Sandy Emergency Preparedness Open House- GMRS Information

What is GMRS?

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION:  GMRS HANDOUT

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is a licensed radio service that uses UHF channels for two-way communication. It’s stronger than FRS radios, allows repeater use for extended range, and is ideal for families, neighborhoods, and emergency groups. GMRS requires a license from the FCC, but no test is needed.

Why GMRS Radio?

 

·        Emergency Communication: GMRS radios provide reliable communication when phones and internet fail. Keep your radio charged and ready!

·        Local Coverage: Repeaters help you talk across valleys, cities, and mountains.

·        Community Connection: Nets let you practice and meet other operators, ensuring everyone is ready to help when needed.

·        Family Friendly: With nets like the Kids Net, the whole family can learn and get involved.

Why Get a GMRS License?

 

·        Covers Your Household: One license works for your entire family.

·        Legal & Reliable: Ensures you can use GMRS repeaters properly.

·        Strengthens the Community: More licensed users mean stronger networks in emergencies.

 

Why Your License Matters

Getting licensed does more than make you legal:

·        Shows Demand: The FCC sees that people value and use these frequencies.

·        Protects Spectrum: More licenses mean GMRS channels are less likely to be sold to commercial carriers.

·        Supports Public Safety: Proves GMRS is an important public safety and community resource.

·        Keeps It Clear: Licensing helps reduce interference so channels stay usable.

Your license helps protect GMRS for everyone!

GMRS Nets

Stay connected with your community and practice using your GMRS radios each week! Nets are a great way to meet other operators, learn how repeaters work, and be ready to communicate in case of emergencies. https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Weekly Nets

·        Sunday- Sandy Community 10, CH 22, 4:10 pm on 2^nd & 4^th Sunday

·        Sunday – KIDS NET Mt. Ogden Repeater 6:30 pm, CH 17 – Mount Ogden 462.600 + DCS 114

·        Sunday- Sandy/Ward GMRS Net CH 22 PL tone of 100 to access repeater, 7 pm

·        Sunday – Mount Ogden Repeater 9:00 pm, CH 17 – Mount Ogden 462.600 + DCS 114

·        Tuesday – Promontory Repeater 9:00 pm, CH 21 – Promontory 462.700 + DCS 114

·        Wednesday – West-1 Repeater 8:00 pm, CH 15 – WEST-1 462.550 + PL146.2

·        Friday – Local Simplex Net CH 20 8:00 pm

·        Friday – National Simplex Net CH 19 9:00 or 9:30 pm

·        Saturday – Capital Repeater 8:00 pm, CH 20 – State Capital 462.675 + PL 141.3

Connect with local GMRS groups:  

Facebook:

• Sandy Community #10
• Utah GMRS Information

 Radio recommendations:

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/st-bnc/?band=440-monoband&color=black

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/adapt-smaf-bncf/

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/bncm-smam-adapt/

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/magmount-bnc/

·        https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-805g.html?___SID=U

·        https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-wx-zipcase.html

·        https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-cco-001.html

How to Get Your GMRS License:

Longer version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVD7MotGAv8

Short version: https://youtube.com/shorts/4lSEBryw4uw?feature=shared

Step 1: Register for a username/create new account with the FCC: (you will need this username & password in Step 2: https://apps2.fcc.gov/fccUserReg/pages/createAccount.htm

Check your email to verify that account, then:

Step 2: Register new FRN (Federal Registration Number) through CORES (Commission Registration System).

-         Click on Username Login (use your FCC username & password created in Step 1.)

-         Choose Register a new FRN. Register as an individual.

-         Fill out the FRN registration form. Write down your FRN number & password and keep it in a safe place.

3.      Step 3: Apply for a New License: Use your new FRN number to apply for a new license. (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

-         Click “Apply for a New License” on the left sidebar

-         Scroll ALL the way down to ZA – General Mobile Radio Service.

