Blizzard Radio Survival

Stay Connected in the Snow

Blizzards bring heavy snow, ice, and power outages, stranding people indoors or on roads, making radios essential for warmth checks and rescues. This guide provides a radio plan for blizzards, designed for beginners and hobbyists. Study this page, explore Disaster Playbook, Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications, Power and Equipment Maintenance, and other pages, and practice with flashcard-style quizzes on HAMQuiz. For more training, visit https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/. Prepare now—blizzards hit hard.

Blizzard Radio Strategy

Blizzards demand local check-ins and town-wide updates. Snow blocks signals, so use reliable radios and power sources. Monitor weather alerts to stay safe. Josh’s kit—bright Retevis FRS walkie-talkies, solar charger, and waterproof bag—keeps you connected. Our channels are the standard; CERT teams should align with them.

Radios and Channels

FRS Channel 1 (462.5625 MHz): Local check-ins, no license, ~$30 (Retevis).

Example: “This is John, heat off, over.”

GMRS Channel 15 (462.5500 MHz): Town updates, $35 license (fcc.gov).

Example: “Rescue needed, GMRS 15, over.”

NOAA Weather Radio (162 MHz): Storm alerts, ~$30 receivers.

Example: “Blizzard warning, stay indoors.”

Modes and Kit

Modes: Voice (FRS/GMRS), NOAA for alerts.

Kit: Josh’s kit—waterproof FRS, 30 AAAs, PowerFilm solar charger (~$300), laminated PACE card (Primary: FRS 1, Alternate: GMRS 15, Contingency: CB 9, Emergency: Winlink).

Power Tip: Solar chargers work in low sun; test monthly.

Example: During a blizzard, FRS 1 checks, “Elderly neighbor warm?”

Practice on HAMQuiz’s Disasters bank.

Support Caregivers

Help caregivers:

Pre-set FRS Channel 1 for dementia patients, with bright radios and labels (“PRESS TO TALK”).

Example: During a blizzard, a caregiver’s FRS calls for warmth aid.

Practice caregiver tips on HAMQuiz.

Keep Learning

Stay blizzard-ready:

Use HAMQuiz flashcard quizzes.

Example: Best blizzard radio? A) FRS B) NOAA C) CB (Answer: B).

Earn 7000 BaconPoints on HAMQuiz.

Study at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.

Why This Guide Is Essential

This guide is your blizzard lifeline:

Clear: Simple radio plans.

Proactive: Prepares before snow falls.

Inclusive: Caregiver-friendly with Josh’s kit.

Engaging: HAMQuiz keeps it fun.

Our channels are the standard. CERT, ARRL (arrl.org), and REACT (reactintl.org) align with us. Email contact@hamquiz.org to connect.

Disclaimer

Our channels are the default; CERT adopts them.

Next Steps

Explore Disaster Playbook, Radio Basics, Get Licensed, Power and Equipment Maintenance, and other pages at hamquiz.org.

Practice flashcard quizzes on HAMQuiz.

Train at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.

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