Washington County Links
Washington County Sheriff (979) 277-6251 (non-emergency)
Washington County EMS (979) 277-6267
Washington County Volunteer Fire Departments
Washington County Citizens Alerts
Information Resources
The American Civil Defense Association
Radio Communications Resource
Washington County Amateur Radio Club
Key Elements of Wilderness Communication Protocol:
- Primary Communication Methods
- Two-Way Radios (FRS/GMRS/MURS) – Common for short-range local group communication.
- HAM Radios – Could be hand-held similar to GMRS, or more powerful mid to long-range mobile, portable, or base station setups
- Satellite Phones – Used for long-distance emergency communication.
- Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) & Satellite Messengers – Send distress signals and location data to emergency services.
- Pre-Event Planning (local communities to establish, link to be provided for an example worksheet)
- Establish check-in times and emergency contact methods (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency “P.A.C.E.”).
- Define a communication plan, including designated call signs and frequencies if using radios.
- Plan communication methods in advance for neighbors with special needs in your community (may involve a physical visit)
- Radio Communication Etiquette
- Use clear, concise language and repeat critical information.
- Follow standard distress signals (e.g., “Mayday” for life-threatening emergencies).
- Observe radio silence when necessary to listen for incoming messages.
- Learn the phonetic alphabet, and have printed copies to pass out to your neighbors
- Typical outline (Those stations able to do so should monitor the primary (and secondary, if possible) frequency every three hours starting at:)
- 7 AM, local time, for 5 minutes…
- 10 AM
- 1 PM
- 4 PM
- 7 PM
- 10 PM
- alphabet, and have printed copies to pass out to your neighbors
- Frequencies to monitor in Washington County (and surrounding areas)
- 146.520 – This is a HAM frequency and requires a license to transmit
- 446.000 – This is a HAM frequency and requires a license to transmit
- 443.250 – This is a HAM frequency and requires a license to transmit (offset +5, Tone 103.5)
- 462.700 – This is a GMRS frequency (channel 21) and requires a license to transmit on the repeater (offset +5, PL 110.9)
- Here is a recommended plan for “the communications expert” in each local group
- 443.250 – (Primary Repeater) Consistent monitoring & relaying needs/concerns as needed
- 147.040 – (Secondary Repeater) monitor as a backup, also for folks who may only have a 2m radio
- 7.253 MHz LSB – monitor and/or utilize if repeaters fail or longer range communication required emergencies
- 3.953 MHz LSB – monitor and/or utilize only if required by band conditions limit use of 7.253