Latest Central Marin NRG radio channel assignments ( v 19) as of October 2019Check here for the latest version of the CM NRG FRS/GMRS radio channel assignments.
As our CMNRG network continues to grow with new NRGs, especially as we recently added Kentfield and unincorporated Greenbrae to our Central Marin NRG jurisdiction:
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Radio Communications
Communications are vital in the first few hours to first few days after a major disaster.
If the power is out and if cell phones aren't working, hand-held radios will empower us in the Central Marin NRGs to communicate:
If you have an NRG volunteer communications role, familiarizing yourself with radios, radio protocol and incident command protocol enable us to run smoothly.
Here are two sample organization charts show showing how radio communications would work within the NRG (purple boxes) as well as out to others (yellow, red, green boxes).
The first level (simple org chart) only requires two radios and one to two people at NRG CT (fka "Incident Command"). One radio is programmed to the NRG's assigned radio channel and is used to communicate with block captains. The other radio is used to contact others outside the NRG. It can be programmed to Central Marin CERT Command Post 22/5 or programmed to other NRG's CT assigned channels.
See "Incident Command Level 1".
If the power is out and if cell phones aren't working, hand-held radios will empower us in the Central Marin NRGs to communicate:
- within our own neighborhoods to check on everyone as well as to make sure our gas lines are secured to prevent fires and water lines are secured to save usable water.
- within our larger Central Marin NRG radio network. Our NRG radio network gives us an efficient way to connect amongst our neighboring NRGs (6,000 + household members) to rally medical, search and rescue volunteers and supply resources for neighbors in need.
- outside of our neighborhoods to the authorities, to access first responders for life threatening injuries or uncontrollable fires. Our NRG radio network gives us a direct channel to the Central Marin Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Command Post and connect up the chain to the Marin County Office of Emergency Services (OES) which manages the county's response in a major disaster.
If you have an NRG volunteer communications role, familiarizing yourself with radios, radio protocol and incident command protocol enable us to run smoothly.
Here are two sample organization charts show showing how radio communications would work within the NRG (purple boxes) as well as out to others (yellow, red, green boxes).
The first level (simple org chart) only requires two radios and one to two people at NRG CT (fka "Incident Command"). One radio is programmed to the NRG's assigned radio channel and is used to communicate with block captains. The other radio is used to contact others outside the NRG. It can be programmed to Central Marin CERT Command Post 22/5 or programmed to other NRG's CT assigned channels.
See "Incident Command Level 1".
The second org. chart example shows a fully built out NRG CT (fka "Incident Command") with added search and rescue team function and medical team function in addition to the basic communications with block captains (situation unit function) and communications outside of the NRG (Liaison Officer function). If you would like to see more on this subject, please see the Incident Command Training power point presentation by clicking here.
Where to Buy Hand-held Radios:
Prices as of Feb 2019, prices subject to change.
The recommended radio is the Midland GTX 1000 (aka Midland GXT1000VP4). 4 watt
It is available at:
Amazon.com for less than $70 for a pair sold together here.
Or you can buy them here:
Buytwowayradios.com
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 the NRG Coordinator if interested in making a larger purchase for a discount.
Best Practices
Regular Radio Practice- Example
If you have an NRG volunteer communications role, familiarizing yourself and your team with radios, radio protocol and incident command protocol will enable your NRG response team to run smoothly and work out issues before a major event.
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 AA batteries.
- Store your hand held radios in your backpack separately from the disposable batteries in a ziploc bag.
- Store 4 AA 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.
Other helpful radio forms to print, laminate and keep in your NRG backpack
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