What

So what are we referring to by "FRS networks?" First, FRS is the acronym for Family Radio Service as defined by the FCC, and can be easily confused with GMRS (see the FAQ for a quick summary of differences between the two). FRS is mainly intended for family/personal use over short distances, and requires no license. Anyone from adults to children can use them, although often adults overlook their usefulness and think of them only as a kid's toy.

The notion of an FRS network is simply a group of people who live near each other that use FRS to maintain contact and share useful/vital information about activities in their area. The most common usage model is one of neighborhood safety, and can be incorporated into an existing community watch organization or implemented as a new/separate mechanism for quickly sharing neighborhood observations with others in the network. For example, one person in the network might report a missing pet or one they spotted loose in the neighborhood that they don't recognize but that someone else in the network might know. Another person might alert the network of an aging parent with dementia that left the house and may be wandering. Still another may notice a stranger who appears to be prowling and warn the network to be watchful.

The entire neighborhood need not be involved, although the benefits are greater when more participate. A useful network can be constructed by a small number of like-minded individuals/families spread around the neighborhood who want to implement a web of communication that spans the area. By each participant agreeing to leave a FRS radio on at home (typically sitting in a charging cradle or connected to a charging cable), any one person can quickly pass anything of importance on to the others, all at the same time.

Individual neighborhood networks can also set up liaisons to exchange information with networks in other neighborhoods, thus widening the coverage area which can be invaluable in an emergency.

Why

Many people will point to phones and online services like Nextdoor and say "we already have that." 100% true statement...as long as those services are available. Anyone with some experience and common sense will also acknowledge that those services may not always be available. Most of us have seen examples of both natural and man-made disasters that have taken out infrastructure from hours to weeks, rendering cellular networks and Internet links inoperative. Those situations are uncommon for most of us, but not exceedingly rare (just turn on the news if you have any doubts). And when everything is working normally, more sophisticated systems don't provide a better solution, just one that more people are familiar with.

Having an FRS network in your neighborhood is a reliable alternative that isn't subject to the aforementioned disasters. Consider a few points:

• FRS radios are inexpensive and require no license or significant training to use.

• While FRS range is limited in urban areas with many obstructions, it is very usable across all but the most massive neighborhoods.

• FRS radios are inherently battery-powered and thus not dependent on a working power grid. Many work on standard alkaline batteries that can easily be replaced, and those with rechargeable batteries built-in require a small amount of energy to recharge.

• They send signals directly to all other listening radios with no need for an Internet connection or cellular network.

• One person transmitting is immediately heard by all others listening; no need to repeat the message over and over to reach multiple people.

Additionally, an FRS network fosters better relations among neighbors by directly connecting them. You get to know your neighbors in a more personal way than through online posts. This, in turn, builds a better sense of community where everyone is interested in looking out for each other.

When

"So is there any reason to do this now? Why not wait to see if we actually need it?" If you look at any training/guidance from FEMA you'll see that advance planning is key to being ready for the unexpected. Caught up in the middle of an emergency is not when you want to try something new. First responders drill and train constantly to maintain their readiness. Setting up and maintaining an FRS network is no different.

If all anyone did was buy an FRS radio and then stash it in the closet until needed, the radio would be mostly worthless. When the time came to use it, what channel would you tune to? Does your network have any established procedures? Who will you be talking to? Are you familiar with the radio controls?

The key to an effective FRS network is to establish it now and use it on a regular basis. This does not have to be tedious or time-consuming. As mentioned above, a good week-to-week use for a network is keeping tabs on neighborhood safety and sharing observations with your neighbors. Some neighborhoods might establish a regular check-in (e.g. monthly) just to give everyone a chance to brush off the dust and fire the radio up. The point is that regular use, even if just a little, will lead to a more robust and useful network when the unthinkable occurs.

Conclusion

The reality is that there will always be antagonists who contend that radio solutions are dead and that modern technology solves all of our problems. Our goal is not to engage in fruitless debate with those who have closed their minds on the subject, but instead to reach out to others who can see the potential in recommendations like FRS networks and spur them on to take action. Rocket City REACT encourages meaningful dialogue and is ready to consult with anyone interested in taking the next step.

Our team is not out to sell products or get kickbacks by influencing people. What we get from it is the same as you...a safer and better prepared community for our family and friends.