Emergency Communications
Emergency Communications
Being able to operate a ham radio isn’t just a skill for survivalists, preppers, or first responders. In a situation where usual communication systems fail, anyone can benefit from knowing how to use this important tool. A ham radio can help keep you safe and connected in our unpredictable world, making it a valuable addition to any bug-out bag.
Understanding how to use these radios and their emergency frequencies is a practical skill that could make a significant difference when it matters most. In this article, we’ll cover common emergency frequencies and why ham radios are an excellent resource in emergencies.
Ham Radio Emergency Frequencies
34.90 MHz: Nationwide emergency channel for the National Guard.
39.46 MHz: Emergency communication channel for local and state police.
47.42 MHz: Nationwide relief operations channel for the Red Cross.
52.525 MHz: FM calling frequency for ham radio operators in their six-meter band, especially active during exceptional propagation conditions.
121.50 MHz: International aeronautical emergency frequency.
138.225 MHz: Primary FEMA channel for disaster relief operations.
146.52 MHz: Ham radio frequency for non-repeater communications on the two-meter band.
151.625 MHz: Utilized by mobile businesses such as circuses, exhibitions, trade shows, and sports teams. Other channels in use are 154.57 and 154.60 MHz.
154.28 MHz: Local fire department emergency communication channel. Additional frequencies include 154.265 and 154.295 MHz.
155.160 MHz: Local and state agency channel for search and rescue operations.
155.475 MHz: Local and state police emergency communication channel.
156.75 MHz: International maritime weather alerts channel.
156.80 MHz: International maritime distress, calling, and safety channel.
162.40 MHz to 162.55 MHz: Series of channels used for NOAA weather broadcasts and bulletins. Also 163.275 MHz.
163.4875 MHz: Nationwide emergency channel for the National Guard.
163.5125 MHz: National disaster preparedness frequency for the armed forces.
164.50 MHz: National communication channel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
168.55 MHz: Federal civilian agency channel for emergencies and disasters.
243.00 MHz: Military aviation emergency channel.
259.70 MHz and 296.80 MHz: Frequencies for the Space Shuttle during re-entry and landing.
311.00 MHz and 319.40 MHz: Active U.S. Air Force in-flight channels.
317.70 MHz and 317.80 MHz: Active channels for U.S. Coast Guard aviation.
340.20 MHz: Active channel for U.S. Navy aviation.
409.20 MHz: National communication channel for the Interstate Commerce Commission.
409.625 MHz: National communication channel for the Department of State.
462.675 MHz: General Mobile Radio Service channel for emergency communication and traveler assistance.
ARES Members
Lee Marion, W8CGQ,, Reg2 DEC
John Price, KX4WTF
Phil Cook, W4TMS
John McCall, KO4RDV
Desmond Jolly, KO4UGO
Phillip Chartier, AC4Q
Marty Sumner, AG4VN,
Assist EC Union Co
South Carolina ARES
When a big weather event is expected the SCEMD might requested the SCHEART VHF repeaters be linked statewide during the event. When that happens the state EOC ( K4EMD ) will be monitoring the SCHEART network for damage reports or other significant information that needs to be relayed to the State Warning Point..
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So what “significant information” is the state EOC wanting to hear about?
The County/State EOC is looking for infrastructure damage or situations impeding emergency response.
Here are few examples:
1) Infrastructure issues like a vehicle bridge is underwater or washed out.
2) A tornado or funnel cloud has touched down on the ground.
3) The dam has broken and the roads downstream are flooding.
4) A train has derailed.
5) The river is so high that the bridge supports might not be safe.
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All other weather related information should be reported to the Skywarn net. Ask your local Skywarn leadership were that net is located and what training you should have to make an accurate report.
The state EOC operator is not able to pass on your Skywarn spotters report to the NWS. You are expected to join a Skywarn net local to you and deliver that report yourself.
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IF the county EOC is activated and running a net on their tactical repeater/frequency, it is expected that you will report all significant information ONLY to the county EOC. The county EOC will handle the report and forward whatever they need to K4EMD. In many weather related situations the county EOC is not activated and in those situations you would make your report to K4EMD, the state EOC directly.
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The state EOC, K4EMD usually does not run a NET for weather related events. Usually K4EMD is monitoring and will reply to you if asked. You can call for K4EMD or net control either way and if the state EOC is activated an operator should reply. If not just wait a few minutes and try again.
By Pete K4LLE in Latest News
Mark your calendar for these important dates. More details when we get a bit closer.
Feb 10 2024 – Saturday, quarterly ARES / AUXCOMM / COMU training AT SCEMD
March 12 & 13 State Full Scale Exercise. This is for County EOC, State EOC & COMU
March 16 2024 – Saturday, ARES/AUXC statewide Comex
June 8th 2024 – Saturday, quarterly ARES / AUXCOMM / COMU training AT SCEMD
Watch your email for an opportunity to register. Keep your SPAM folder cleared so you will notice if something lands in there unexpectedly.