Not legal advice. FRS needs no license; GMRS does. Check the FCC pages linked below.
What it's for
Radios are only half the job. The other half is everyone knowing which channel, when, and what to say, before the power's out. A channel plan is a one-card agreement the whole outfit carries. The Lookout writes it; the Ramrod makes sure everybody has it.
Before you need it (practice)
Know your radios
- FRS (Family Radio Service) is licensed by rule: no individual license, any age (FCC). There are 22 FRS channels, all shared with GMRS.
- The FCC says FRS channels 8-14 usually reach less than half a mile; channels 1-7 and 15-22 can go farther depending on conditions. (Those channels allow 2 watts versus 0.5 watts on 8-14.)
- GMRS radios need an FCC license. See GMRS Radio Basics.
- Older "FRS/GMRS" combo radios: the FCC explains how to tell which kind yours is. If it transmits on certain 467 MHz channels or exceeds FRS limits, it's a GMRS device.
Write the plan (fill this in)
| Item | Your plan |
|---|---|
| Main channel | e.g., Ch 3 (pick one of 1-7 or 15-22) |
| Backup channel | e.g., Ch 18. Move here if main is busy |
| Privacy code | Off for emergencies, so you can hear all traffic |
| Check-in times | e.g., top of each hour, for 5 minutes |
| Call names | First names or simple handles ("Home," "Truck," "Barn") |
| Rally point if radios fail | Address or landmark |
| Out-of-area contact | Name + phone |
| GMRS call sign (if licensed) | ________ |
Copy it onto an index card for every radio and every go-bag, and put one in the planning binder.
Drill it
Once a month, do a five-minute check-in on the main channel, then switch to backup and check again. Kids love being "Base."
Step by step (when it counts)
- Turn on, set the main channel, privacy code off.
- Listen for a few seconds. FRS and GMRS channels are shared, and the FCC asks everyone to listen before talking.
- Call: "Home, this is Truck." Wait. "Go ahead, Truck." Then your message.
- Plain words only. Who, where, what you need. "At the bridge, road's closed, heading back the long way."
- Busy or noisy? Say "Moving to backup," then switch.
- Missed contact? Try again at the next check-in time. Save batteries in between.
- No contact at all? Go to the rally point. That's what it's for.
Common mistakes
- Treating privacy codes as privacy. They filter what you hear; they don't hide what you say.
- Picking channels 8-14 for long distances. They're the short-range ones.
- Too many channels. Two is plenty: main and backup.
- Leaving radios on all day. Use check-in times so batteries last.
- Codes nobody remembers. Plain language beats secret words when folks are stressed.
Care & storage
- Keep the card with the radio, in a zip-top bag.
- Recheck the plan when someone moves, a kid gets old enough for a radio, or you buy new radios.
- Store spare batteries with the radios (see Light, Power, and Faraday Storage).
Related gear
- FRS walkie-talkies · GMRS handheld radio
- Index cards + permanent marker · Waterproof notebook
- Household emergency plan templates
- Category: Communication · Role: Lookout
Sources
- FCC, Family Radio Service (FRS): https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/family-radio-service-frs
- FCC, General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS): https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs
- Rocky Talkie, "How do Privacy Codes work?": https://rockytalkie.com/blogs/rocky-talkie-blog/how-to-use-privacy-codes-on-your-rocky-talkie-adventure-radio
- Ready.gov, Make a Plan: https://www.ready.gov/plan
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