⚠️ Print This. Laminate It. Keep It With Your Radio.
When disaster strikes, your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode. Fine motor skills degrade. Memory becomes unreliable. You will not "figure it out" in the moment.
This guide gives you a simple, repeatable protocol for the critical first 5 minutes.
The 5-Minute Emergency Radio Protocol
Whether it's an earthquake, hurricane, blackout, or any other emergency—these are the steps that experienced emergency communicators follow. Memorize them. Practice them. They work.
⏱️ 0:00 – STOP (10 seconds)
Before you touch your radio:
- Are you physically safe RIGHT NOW?
- Is anyone with you injured?
- Is there immediate danger (fire, gas leak, structural collapse)?
If you're in danger, move first. Radio second. Dead operators don't make calls.
⏱️ 0:10 – POWER ON & CHECK (20 seconds)
- Power on your radio
- Check battery indicator – Is it at least 50%?
- Verify volume is up – You'd be surprised how often this is the problem
- Confirm antenna is attached – Transmitting without antenna damages the radio
If battery is low, switch to LOW power mode immediately (1W instead of 5W).
⏱️ 0:30 – SET PRIORITY CHANNEL (15 seconds)
Switch to your pre-programmed priority channel. This should be:
| If You Have | Use This | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Ham License | 2m Simplex Calling | 146.520 MHz |
| GMRS License | Channel 20 (Emergency) | 462.675 MHz (PL 141.3) |
| No License | FRS Channel 1 | 462.5625 MHz |
| Coastal Area | Marine VHF 16 | 156.800 MHz |
You DID program these channels before the emergency, right?
⏱️ 0:45 – LISTEN FIRST (60 seconds)
Do NOT key up immediately. Listen for:
- Is there an active emergency net already running?
- Is someone else transmitting?
- Is there emergency traffic in progress?
If a net is active: Wait for the net control station to call for check-ins. Don't interrupt emergency traffic.
If the channel is clear: Proceed to make contact.
⏱️ 1:45 – MAKE CONTACT (60 seconds)
Transmit a brief, clear message:
"This is [YOUR CALLSIGN or NAME], checking in from [LOCATION].
I am [STATUS: okay / need assistance].
[NUMBER] people with me.
Listening on this frequency."
Example:
"This is KD0ABC, checking in from downtown Denver.
I am okay. Three people with me.
Listening on 146.520."
⏱️ 2:45 – WAIT & CONSERVE (remaining time)
If no response after 30 seconds:
- Try again on the same frequency
- If still no response, try your backup frequency
- If still nothing, switch to SCAN mode and listen
Critical battery conservation:
- Lower power to 1W if possible
- Turn OFF dual-watch mode
- Schedule listening windows (e.g., top of each hour for 5 minutes)
After the First 5 Minutes
Next 30 Minutes
- Establish contact with family members on pre-arranged channels
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for official information
- Check in to local repeaters if they're operational
- Begin a simple log: time, frequency, who you contacted, key info
First Hour
- Confirm status of all family/group members
- Assess your situation: shelter, water, immediate needs
- If able, offer to relay messages for others
- Switch to strict battery conservation mode
🆘 Legal Note: Emergency Exception
FCC Part 97.403 states: "No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available."
Translation: In a genuine life-threatening emergency, you may transmit on any frequency to get help—even without a license. This is a LAST RESORT when no other options exist. It does not apply to routine preparedness or "just in case" situations.
Printable Quick Reference Card
📻 FIRST 5 MINUTES – EMERGENCY RADIO PROTOCOL
0:00 STOP – Am I safe? Anyone injured? Immediate danger?
0:10 POWER – Radio on, battery check, volume up, antenna on
0:30 CHANNEL – Switch to priority emergency channel
0:45 LISTEN – Monitor for 60 seconds before transmitting
1:45 TRANSMIT – Callsign, location, status, number of people
2:45 CONSERVE – Low power, schedule listening windows
Ham: 146.520 MHz | GMRS: 462.675 MHz (PL 141.3) | FRS: Ch 1 | Marine: Ch 16
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Transmitting immediately – You might step on emergency traffic
- Long transmissions – Keep it SHORT. Others are waiting.
- Forgetting your location – Know your address, GPS coords, or landmarks
- Running at high power – Drains battery 5x faster. Start low.
- Not having channels pre-programmed – Too late to figure it out now