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Communication = Coordination = Survival: In every major disaster, communication failures compound every other problem. Cell towers fail within hours (battery backup depletes). Internet goes down. Knowing what's happening, coordinating with family, and calling for help requires backup communication infrastructure.
The Communication Hierarchy
Build your communication plan in layers, from the simplest/most reliable to the most capable:
- Pre-arranged meeting plans (requires no device)
- Written notes left at agreed locations
- Hand-crank or battery NOAA weather radio (receive only)
- FRS/GMRS handheld radios (neighborhood range)
- CB radio (local area, no license)
- GMRS repeater network (regional range, license required)
- Ham radio (unlimited range with right setup, license required)
- Satellite communicators (global, subscription required)
FRS/GMRS Handheld Radios: The Family Standard
Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios are the first radio purchase for most preppers. They're affordable, require no Morse code, and provide reliable short-range communication.
| Type | Range (realistic) | License Required | Cost |
|---|
| FRS (Channels 1–7, low power) | 0.5–1 mile urban; 2 miles open | None | $20–$80/pair |
| GMRS (Channels 1–22) | 1–5 miles; 25+ miles with repeater | FCC GMRS license ($35, no test, 10 years) | $50–$200/radio |
| CB Radio | 1–5 miles | None | $30–$150 |
Best starter set: Motorola T600 or Midland GXT1000 — waterproof, weather-alert capable, dual-power (alkaline and rechargeable), under $60 for two radios.
Ham (Amateur) Radio: The Prepper's Long-Range Solution
Ham radio provides communication from neighborhood scale to global — the only radio system with truly unlimited range when the right equipment and frequencies are used. Getting licensed is easier than most people think.
The Three License Classes
| License | Exam | Bands Available | What it Enables |
|---|
| Technician | 35 questions (no Morse) | VHF/UHF primarily | Local/regional; repeater access; most usable for emergencies |
| General | 35 additional questions | + HF bands | State-to-state and international HF communication |
| Extra | 50 additional questions | All amateur bands | Full spectrum access |
Recommended Starter Radios
- Baofeng UV-5R ($25–$30): Affordable; dual-band VHF/UHF; popular for Technician-level use; not the most reliable but acceptable for beginners
- Yaesu FT-60R ($150): Rugged, reliable dual-band handheld; the step up from Baofeng
- Icom IC-2300H ($180): Mobile VHF radio for vehicle or base station
- Yaesu FT-991A ($1,000): All-band, all-mode radio capable of HF communication (state-to-state, international)
Satellite Communicators: When All Else Fails
| Device | Subscription | Capabilities | Device Cost |
|---|
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 | $14–$64/month | 2-way text, GPS tracking, SOS | $350 |
| Zoleo Satellite Communicator | $20/month | 2-way text, weather, SOS, email | $200 |
| SPOT X | $12–$25/month | 2-way text, SOS, GPS tracking | $250 |
| Iridium satellite phone | $50+/month | Full voice + text globally | $1,000+ |
| Starlink (portable) | $150/month | Broadband internet globally | $599 |
Low-Tech Communication Backups
Don't overlook these no-battery options:
- Pre-arranged plans: "If phones fail, meet at [location] at [time]" — this costs nothing and works always
- Written message drops: Agree on a physical location where notes can be left
- Signal mirrors: Line-of-sight signaling up to 10 miles on a sunny day
- Whistles: Sound signals (3 blasts = distress signal) audible for 0.5–1 mile
- Colored flags or banners: Home status signals visible to neighbors without words
The Receive-Only Emergency Plan
Even if you never transmit, receiving information during a crisis is transformative. A battery or hand-crank radio that receives NOAA Weather Radio, AM, and Shortwave covers:
- NOAA Weather Radio: official emergency broadcasts on 162.400–162.550 MHz
- AM broadcasts: most AM stations maintain emergency generators
- Shortwave: international broadcasts often cover regional US events that local stations miss
Recommended: Eton FRX5-BT or Kaito KA500 — solar + hand-crank + battery, NOAA + AM/FM/Shortwave, under $60.
⚠️ Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals and local authorities.