HAM Radio Frequencies: Keep in the Loop During Crisis.

ByShepherd

Monitor NOAA weather channels, common HAM emergency nets (VHF/UHF simplex), GMRS/FRS for local comms, CB for highway chatter, and shortwave/AM/FM for broader intel. If you plan to transmit, get the proper licenses (HAM, GMRS) and practice radio discipline.

 

Key considerations before you tune or transmit

  • Do you intend to listen only or transmit? Listening is usually legal; transmitting often requires a license (HAM, GMRS).
  • What range do you need? Local (FRS/GMRS/CB), regional (VHF/UHF HAM), long‑range (HF/shortwave).
  • Power and antennas matter. Handhelds are fine for local nets; base stations and proper antennas are required for reliable range.

 

Practical frequencies and what they’re for

  • NOAA Weather Radio (continuous weather & alerts): 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550 MHz. Monitor these for official weather warnings and emergency alerts.
  • VHF HAM (2‑meter) national simplex: 146.520 MHz — the common VHF simplex calling frequency and a good place to monitor local emergency traffic and nets.
  • UHF HAM (70‑cm) common simplex: Many local groups use UHF simplex channels; check local band plans and repeaters for specific frequencies and emergency nets.
  • GMRS / FRS (family radio service): Shared UHF channels around 462/467 MHz. FRS is license‑free for receive/transmit but limited power; GMRS requires an FCC license to transmit and offers higher power and range.
  • CB Radio (Citizens Band): Channel 19 (27.185 MHz) is commonly used by truckers and highway traffic; CB is useful for vehicle convoys and local road intel.
  • MURS (Multi‑Use Radio Service): VHF channels around 151–154 MHz for short‑range, license‑free comms in the U.S.; useful for local coordination without a license.
  • Shortwave / HF emergency nets: Specific HF frequencies are used for regional and international emergency traffic (varies by band and time of day). Monitor common HF emergency nets and SSB calling frequencies for long‑range situational awareness.

 

Legal and operational cautions

  • Transmit only on frequencies you’re licensed for (Technician/General/Extra for HAM; GMRS license for GMRS). Unauthorized transmission can cause interference and legal trouble.
  • Do not attempt to monitor encrypted or restricted public‑safety channels. Laws vary by state; avoid decoding or rebroadcasting protected communications.
  • Practice radio etiquette: brief callsigns, clear language, and net discipline during emergencies to avoid chaos.

 

Quick next steps

  • Get a handheld HT (Yaesu/Icom) and learn 146.520 MHz and local repeater frequencies.
  • Program NOAA weather channels into a scanner or radio.
  • If you need local group comms, evaluate FRS vs GMRS (get GMRS license if you want higher power).

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