Emergency Radio Frequencies Every Prepper Should Know

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By Dennis Howard •  13 min read

I usually spend a good deal of time teaching situational awareness to aspiring survivalists and preppers. Most are cognizant of the need to be tuned in to the surrounding area and what is happening in you operating radius. What many don’t understand is the need to stay situationally aware of conditions in a larger sense.

We all understand the need for situational awareness in almost any situation from walking across a dimly light parking lot at night to being in the wilderness. Heads up and neck on a swivel are watch words to heed. However, in disaster situations, gaining situational awareness on a larger scale involves being able to communicate with entities outside your local operating area.

This usually involves the ability to monitor various sources of information usually broadcast over the air waves via shortwave or HAM radio frequencies. There are two key issues that must be addressed to be successful at this. You must have the proper radio equipment and you must know where to listen for the best information.

In this article, we’ll look at:

Start With the Basics

For emergency communications, the best place to start is with the most well-known means of radio communications. Every community in the U.S. is served by AM and FM commercial broadcast stations. During emergencies, these stations can be invaluable in gathering good information about conditions and situations.

All licensed AM and FM radio stations are required to participate in the Emergency Alert System. This system is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is designed to deliver reliable and dependable emergency communications using standard broadcast facilities.

Equipment and Frequency Selection

Your emergency kit should have a small portable radio capable of receiving both AM and FM broadcasts. While these radios do not allow two way communications, the ability to receive information about local conditions and situations will be instrumental in assessing current disaster situations.

For example, a portable solar and crank powered AM/FM radio like the one below allows you to access the Emergency frequencies and NOAA weather radio service anywhere and anytime.

Select several known radio station frequencies in both the AM and FM bands to monitor. Typically, the same message will be broadcast by multiple stations using the Emergency Alert System.

Shortwave Receiving

Listening to shortwave broadcasts is both an enjoyable hobby and a great way to get up to date information from radio broadcasters from thousands of miles away. Typically, shortwave broadcasts occur between 1700 KHz and 30 MHz. For many years governments across the world and many private organizations operated high power shortwave stations. The popularity of the internet and social media has led to many of these stations to scale back their operations.

Equipment and Frequencies

100 years ago, shortwave receiving sets were large, bulky affairs requiring expensive tubes to work. Technology advances in electronics have brought the size and cost of shortwave receiving radios down considerably. You can purchase a small, portable shortwave receiver that will cover all of the frequencies for a minimal investment.

These shortwave receivers will allow you to monitor the frequencies normally used by the big shortwave broadcasters as well as scan the frequencies for amateur radio operators that are communicating. This can be an awesome way to gather information on events happening around the world.

Some of the best shortwave broadcast stations to monitor for up-to-date information are included on this list:

There are literally hundreds of amateur radio networks that meet frequently on the air to pass information, messages, and keep each other in touch. My monitoring these regular networks, you can gather intelligence about regional happenings from these radio operators.

Moving Up to Two Way Communications

In a world where we enjoy instant two way communications via our cell phones, the thought of being out of touch with our family and friends is a frightening concept. A disaster situation can play havoc with our usual methods of communications. Preparing a backup plan to communicate involves some sort of two way battery powered radio that can receive and transmit. There are several options to consider when planning for this eventuality.

The Most Basic Two Way Communications

Almost everyone is familiar with the term “walkie talkie.” In the amateur radio world, these small handheld devices are commonly referred to as handy-talkies or just handhelds. Over time, these devices have evolved from the size of a loaf of bread to compact equipment that barely cover the palm of your hand.

Most handheld two way radios utilize frequencies that make long distance communications impossible. In general, these devices work at ranges from one-half to five miles depending on the terrain and conditions. These radios operate on channels that are assigned to a specific frequency.

Emergency organizations don’t use these relatively inexpensive and low power devices. These types of radios are effective for short range contact among family or friends but really aren’t effective for emergency radio frequencies.

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)

Newer models of handheld radios being sold in many big box outdoor stores now include the GMRS channels as part of their programming. GMRS is almost a transition radio band between the unlicensed radio frequencies such as the Family Radio Services and CB radio.

You are required to have a license to operate on GMRS channels. The license is easy to get, doesn’t require a test, and covers your entire immediate family. You can apply for a GMRS radio using this link.

GMRS radios have slightly better range than other unlicensed handhelds and many local emergency management agencies are now operating GMRS repeaters which greatly improve the coverage of these radios.

