We are in day four of the wildfire effects. Many small communities have been effected, including some completely burned to the ground. Fortunately, the weather is trending in our favor at this point, we are still safe and in no imminent threat, but that can change at any moment.

For today, I thought that I would talk about communication devices. It seems like the amount of intelligence is very limited at this point. It feels like unless you are in the line of fire, we are only getting evacuation information. To their credit, emergency officials have stated priority one is human safety followed by structure protection followed distantly by fire containment.

The number one device for information is the cell phone. Sheriffs and fire districts are putting out information over official Facebook pages and Twitter alerts. There is a reverse 911 system that is in place if you are signed up for alerts. Of course, we are getting hearsay information from people on or near the scene on various social media platforms. Don’t forget the voice and text functions for communicating with people that are in or near the scene. Keep it charged, have battery banks and cords available for your number one tool.

My number two tool is the AM radio. Local talk or news only stations have updates on the hour. They are also plugged into the Emergency Broadcast System for localize and targeted information. In fact, I just bought a new C. Crane radio yesterday as I have battled poor reception in my smaller ’emergency’ radio for years. I will probably review it later as I get some hours on it.

If you bug out, it is likely that you are going to take as many vehicles as you have drivers. Maybe the power is out, maybe the cell towers are down or maybe there is no reception in the area, two way communication can be helpful and comes in many forms.

  • CB (Citizens Band) radio – This type of radio has pretty good distance depending on your antenna setup and (in my experience) is primarily used in rural communication settings like logging.
  • FRS (Family Radio Service), GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) – These are all small handheld walkie-talkie type radio devices. I have several types and despite what the package says, they have very short broadcast distance. Sometimes they have trouble communicating vehicle to vehicle in a caravan situation. I use mine primarily for household communication (like when you are shutting off breakers).
  • Short Wave – This can be a very powerful radio that can communicate around the world. There is quite a bit of knowledge that goes along with operating this device legally and effectively, but be aware.

Operating some of these devices require a license from the FCC, including FRS/GMRS type radios (depending on the frequency). I am not aware of anyone ever getting in trouble for not having a license, but the intent is to have an educated user and not clogging up the airwaves with non-sense.

Another tool that is a good source of local intel is the scanner. This is not something that I have, but my next-door neighbor does. Since, I live on Main Street, I see or hear probably half of the calls drive by. I usually can go talk to my neighbor to find out what the call is about. You can also judge the severity by the number and types of vehicles that pass by.

I have multiple tools running at the same time. Different perspectives provide different levels of information. Stay safe.