes it easy to set up a dedicated radio network for your household or even coordinate with neighbors for safety and convenience.
Your GMRS license covers your spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and in-laws. They don't need their own licenses. For neighbors who want to join, they'll each need their own GMRS license — $35 for 10 years through the FCC.
Pick a simplex channel (channels 15-22 for full 50W power) and a CTCSS privacy tone for your group. The tone won't prevent others from hearing you, but it will keep your radios quiet from unrelated traffic on the same channel.
Choose radios that suit each family member's needs. Handhelds work well for around the house and neighborhood. A mobile radio with an external antenna at home acts as a base station with much better range. See our choosing a radio guide for recommendations.
Program every radio identically so everyone is on the same page. Write down the channel plan and tape it to each radio or keep a laminated card with each unit.
The real value of a family radio network becomes clear during power outages, severe weather, or other disruptions. Establish a plan for when cell phones stop working:
Expand your network: Once your family plan is working, consider inviting nearby families to join. A neighborhood of 4-5 families with GMRS radios on a shared channel creates a powerful local communication network. See our guides on emergency communication and family emergency planning for more details.