Following a disaster, our ability to communicate with each other and to the next level up will be critical. Neighborhoods are starting to implement a FRS/MURS/HAM based radio infrastructure and practicing communicating with other neighborhoods, and to our designated government contacts via an established and organized chain of command. Our communications “experts” had recommended the FRS Motorola T-465 and the HAM Radio Yaesu FT-60. However, new radios are now combining both FRS and MURS features. You might want to consider getting one of those instead of the T-465.
Are you a licensed HAM radio operator living in Menlo Park, Atherton, East Palo Alto and the unincorporated county areas part of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District Response Area? If so, please join us at our weekly Monday NET Check ins. 6:30 PM frequency is 440.600 and the 6:40 PM frequency is 147.555
Monday at 7:40 PM — 444.500 — for SCARES Members and Guests. Tuesday at 8:00 PM at 146.865 — for entire SMC HAM Community.
Thinking about getting your HAM radio license? Consider a “HAM Cram” course via the Bay Area Educational Amateur Radio Society or BAEARS.
- FRS Radio Channels across Menlo Park, Atherton, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, etc. Always start with no tone. Set tone to “0.”
- Quick Radio Guide — Thanks to the City of Palo Alto for most of the ideas!
- Portland Prepares Radio — Robust example of resources, practices and drills
- Communicating During and After Emergencies — Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management resource
- South County ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) — a local organization focused on amateur radio emergency services