Step-by-Step Guide

Question:

What do I do if there is a power outage or some other emergency at my house?

Answer: 

• Within 3 minutes, turn on your GMRS radio and tune to Channel 17.

• Just listen for 10-15 seconds.

• If there is traffic, join the conversation. The goal is to:

  • ask for help if you need assistance

  • find out if anyone needs your help or assistance

  • determine the scope of the problem

  • determine if others know the reason for the problem

  • learn if others know when the issue might be resolved

• If there is no traffic after 10-15 seconds, push the PTT (push to talk) button and give the following information:

  • your name

  • your address

  • briefly describe your need and/or the problem you are experiencing

  • ask if others have a similar problem

for example: “This is Steve Neidig at 7168 S 2740 E, part of the Butler Hill Precinct. I have lost power. Is anyone else without power?”

• listen for 10-15 seconds

• repeat this process every 2 minutes until you receive a response

• Once you contact someone, keep your radio on and keep the chat going at least every 3-5 minutes. Others will join the chat the longer the situation persists.

• If you do not contact anyone on Channel 17 after 17 minutes, repeat the above process on Channel 6 and Channel 19, the general communication channels. If there is still no response, start to monitor all of the other GMRS channels to see what you can learn about the situation.

• Share your success/failure to talk to others with your Block Captain, your Zone Leader, and your Precinct Coordinator, after the situation is resolved.