Radio Communications

Hand-held Radios: The recommended radio is the Midland GTX 1000 (aka Midland GXT1000VP4).
It is available on Amazon for less than $70 for a pair sold together here.
Or you can buy them here:
https://www.buytwowayradios.com/c/coaxial-cable.aspx
1-800-584-1445 “Rob”
Buy Two Way Radios Cricket Ventures LLC
Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios With Headsets and Charger $69.99 / $35.00 per radio.
Ask NRG Coordinator if interested in making a larger purchase for a discount.

Christmas Tree Hill (CTH) NRG conducts monthly radio tests.

This is done because radio use is such a vital part of disaster preparedness and response and Incident Command communications.
Not only do the regular tests provide practice, but they ensure that radios are kept in working order and that reception issues are identified early and resolved.
The annual radio test schedule is set up ahead of time and shared with all radio users.
Calendar alerts/reminders go out a week before the test.
Block Captains and Incident Command members take turns conducting the monthly tests using a script provided for the purpose.
The tests are conducted on the third Wednesday of the month at 8:00 PM and the host does not call on people who have notified CTH NRG that they are unavailable for a particular test.
The monthly radio test typically takes no more than 10-15 minutes to conduct.
For assistance with the mechanics of setting up a regular radio test, feel free to email Anita Bock at cthnrg@gmail.com.

Tips on Storing Radios and Batteries

Because rechargeable batteries degrade, use disposable batteries.
Store your hand held radios in your backpack separately from the disposable batteries in a ziploc bag.
Store the batteries in the same direction (i.e., positive charged side of all batteries should face the same direction) and wrap batteries securely with a rubber band.
Do not store batteries in your device.
Remember to carry lots of spare batteries.