A simple family communication plan

If you can't call or text, how will your household stay in touch? A few decisions made now save a lot of worry later.

The three questions

1. What frequency? Agree on a primary — our repeater (462.550) for range — and a simplex channel as a backup if the repeater's down. Write it down.
2. What time? If you can't reach each other, agree to listen at set times, like the top of every hour, so you're not both transmitting into the void.
3. Where? Pick a meeting place in case you're separated and can't communicate at all.

Make it real

• Put the plan on paper and give everyone a copy (a wallet card is perfect). Phones die.
• Make sure everyone can actually operate the radio — kids and the less tech-inclined included. One license covers your whole family.

Practice it

Run a quick drill some weekend: everyone grabs a radio and checks in from a different room or around the block. It's kind of fun, and it turns a plan on paper into a habit.