Effective Disaster Communication in AnyTown, USA: A Community Guide for Residents, Leaders, and Responders

In times of crisis, communication becomes the lifeline that keeps us safe, informed, and connected. Whether you’re a neighbor checking on your friends, a CERT volunteer coordinating efforts, or a family member trying to find loved ones, knowing how to communicate clearly—and with the right tools—is essential. This guide will walk you through how our communities can stay connected before, during, and after a disaster.


Why Communication Is the Heart of Community Resilience

Imagine a neighborhood suddenly struck by a severe storm, earthquake, or wildfire. Power lines are down, cell towers are overwhelmed, and chaos reigns. In that moment, your ability to connect—whether with your family, neighbors, or emergency responders—can save lives. 

Good communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about sharing accurate, timely information that guides actions, prevents confusion, and helps everyone stay safe. When the usual systems fail, community radios, simple protocols, and neighbor-to-neighbor contact become our most vital resources.


The Communication Ecosystem in Your Community

Think of your community as a living web. At its core are the neighbors, block captains, CERT teams, and local officials. When disaster hits, this web must hold strong. 

In normal times, we rely on cell phones, internet, and official alerts. But those systems often break down during emergencies. That’s when radios—like FRS, GMRS, MURS, CB, and HAM—become the backbone of community communication.

Josh, a seasoned emergency communicator, emphasizes the importance of understanding propagation, programming your radios correctly, and practicing routines. His advice is simple: be prepared, be clear, and be consistent.


How Ordinary Residents Can Use Radios: A Practical Guide

Let’s start with the basics. You might have a simple FRS walkie-talkie, a GMRS radio, or even a more advanced HAM radio in your emergency kit. Whatever it is, knowing how to operate it can be a game-changer.

First step: Program your radios with the community’s designated channels. Many radios come with preset channels; for example, Channel 1 (462.5625 MHz) is often used as a common neighborhood channel. If you have a programmable radio like a Baofeng, ask your local CERT or community group for the official list of frequencies and set your device accordingly. 

In Josh’s videos, he shows how he set up his wife’s radio with a simple “call-out” routine: every 2 minutes, she holds down the PTT button, announces her name and location, and repeats. This way, if someone is listening, they can find her and connect.

How to operate your radio for emergency contact: 

Tip: Use descriptive call signs. Instead of just “Neighbor,” say “North Block Captain” or “Mom at Maple.” 

Practice regularly—run drills with your family and neighbors. It’s fun and builds confidence.


Essential Frequencies and How to Program Your Radios

Here’s a quick guide to some common community frequencies, especially for FRS, GMRS, and MURS radios. Remember: check your device’s manual or contact your local CERT for the exact settings. In the chart above are the most frequently seen channels and frequencies used.

Josh’s Practical Tips & Adventures

In his videos, Josh shows how he set up a simple kit with his wife, using a Baofeng radio programmed with their community’s channels. She practices calling out every 2 minutes, announcing her location, and listening for responses. 

He recommends creating a “rendezvous point”—a designated safe spot where everyone meets after an incident. On the back of her radio, he attached a card with the exact coordinates or address of their rendezvous spot, so even if cell phones don’t work, they can find each other.

Josh emphasizes that practice is everything. He suggests doing regular drills, like a “neighborhood radio check,” where everyone tunes in, calls out their location, and confirms they’re okay. This builds familiarity and confidence.

He also highlights how radios can be fun and educational for kids, helping them learn about science, technology, and teamwork—all valuable skills during emergencies.


Creating Your Emergency Kit & Setup

Josh’s example shows that a simple kit can include:

He recommends programming your radios before an emergency, setting the right channels and call signs, and practicing using them daily or weekly.

In his videos, he demonstrated how to program a Baofeng to specific community frequencies—something that might seem daunting but is quite doable with a simple online guide or help from local HAM groups.


Engaging the Whole Community: Fun Adventures & Drills

Josh encourages communities to turn preparedness into a fun activity. For example, organize a “Radio Day” where neighbors come together to learn how to turn on their radios, find channels, and practice calling out. 

You can set up a mock scenario: a neighborhood emergency, a lost child, or a small fire. Everyone practices transmitting their location, requesting help, and relaying updates. These drills build confidence and familiarity, making real emergencies less stressful.

He even suggests creating a “radio buddy system,” where pairs of neighbors check on each other regularly, especially vulnerable residents like seniors or those with medical needs.


Post-Disaster: Staying Connected & Supporting Each Other

After the initial chaos, your neighborhood’s radio network remains vital. Use your radios to:

Josh emphasizes that calm, clear, and concise communication saves lives. Always identify yourself with a call sign, speak slowly, and listen carefully. Remember: radios are shared resources, so avoid unnecessary chatter to keep channels open for emergencies.


Final Words: Practice, Prepare, and Stay Connected

The most effective community is one where everyone knows how to use their radios, understands the channels, and practices regularly. Josh’s tips, combined with community drills, turn preparedness from a daunting task into a fun, empowering activity.

In the end, it’s about being neighbors helping neighbors, working together, and trusting that your community’s communication plan will keep everyone safe until help arrives.


Now’s the time to get your radios programmed, practice your routines, and talk with your neighbors. Because when disaster comes, we’re stronger together.