When the power grid fails—whether from a storm, cyberattack, EMP, or infrastructure collapse—your normal communication channels go with it. Cell towers have 4-8 hours of battery backup at best. Internet? Gone. Landlines? Increasingly rare and still need central office power.

Radio is the only reliable communications technology that works independently of the grid.

This guide covers how to prepare for and operate during extended power outages—from a few days to weeks or longer.

⚡ Why Grid-Down Is Different

The key takeaway: in a prolonged grid-down scenario, even repeaters will eventually fail. You need to be prepared for simplex (radio-to-radio) communications.

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🔋 Power Management: The Critical Skill

In grid-down, power is survival. A 5W handheld transmitting continuously will drain a 1800mAh battery in about 4-6 hours of active use. You need to extend that to days or weeks.

Battery Conservation Tactics

Power Sources for Extended Operations

Power Source	Pros	Cons
Spare Li-ion batteries	Drop-in, lightweight, high capacity	Finite supply, must pre-charge
AA battery adapter	AA batteries everywhere, long shelf life	Lower capacity, adds bulk
USB power bank	Can charge radio + phone, common cables	Also needs recharging
Solar panel	Renewable, indefinite power (with sun)	Weather dependent, slower charging
Hand-crank generator	Works anytime, no fuel needed	Exhausting, slow output
Vehicle battery	Huge capacity, standard 12V	Need adapter, drains starting battery
Generator	High power output	Fuel dependent, noisy, attracts attention

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📻 Grid-Down Frequency Strategy

When Repeaters Are Up (First Hours/Days)

• Use local repeaters while they're operational
• Check in to emergency nets
• Get situational awareness
• But don't depend on them—have simplex backup ready

When Repeaters Fail (Days/Weeks)

Switch to simplex (direct radio-to-radio) communications:

Band	Frequency	Notes
2m Ham Simplex	146.520 MHz	National calling freq—monitored widely
70cm Ham Simplex	446.000 MHz	UHF calling freq—better in buildings
GMRS Simplex	462.675 MHz (Ch 20)	PL 141.3 Hz—road/travel channel
MURS	151.940 MHz	License-free, prepper popular
FRS	462.5625 MHz (Ch 1)	No license, limited power
CB	27.185 MHz (Ch 19)	No license, trucker standard

Scheduled Communication Windows

To conserve power and ensure you don't miss each other:

1. Agree on specific times: "Top of each hour, for 5 minutes"
2. Agree on primary and backup frequencies
3. If no contact at scheduled time, try backup freq
4. If still no contact, try again at next scheduled window
5. Log all contacts: time, frequency, callsign, key information

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📍 Extending Range When Infrastructure Is Down

Without repeaters, you're limited to line-of-sight. Here's how to maximize your range:

Antenna Improvements

• Get higher – Top of a hill, roof, upper floor. Height is king.
• Upgrade antenna – A roll-up J-pole or Slim Jim is dramatically better than a rubber duck.
• Use a counterpoise – Even a wire dangling from your antenna can improve performance.

Know Your Terrain

• VHF (2m) – Better for rural, open terrain. Diffracts somewhat over hills.
• UHF (70cm/GMRS) – Better for urban, better building penetration.
• HF (if licensed) – Skip off ionosphere for long-distance (100+ miles).

Mobile/Vehicle Operations

If you have a vehicle with fuel, you have a mobile repeater of sorts:

• Drive to high ground to make contacts
• Use vehicle battery (carefully) to charge handhelds
• Vehicle-mounted antenna dramatically improves range
• OPSEC warning: Running a vehicle attracts attention in long-term grid-down

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🛡️ OPSEC: Radio Security in Grid-Down

Transmission Security

• Don't broadcast your exact location – Use pre-agreed codes or landmarks
• Don't discuss supplies, weapons, or security details
• Keep transmissions brief – RF direction finding is real
• Move between transmissions if you're mobile and concerned
• Use code words for sensitive topics (pre-arranged with your group)

What Encryption Is (and Isn't) Legal

• Ham radio: Encryption is PROHIBITED (FCC Part 97.113)
• GMRS: Encryption is NOT permitted
• FRS/MURS: Voice scrambling technically not compliant
• Reality: Pre-arranged code words are your only legal option

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📋 Grid-Down Radio Checklist

🔗 Related Guides

• First 5 Minutes: Emergency Radio Action Guide
• Hurricane Radio Communications Guide
• Building a Go-Bag Radio Kit
• 15 Radio Mistakes to Avoid
• GMRS vs Ham: Which License?