Protocols and Group Nets for Neighbors
Talk Right, Stay Connected
When hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or tornadoes hit, clear radio communication saves lives. Protocols—rules for talking—and group nets—organized radio meetups—keep your family and neighbors connected when phones fail. This guide is your go-to for mastering radio protocols and setting up nets before disaster strikes. Written for everyone, from beginners to hobbyists, it uses simple steps to make you a communication pro. Study this page, explore our About, PACE Plan, Join Us, and Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications pages, and practice with flashcard-style quizzes on HAMQuiz. For more training, visit https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/. Get started—your community needs you.
Why Protocols and Nets Matter
Disasters chaos needs order. Protocols ensure your radio messages are clear, like saying “over” to end your turn. Group nets are like neighborhood meetings on radios, where everyone checks in or shares updates. Whether it’s a tornado knocking out power or a wildfire forcing evacuation, these tools keep you coordinated. Our protocols and channels are the standard; CERT teams should align with them.
Step 1: Learn Radio Protocols
Follow these rules for clear communication:
Identify Yourself: Say your name or call sign.
Example: “This is Emma, FRS 1, over.”
Be Brief: Share only location, health, or needs.
Example: During a flood, say, “At the park, need food, over.”
End with “Over”: Signals you’re done talking.
Listen First: Avoid interrupting others.
No Names in EmComm: For privacy, describe people (e.g., “Man in blue hat, injured”).
Practice protocols on HAMQuiz’s Messages bank.
Step 2: Use the Wilderness Protocol
When far from help, like camping or post-disaster:
Every 3 hours (e.g., 7 AM, 10 AM), monitor FRS Channel 3 (462.6125 MHz) or ham 146.520 MHz for 5 minutes.
Say: “This is [Your Name], monitoring, over.”
Example: During a hurricane, hear a neighbor call for help at 10 AM.
Test the protocol on HAMQuiz. See our Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications page.
Step 3: Set Up Group Nets
A net is a scheduled radio check-in. Start one:
Pick a Time: Weekly, like Sunday 7 PM.
Choose a Channel: FRS Channel 1 (462.5625 MHz) for neighbors.
Example: During a wildfire, say, “Net starting, FRS 1, over.”
Assign a Leader: Net control manages the talk order.
Check In: Each person says their name and status.
Example: “This is Mike, safe, no issues, over.”
Share Updates: Report needs or plans.
Example: During a tornado, “Need blankets at school, over.”
Practice nets on HAMQuiz’s Nets bank. See our Join Us page.
Step 4: Choose Radios for Nets
Use these radios:
FRS Radios: No license, ~$30 (Retevis), 1–2 miles.
Example: Run a net during a flood on FRS 1.
GMRS Radios: $35 license, ~$25 (Baofeng UV-5R), 2–5 miles.
Example: Lead a net during a hurricane on GMRS 15.
Ham Radios: License needed, regional reach.
Example: Join a ham net during a wildfire.
Check with CERT (fema.gov/cert) to use our channels. Test radios on HAMQuiz.
Step 5: Master Message Types
Messages differ by purpose:
Prepping Messages: Casual, for family or neighbors.
Example: “This is Sarah, safe at home, FRS 1, over.”
EmComm Messages: Formal, using forms (e.g., Red Cross 6409).
Example: “10 cots needed, hospital, over.”
Practice messages on HAMQuiz’s Messages bank. See our Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications page.
Step 6: Use Radio Modes
Modes send messages differently:
Voice: Talking on FRS, GMRS, or ham VHF.
Example: “Road blocked, hurricane, over.”
APRS: Ham mode for texting locations.
Example: APRS your spot during a tornado.
NBEMS: Sends forms over radio, no internet.
Example: Send a FEMA form during a flood.
Train modes on HAMQuiz’s Modes bank. Learn at https://hamstudy.org/.
Step 7: Support Caregivers
Help caregivers, like those with dementia:
Pre-set FRS Channel 1 for one-button use.
Use bright Retevis radios with labels.
Example: During a wildfire, a caregiver calls for help.
Practice caregiver tips on HAMQuiz.
Step 8: Keep Practicing
Nets and protocols need regular drills:
Run weekly nets on FRS Channel 1.
Test Wilderness Protocol monthly.
Use HAMQuiz quizzes to stay sharp.
Example: What’s the Wilderness Protocol channel? A) FRS 3 B) GMRS 15 C) CB 9 (Answer: A).
Earn 7000 BaconPoints on HAMQuiz.
Study at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
Why This Guide Is Essential
This guide makes you a communication leader:
Clear: Simple rules for everyone.
Proactive: Nets ready before floods hit.
Inclusive: Caregiver-friendly tips.
Engaging: HAMQuiz keeps it fun.
Our channels are the standard. CERT, ARRL (arrl.org), and REACT (reactintl.org) align with us. Email contact@hamquiz.org to connect.
Disclaimer
Our channels are the default; CERT adopts them.
Next Steps
Study our About, PACE Plan, Join Us, and Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications pages at hamquiz.org.
Practice flashcard quizzes on HAMQuiz.
Train at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
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