When there's a wide-scale disaster like a hurricane, floods, or earth quake, how do you communicate with others to get help? How do you reach out to family and friends to check on them and to see if they need assistance? During these catastrophes, the power grid may go down and cell towers may be inoperable. In such cases, you might not be able to rely on your cell or smart phone or landline. In this article we explore ways to have better communication during emergencies
That's where two-way radios comes in the picture and helps in emergency communication. They're by far the most reliable methods for communication not merely during crisis situations, but additionally when you're off-grid in the midst of nowhere or in an outdoor environment. Two way radios, then, can also needed when you are hunting, backpacking, or fishing, along with other outdoor recreation in which you are unable to control the environment. During these emergencies or outdoor sports activities, two-way radios could be the only gadgets that operate.
Packing these radios in your survival or emergency kit will give you security and peace of mind. All you need to do is turn your radio on, push the talk button, and you're ready to instantly communicate with a loved one or friend.
The Lowdown: We'll give you the lowdown on what features we think are important in a two-way radio. Then we'll give you 3 models we think do the job well.
The Essential feature: We'll give you the essential features list that we believe are required in a two-way radio. Then we'll provide you with 3 models we expect perform the job nicely.
Two-way radios are comparatively cheap and able to take a beating. They carry no user or roaming charges, contracts or monthly plans. Now let us see a few of the Two-Way Radio Features.
Weight and Size of the two way radios: When you purchase an emergency two way radios, it is important to keep in mind that it needs to be light weight and should fit in the bug out bag. The models from Motorola and uniden are light weight and have sleek design.
Weight and Size: It's more comfortable to keep your radio in a backpack or survival kit without it occupying too much space. And a compact radio means you'll be able to carry it in your hands or pant pocket.
Family Radio Service (FRS) bands have shorter range (around 5-6 miles) but don't require a license. General Mobile Radio (GMRS) bands, which are more powerful, with a range between 8-25 miles, require a license.
Power: NiMH rechargeable batteries are the power sources in most of the two way radios in the market. Most of two way radios can be used with AAA batteries and in emergency can be powered with easily available AAA batteries.
Power: Two-way radios are typically operated by NiMH rechargeable batteries. Most also accept alkaline disposables, which are inexpensive and extends your battery life. During emergencies, these back-ups can be quite a lifesaver.
Now let us explore the Emergency features that emergency two way radios needs to support. Radios with Emergency Alerts send an emergency signal along with other radios in your group. Radios with a flashlight are effective in emergencies, like when there's a power outage.
Voice Activated Transmission: The voice-activated (or "VOX") feature starts broadcasting automatically when you speak in the direction of the radio, therefore allowing you to operate it hands-free. Bikers and skiers find this to be a useful feature. Weather Alerts: Weather updates or a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio from the National Weather Service is essential during disasters like winter storms and flash flooding. Following is few of the best GMRS survival radios in the market.
MOTOROLA T605 35-Mile Talkabout T605 2-Way Radios: The T605 weighs only .54 pounds. (with battery). Included are 2 radios, 2 whistle belt clips, 2 NiHM rechargeable batteries, 1 Y cable adapter with dual micro-USB connectors, 1 car charger with 2 USB ports, and 2 USB charging cables.T605 cost about $119.99 The NiMHs last for 9 hours. 3 AA batteries last for 23 hours. The T605 features an emergency alert button, iVox/Vox, 11 weather channels (7 NOAA), a built-in LED flashlight, auto squelch, keypad lock and keypad tone and scanning. The T605 is waterproof. It can withstand submersion in water of up to 1meter for 30 minutes. It can also float to the surface. And, with the water-activated flashlight, it's easy to find in the dark. The T605, unlike the T400, has VibraCall and PTT which, when activated, extends the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs last for 8.5 hours. When they run dry, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. The T400 boasts a built-in LED flashlight, iVOX/VOX, 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) and emergency alert functions. A scanner quickly locates an empty channel for you and your partners to use. With auto squelch, you can automatically cut off weak transmissions and unwanted noise as a result of range and terrain conditions. The T400 is weatherproof, not waterproof and lacks Push-to-Talk (PTT) / Power Boost, and VibraCall, which allows for vibrating calls.
MOTOROLA T480 Talkabout 2-Way Radio: The T480, which weighs in at only .43 pounds, only includes 1 radio, which is sold for reasonable price. Incorporated are 1 Ni-mh rechargeable battery and 1 micro-USB wall charging cable. The following two features result in the T480 stand out . Aside from the emergency alert are PTT and NOAA weather channels, additionally, it includes a Radio which you can use to hear your preferred FM channels. The flashlight automatically turns on during a blackout and when unplugged so you always have light. The NiHM battery lasts up to 10 hours. 3 AA batteries last up to 26 hours. A drawback is that theT480 is weatherproof, not waterproof.
