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System Ready
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System Ready

Hurricanes are predictable disasters. Unlike earthquakes, you typically have 3-7 days of warning. That's enough time to prepare your radio communications—if you have a plan.

This guide covers what to do before, during, and after a hurricane to stay connected when cell towers go down and power fails.

🌊 Critical Hurricane Frequencies

Program these into your radio NOW, before the season starts:

Purpose Frequency Notes
NOAA Weather (WX1-7) 162.400 - 162.550 MHz Official alerts, continuous broadcast
2m Simplex Calling 146.520 MHz Ham license required; first place to try
Hurricane Watch Net 14.325 MHz (USB) HF; General license; activates for major storms
GMRS Emergency 462.675 MHz (Ch 20) Use PL tone 141.3 Hz
FRS Channel 1 462.5625 MHz No license; family coordination
Marine VHF 16 156.800 MHz Coast Guard monitors 24/7
Marine VHF WX 162.550 MHz Marine weather broadcasts
Local Repeaters Varies Check RepeaterBook for your area

📅 72-48 Hours Before: Preparation Phase

Radio Checklist

  • ☐ Charge ALL batteries – radio, spare batteries, power banks
  • ☐ Test all radios – power on, transmit test, verify programming
  • ☐ Verify NOAA channels work – you should hear weather broadcasts
  • ☐ Check local repeater status – some have backup power, some don't
  • ☐ Program simplex frequencies – your backup when repeaters fail
  • ☐ Print frequency card – laminate it, keep with radio
  • ☐ Prepare waterproof container – Pelican case or Ziploc bags
  • ☐ Test solar charger – if you have one, verify it works

Family Communications Plan

  • ☐ Agree on a primary frequency (e.g., FRS Channel 3)
  • ☐ Agree on a backup frequency (e.g., FRS Channel 7)
  • ☐ Set scheduled check-in times (e.g., top of every hour)
  • ☐ Designate a rally point if you need to meet physically
  • ☐ Share your plan with out-of-area contact

⏰ 24 Hours Before: Final Preparations

  • Final battery charge – top everything off
  • Turn on NOAA Weather Radio – monitor for updates
  • Check in with family on your designated frequency – make sure radios work
  • Join local net if your area ARES/RACES activates
  • Position antenna – if you have an external antenna, ensure it's secure or taken down
  • Document your location – GPS coordinates, address, landmarks for emergency reports

🌀 During the Storm

⚠️ Safety First

Do NOT go outside during the storm to improve your antenna position or signal. Flying debris kills. Radio can wait. Stay in your safe room.

Radio Protocol During Storm

  1. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio continuously for official updates
  2. Conserve battery – use low power (1W) when possible
  3. Listen more than transmit – preserve power, stay informed
  4. Check in on schedule with family as planned
  5. Stay off repeaters unless you have emergency traffic – they may be handling critical comms

If You Need to Call for Help

If you have a life-threatening emergency and phone/cell is not working:

  1. Switch to 146.520 MHz (2m simplex) or GMRS Channel 20
  2. Transmit: "EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY. This is [name/callsign] at [location]. I have [nature of emergency]. [Number] people affected. Requesting immediate assistance. Over."
  3. Wait 30 seconds and repeat if no response
  4. Try other frequencies if no response

FCC Part 97.403 allows unlicensed transmission in immediate life-threatening emergencies when no other communication is available.

Eye of the Storm

If the eye passes over you, you may have 10-30 minutes of calm. This is NOT the time to relax.

  • Check for injuries – if safe, briefly assess damage
  • Use the calm to make radio contacts if needed
  • DO NOT go far from shelter – the backside of the storm comes fast
  • Winds will return from opposite direction, often stronger

☀️ After the Storm

First 30 Minutes Post-Storm

  1. Check for immediate dangers – gas leaks, downed power lines, structural damage
  2. Check in with family on your designated frequency
  3. Monitor NOAA for all-clear or continued warnings
  4. Report "I'm OK" to your out-of-area contact if possible

First Hour Post-Storm

  • Check local repeaters – some may be back online
  • Join the local emergency net if active
  • Report significant damage you observe – downed trees, blocked roads, flooding
  • Offer to relay messages for neighbors without radios

"I'm OK" Net Protocol

Many ham radio clubs run "I'm OK" nets after storms. Here's how to check in:

Net Control: "This is [callsign], Net Control for the [City] Hurricane Recovery Net. Is there any emergency or priority traffic?"

[Wait for responses]

Net Control: "We are now taking I'm OK check-ins. Please give your callsign phonetically, your location, and status."

You: "[Callsign phonetic], located at [area/neighborhood]. [Number] people, all okay. Minor/moderate/major damage. Over."

📻 Recommended Hurricane Radio Kit

Minimum Kit (~$75)

  • Baofeng UV-5R with upgraded antenna
  • 2x spare extended batteries (3800mAh)
  • Laminated frequency card
  • Waterproof bag/case

Recommended Kit (~$200)

  • Primary: Baofeng UV-5R (ham bands)
  • Secondary: Baofeng UV-5G or Midland (GMRS, for family)
  • 3x spare batteries
  • Foldable solar charger
  • Upgraded Nagoya NA-771 antenna
  • Hand-crank NOAA weather radio (backup)
  • Pelican 1050 or similar waterproof case

🔗 Related Guides

Summary

The key to hurricane radio communications is preparation. You have days of warning—use them. Program your radios, charge your batteries, establish your family plan, and print your frequency card.

When the storm hits, you'll be ready while others are scrambling.