Radios of various types can be a useful tool to help coordinate a neighborhood’s response to a disaster.  “FRS” radios are inexpensive and allow neighbors to communicate with each other over short ranges.  “GMRS” radios are slightly more expensive but allow communication over longer distances.  And Amateur Radios (i.e., “ham” radios) allow a neighborhood to communicate over very long distances and to, for example, exchange information with the Island County Emergency Operations Centers, communicate with distant neighborhoods, or to send status reports to friends or relatives in other states.

Here's what it looks like when all the pieces are in place:

The booklet “Use of Radios in Responding to Neighborhood Emergencies” describes how to choose appropriate radios, how to use those radios, and how to integrate a number of radio operators into an efficient “net” that can coordinate radio traffic within a neighborhood as well as communicating with other operators outside the neighborhood.

The Island County Auxiliary Communication Service (ICACS) is a group of ham radio operators involved with emergency communication in our Island County.  The Neighborhood Support group within ICACS stands ready to assist neighborhoods with all issues related to radio use.  This can include assistance in selecting appropriate radios, programming those radios. “mapping” a neighborhood to determine how best to ensure all neighbors can communicate with each other, etc.  Click here for a description of how ICACS can help.

Email requests for assistance with any and all radio-related issues may be sent to NeighborhoodRadio@W7AVM.org.  A member from ICACS will respond and provide help as required.

For information about ham radio, including how to obtain a license, visit the Island County Amateur Radio Club website at W7AVM.org or email NeighborhoodRadio@W7AVM.org.