That's where two-way radios comes in the picture and helps in emergency communication. They're by far the most reliable methods for communication not merely during crisis situations, but additionally when you're off-grid in the midst of nowhere or in an outdoor environment. Two way radios, then, can also needed when you are hunting, backpacking, or fishing, along with other outdoor recreation in which you are unable to control the environment. During these emergencies or outdoor sports activities, two-way radios could be the only gadgets that operate.
Packing these radios in your survival or emergency kit will give you security and peace of mind. All you need to do is turn your radio on, push the talk button, and you're ready to instantly communicate with a loved one or friend.
The Lowdown: We'll give you the lowdown on what features we think are important in a two-way radio. Then we'll give you 3 models we think do the job well.
The Essential feature: We'll give you the essential features list that we believe are required in a two-way radio. Then we'll provide you with 3 models we expect perform the job nicely.
Two-way radios are comparatively cheap and able to take a beating. They carry no user or roaming charges, contracts or monthly plans. Now let us see a few of the Two-Way Radio Features.
Weight and Size of the two way radios: When you purchase an emergency two way radios, it is important to keep in mind that it needs to be light weight and should fit in the bug out bag. The models from Motorola and uniden are light weight and have sleek design.
Weight and Size: It's more comfortable to keep your radio in a backpack or survival kit without it occupying too much space. And a compact radio means you'll be able to carry it in your hands or pant pocket.
Family Radio Service (FRS) bands have shorter range (around 5-6 miles) but don't require a license. General Mobile Radio (GMRS) bands, which are more powerful, with a range between 8-25 miles, require a license.
Power: NiMH rechargeable batteries are the power sources in most of the two way radios in the market. Most of two way radios can be used with AAA batteries and in emergency can be powered with easily available AAA batteries.
Power: Two-way radios are typically operated by NiMH rechargeable batteries. Most also accept alkaline disposables, which are inexpensive and extends your battery life. During emergencies, these back-ups can be quite a lifesaver.
Now let us explore the Emergency features that emergency two way radios needs to support. Radios with Emergency Alerts send an emergency signal along with other radios in your group. Radios with a flashlight are effective in emergencies, like when there's a power outage.
Voice Activated Transmission: The voice-activated (or "VOX") feature starts broadcasting automatically when you speak in the direction of the radio, therefore allowing you to operate it hands-free. Bikers and skiers find this to be a useful feature. Weather Alerts: Weather updates or a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio from the National Weather Service is essential during disasters like winter storms and flash flooding. Following is few of the best GMRS survival radios in the market.
MOTOROLA T605 35-Mile Talkabout T605 2-Way Radios: The T605 weighs only .54 pounds. (with battery). Included are 2 radios, 2 whistle belt clips, 2 NiHM rechargeable batteries, 1 Y cable adapter with dual micro-USB connectors, 1 car charger with 2 USB ports, and 2 USB charging cables.T605 cost about $119.99 The NiMHs last for 9 hours. 3 AA batteries last for 23 hours. The T605 features an emergency alert button, iVox/Vox, 11 weather channels (7 NOAA), a built-in LED flashlight, auto squelch, keypad lock and keypad tone and scanning. The T605 is waterproof. It can withstand submersion in water of up to 1meter for 30 minutes. It can also float to the surface. And, with the water-activated flashlight, it's easy to find in the dark. The T605, unlike the T400, has VibraCall and PTT which, when activated, extends the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs last for 8.5 hours. When they run dry, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. The T400 boasts a built-in LED flashlight, iVOX/VOX, 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) and emergency alert functions. A scanner quickly locates an empty channel for you and your partners to use. With auto squelch, you can automatically cut off weak transmissions and unwanted noise as a result of range and terrain conditions. The T400 is weatherproof, not waterproof and lacks Push-to-Talk (PTT) / Power Boost, and VibraCall, which allows for vibrating calls.
MOTOROLA T480 Talkabout 2-Way Radio: The T480, which weighs in at only .43 pounds, only includes 1 radio, which is sold for reasonable price. Incorporated are 1 Ni-mh rechargeable battery and 1 micro-USB wall charging cable. The following two features result in the T480 stand out . Aside from the emergency alert are PTT and NOAA weather channels, additionally, it includes a Radio which you can use to hear your preferred FM channels. The flashlight automatically turns on during a blackout and when unplugged so you always have light. The NiHM battery lasts up to 10 hours. 3 AA batteries last up to 26 hours. A drawback is that theT480 is weatherproof, not waterproof.
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