Thinking about how to survive without modern conveniences doesn’t mean that electronics should be completely discounted in our plans. In reality, there are several electronic communications devices that are really vital for true preparedness. Owning and knowing how to operate radios in an emergency can save lives and will facilitate matters, especially if one is isolated and without assistance for a long stretch of time. Types vary as do their purposes. Some a designed for two way communication, others for receiving weather alerts. Several options are shown below, including emergency radios which, according to Wikipedia, are “broadly speaking, a radio receiver designed to remain functional in cases of power outage or isolation from contact with civilization. Such radios are often designed to run on minimal or renewable power sources, such as solar. They are generally designed to cover the standard AM and FM broadcasting bands, and weather radio in countries that provide that service. Basic shortwave radio coverage (for situations where local radio is out or not available) is less-common. Commonly, such radios are designed to use minimal battery power, and a common feature is a hand-cranked electrical generator along with a rechargeable battery to store the generated energy. Some emergency radios can also be powered by an attached solar panel.”
One element that separates some emergency radios from other types of radios, is the ability to broadcast alerts via the Emergency Alert System, even when the radio sound is turned off. This is especially useful in areas where sudden storms, tornadoes, tsunamis or other fast-breaking emergencies can occur. Some emergency radios are designed to also charge other devices, such as cell phones or mp3 players, but this can vary widely.
When you start looking at radios, one of the first things to hunt down is a handheld radio set that allows you to communicate discreetly with your loved ones, say on the other side of our property in an emergency. Some have 22 different channels and 28 additional frequencies. Some come equipped with added protection, privacy codes and an SOS siren feature lets you quickly send out a distress signal, which may prove helpful in an emergency. And some come with a whisper mode that allows you to speak quietly while the person on the other radio can still clearly hear what you are saying.
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile FM UHF radio service designed for short-distance two-way communication. ... GMRS radios are typically handheld portable devices much like Family Radio Service (FRS) radios, and share the FRS frequency band near 462 and 467 MHz. FRS is licensed by rule. This means an individual license is not required to operate an FRS radio provide you comply with the rules. You may operate an FRS radio regardless of your age, and for personal or for business use if you are not a representative of a foreign government. Compact and portable handheld radios, like dual band two-way Ham radio transceiver Walkie Talkies can cost as little as $32. Manufactuers provide different options, but most feature a hands-free, voice-activated mode for safety. Some include a weather alert radio to keep you prepared.
Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. Amateur radio describes the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communication. Operators of amateur radios, also known as ham radios, play a vital role in the gathering and disseminating information during a disaster. When something catastrophic, like a mega-thrust earthquake, occurs, where cell phones and other standard forms of communication are down, amateur radio operators can make a huge difference.
A crank radio functions similarly to normal hand-powered generators. These generators produce power by using a magnet and a coil of conductive wire. By wrapping the coil of wire around the magnet and spinning it, a current of electricity is created. Some offer multiple power sources, enabling you to operate them using either your run of the mill AA batteries, a rechargeable battery, solar panel, or the old fashioned hand crank. Some come equipped with an LED flashlight with brightness settings that will also flash the SOS morse code if you need to alert someone in an emergency, or with a search and rescue dog whistle which would be handy if you were stranded or lost out in the woods. Most are water resistant and have a headphone jack if you need to listen for alerts without giving away your location to possible predators.
The Oregon Scientific Portable Weather Radio shown at left, as an example, keeps you informed of many various civil emergencies and also receives continuous National Weather Service weather and forecast information. The radio monitors all seven NOAA emergency alert weather alerts and civil emergency alerts keeping you informed during any emergency. It features SAME technology allowing you to localize weather alerts. Its water and shock resistant case makes the radio perfect for outdoor use. There are, of course, other options on the market.
NOAA Weather Radio (NWR; also known as NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards) is an automated 24-hour network of radio stations in the United States that broadcast advert-free weather information directly from a nearby National Weather Service office. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Weather radio broadcasts in the United States (NOAA NWR) and Canada (Weatherradio Canada) occur on seven dedicated frequencies: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, and 162.550 MHz.