Backup Communications Using FRS Radio ("Walkie-Talkie")

Vista Verde Community Association

Each home should have a Family Radio Service (FRS) or General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio and keep them charged and set on the channel and code for your Neighborhood. Radios will serve as a back-up communication should telephones not be working. You can purchase a basic pair of 14 channel FRS radios for about $40; radios with more channels will also work. Radios can be purchased at most electronic stores or online, a common example is the Motorola "Talkabout" 2 way.

Setting Up Your Radio

Identify your Neighborhood FRS channel and code numbers as instructed in the Organization section; the first number is the channel, the second number is the code (for example: Alpha neighborhood FRS is 10-1; radio channel should be set to "10" and code to "1").
The instruction manual that came with your radio will help guide you through channel and code setup; each radio is somewhat different.
Check your radio display for proper setup: the channel will be the large number; the code will be the small number. All radios set to the same channel and code can communicate. (Note: code is also known as Interference Eliminator Code.)
Write your neighborhood FRS channel and code on a label and adhere to the back of your radio along with FRS 7-11 for the Vista Verde Command Center (EOC) so that you can monitor if desired.

Talking and Listening

To talk, press and hold the talk pad. Press the talk pad about a second before you start speaking.

State where you are calling to, your name, and location, for example: "Group 2 this is Jane Doe at 123 Joaquin Road".
They will reply "go ahead Jane"
State your concern/request/question as concisely as possible.
When done speaking, say "Over" to signal you’re finished with that thought.
When completing a conversation, say "Jane Clear or Jane Standing by"

Tips

Hold the radio 2 to 3 inches away from your mouth when talking. When you finish talking, release the talk pad (press to talk, release to listen).
Initially, to find out if anyone can hear you, say "Do you read me?"
Speaking slowly and clearly will help others understand you
To talk, press and hold the talk pad. Press the talk pad about a second before you start speaking.