Battery Powered Radio
Find out what’s going on
Broadcast may be late but important information and may inform if emergency warning signal is activated
2-Way Radios
Communicate with family
FRS Radios – very short range $15-$30 0.5 to 2W, fixed antenna. Various brands with 22 channels
Default setting to Chanel 1 unless directed otherwise by an exercise or evacuation order.
Scanners
Find out what’s going on
Smart phone app – Broadcastify – all fire and police
Suggested Radio Scanners:
- Base BC355N $90
- Mobile BCT15X $150
- Hand Held BC125AT $100
Ham Radio
Communicate in the greater Sherwood area
Brooktrails (SFC) Weekly Net: Mondays, 7.30 PM 145.130 MHz Repeater. Alternate 146.580 MHz Simplex. Tactical as required, same unless restricted as below.
County-wide Weekly Net: Wednesdays 7:30 PM, 147.390 MHz Repeater. Restricted during county-wide emergencies plus 145.130 MHz Repeater.
World Wide chat unless restricted to local use during emergencies: 147.120 MHz Repeater
Go to www.mcarcs.org for repeater details.
Ham Radio Training
Currently classes are suspended. In the absence of classes, study at home using the Technician Class Home Study Guide by Gordon West. https://www.amazon.com/2018-2022-Technician-Class-Gordon-West/dp/0945053908/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&qid=1592450813&refinements=p_27%3AWB6NOA&s=books&sr=1-10
Take practice tests on-line here.
There will be a testing session soon following Corona virus recommendations. Check back here or at www.mcarcs.org for information when available.
CERT Training
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The first rule is to help you and your family before going to assist others.
For more information about ham radio, email to w6fqx@comcast.net.
When all else fails in an emergency, ham radios provide communication, as well as requesting and coordinating resources and responses from different agencies. Join SFC to receive information on trainings and support for programming your radio equipment.