A radio without a plan is just a paperweight. This printable template helps you establish a complete family communications plan—so when disaster strikes, everyone knows what frequency to use, when to check in, and where to meet.
📥 How to Use This Template:
- Fill out each section below (you can type directly before printing)
- Print this page (use the button below)
- Give a copy to each family member
- Post a copy in your home (kitchen, safe room)
- Keep a copy with your radio gear
👨👩👧👦 Section 1: Family Members
| Name | Radio Callsign/Handle | Radio Model | Special Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
📻 Section 2: Assigned Frequencies
| Purpose | Frequency / Channel | PL Tone (if any) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Family Channel | |||
| Backup Channel | |||
| Travel/Vehicle | |||
| Local Repeater (if licensed) | |||
| NOAA Weather | N/A | Receive only |
⏰ Section 3: Check-In Schedule
During an emergency, we will monitor the PRIMARY frequency at these times:
If no contact on PRIMARY, switch to BACKUP frequency at:
📍 Section 4: Rally Points
If we cannot contact each other by radio and need to meet physically:
| Priority | Location | Address / Coordinates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary (near home) | |||
| Secondary (neighborhood) | |||
| Tertiary (out of area) |
📞 Section 5: Out-of-Area Contact
Someone outside our area who can relay messages and confirm everyone's status:
🔐 Section 6: Code Words (Optional)
For sensitive topics, use these pre-arranged code words:
| Meaning | Code Word/Phrase |
|---|---|
| "I'm okay" | |
| "I need help / not safe" | |
| "Come to my location" | |
| "Evacuating / en route" | |
| Custom: |
✅ Section 7: Pre-Emergency Checklist
Tips for Success
- Keep it simple – Complicated plans fail under stress
- Practice at least once – Run a drill, even a 5-minute one
- Update annually – Phone numbers and situations change
- Laminate it – Paper deteriorates; protect your plan
- Test your radios monthly – Batteries die, programming corrupts