FRS radios (updated 8/25/09)

Thanks to Belmont - San Carlos CERT for the information regarding these radio kits. I have also added a link to the Belmont CERT blog in the links list.

FRS radios for just $10.99 from REACT International (sorry the referring page is no longer active). You do not need any kind of license or permit to use these radios! Although they are only short-range at best, they can be invaluable in bringing help to you quickly when phones aren't working.

Every CERT member should have this type of radio with them with them during drills and actual activations. At the very least, you save time (and your feet) by not having to have someone "run" messages back and forth between your CERT team members. Mira Mesa CERT team's communication plan calls for us to check in on FRS channel 7 (with no privacy code) during an activation. That way we can be directed to where team members are needed even before reaching the rally point. We also assign additional channels for Search, Rescue, Medical, and other teams to use as needed during the activation. Our radio team will also have access to other agencies via our ham radios.

For your family and friends, here is a way to get help when the phones and cellular towers aren't working. An entire communications plan for families is outlined on the EMCOM Family/Neighborhood Emergency Communications webpage. As part of that plan, the Mira Mesa CERT radio team will be monitoring the FRS General Emergency channel 1 as they move around the neighborhood and can become your family's link to help.

Here is the offer in a nutshell. For just $10.99, you get an Emergency communications kit with an FRS radio, radio instructions, and a 1-2-3 Emergency Communications Guide and FREE shipping!