GMRS Emergency Channels

If you elect to add GMRS radio capabilities to your emergency kit, these are the need to know channels where you can tune to get information or make emergency contacts during a disaster:

CB Radio and Emergency Radio Frequencies

CB radio was immensely popular years ago but the interest has waned recently. However, CB radios for emergency use are seeing a rebirth of interest. The REACT groups across the US routinely use CB radios for emergency radio communication. REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams) have their roots in CB radio. It is no surprise that this group continues to utilize the CB radio frequencies for communications.

In many areas, REACT groups monitor various CB channels. Some provide 24 hour monitoring, others just during the potential for weather related problems. If you choose to use a CB radio, here are some of the CB channels with which you should be familiar:

CB can be a viable relatively short range communication option. If you elect to make CB one of your emergency communications backups, make sure that your CB radio does both AM and single side band operations.

HF, VHF, and UHF Emergency Radio Frequencies

If you are serious about your emergency radio communication capabilities for a disaster situation, you should consider moving into the realm of amateur radio. This class of radios require an amateur radio license to operate legally. What you get for the trouble of taking the HAM radio license exam is the ability to communicate over much longer distances. You can also make use of more sophisticated digital messaging systems.

UHF and VHF Emergency Communications

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency) radios are widely used by emergency organizations for intermediate range radio communications. If a repeater system is employed, the range of these radios is virtually unlimited as long as the repeater and its linking system are operational.

UHF and VHF radios require an FCC issued amateur radio license to operate legally. To attain this license, you must make application to the FCC and take an exam. The entry level Technician license gives you operating privileges on both UHF and VHF frequencies.

UHF and VHF Frequencies

Many emergency and relief agencies use VHF and UHF frequencies for local communications. The following is a list of VHF and UHF frequencies commonly used for emergency communications.

HF Frequencies for Emergency Operations

For long distance communications when the grid and other infrastructure in your area become unviable, an HF radio may be your only solution. A high frequency radio transceiver is capable of sending and receiving messages over thousands of miles. Using an HF radio requires a General or better FCC license to operate legally.

HF Frequencies for Emergency Communications

Technically, all of the frequencies allocated for amateur radio are useable for emergency communications if necessary. There are groups and organizations that routinely practice and train for emergency communications on certain frequencies. Monitoring or even joining one of these on the air sessions is a good way to sharpen your radio skills. Some of these organizations include the following.

Regional and State Network Frequencies

Finding an HF network that is active in your region or state can be a great starting place for your emergency radio planning. Becoming active with these groups allows you to hone your radio skills, get to know other HAM radio operators, and build your own network of contacts that might be important during a disaster.

Resources for More Frequency Information

One of the best things you can do is to become involved with the emergency radio community in your area. This will get you access to the best information about emergency radio frequencies in your area and how they operate. Many cities and towns have an amateur radio readiness group that are aligned with regional or national groups.

ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service)

ARES is the emergency communications arm of the American Radio Relay League. You can learn more about ARES, its local organization, how to become a member, and what opportunities are available by visiting this link to their website.

RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service)

RACES is no so much an organization as it is a protocol for emergency radio operations and frequencies set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the FCC. Each state sets up its own RACES organization which is usually managed by a state emergency operations organization. For more information about RACES you can click here.

REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team)

REACT groups serve their communities by by providing emergency communications and resources in times of disasters or other emergencies. You can learn more about the REACT organization in your area by accessing this website.

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

The CERT program identifies, trains volunteers, and responds to local emergencies when requested by the local jurisdiction have authority. Training includes disaster response, preparedness, first aid, and emergency communications. For more information about the CERT program in your area, click this link.

Keeping the Communication Lines Open

Communications are essential in our society. Reliable communications can be even more critical when things go bad. Disaster, whether man-made or weather related can leave us stranded without information or the ability to contact our family and friends.

Pre-planning for these types of situations is critical. It doesn’t matter if you take a HAM radio exam for a license or choose one of the radio frequencies that don’t require licensing. The important thing is that you have a plan and prepare it in advance.

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Dennis Howard

A life long hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, after surviving a devastating tornado in his home town, he saw the effects on people's lives as they struggled to cope. He built his first bugout bag a few weeks later and has been a dedicated prepper/survivalist since that time. After a career as a fireman, Dennis opened a retail store (FFL approved) catering to the military, law enforcement, and like-minded individuals. The store built their own AR platforms. Furthermore, Dennis was also an NRA instructor in both long gun and handgun as well as a certified range safety officer. Read his full interview here.