·        Note that Form 605 is used for a number of other applications, so be sure to go all the way down to ZA- General Mobile Radio Service.

-         Fill out the form.

Step 4: Pay the $35 fee.

-         On the Manage Existing FRN Number click on FRN Financial.

-         You should see your FRN number. Click on the link to the right, complete the process to pay, and submit.

 

Step 5: Get your call sign. Once approved, you’ll receive your GMRS call sign by email. Start using it on the air!

-         Your call sign should come within a few business days. Check your junk mail if you don’t see it within 2-3 days.For more information, contact Amy Dennison (amymorris2@gmail.com)  or tune in to the Sandy Community 10 GMRS net, 2^nd & 4^th Sundays at 4:10 PM on Ch. 22.

Great Utah Shakeout- Thursday, April 17th

 

Great Utah Shakeout- Thursday, April 17th

  

The Great Shakeout annual earthquake drill will be on Thursday, April 17th, 2025. 

The Sandy Community 10 GMRS Radio Group will hold an emergency communication drill at 12:10 p.m. on GMRS Channel 22.

In a real emergency, the Sandy Community 10 GMRS communication plan is to get on the radio at ten past the hour on even hours (8:10, 10:10, 12:10, etc.) and call out for two minutes (in order to conserve battery life). To practice this emergency protocol for the Great Utah Shakeout, the Sandy Community 10 GMRS Radio Group will hold a radio net at 12:10 p.m. on GMRS Channel 22.

Our regular net is held the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 4:10 pm on Channel 22.

Recommended FRS and GMRS Radios:

https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/recommended-frs-and-gmrs-radios.html

How to get your GMRS license: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuX_zx35VpU

How to participate in a net:

https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

GMRS & amateur radio frequencies

 

More information about radio frequencies here:

https://noji.com/hamradio/frequencies.php

Sanitation in a disaster

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

May 2024 – Emergency Bathroom

Our last challenge was to prepare 72-hour kits by getting a backpack for each family member. This month we will add our first emergency supplies into our kits.

Week #1—First Things First

What is the very first thing you will need in a large emergency? It’s not food—you can survive about a week without food. It’s not water—you can survive about 3 days without water. The very first thing you will need is a bathroom—you can only go a few hours without one, especially if you have children.

Week #2—Gather the Supplies

If you lose city water or sewer during an emergency, you will not be able to flush the toilet. Add these items into your 72-hour kit so you can make an emergency toilet.

·       5-gallon Bucket ($3 - $5)

·       Toilet Seat for 5-gallon Bucket (plastic, $13 - $15)

·       Garbage Bags (heavy duty kitchen)

·       Kitty Litter, Pine Bedding, or both (2 large bags, scented)

·       Toilet Paper (in plastic)

·       Paper Towels (in plastic)

·       Hand Wipes or Sanitizer

Week #3—Make an Emergency Toilet

Line the 5-gallon bucket with 2 garbage bags. To control smells, put some kitty litter or pine bedding in at the start and after each use. Snap the plastic toilet seat on the bucket and close the lid.

If your home is otherwise habitable, you can line the toilet in your home instead of a 5-gallon bucket. Replace the garbage bag at least once a day. Securely tie the top of the bag and carefully dispose of it in the garbage. For a 3 minute video, click here.

Week #4—Gather Other Bathroom Items

Get personal hygiene supplies for each family member and put them in their individual 72-hour backpacks.

·       Tissues (in plastic)

·       Comb or Brush

·       Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Dental Floss

·       Mouthwash and Deodorant (travel size)

·       Wash Cloth

·       Mirror (small)

·       Feminine Hygiene Products

·       Cleaning Solution for Glasses/Contacts

·       Diapers, Baby Wipes, and Diaper Rash Cream

·       Litter Box and Poop Bags (for pets)

Extra Credit—Shave, Shower, and Laundry

Most people can easily go 3 days without shaving, showering, or doing laundry. However, if you would like to stay clean or prepare for longer emergencies, buy shave, shower, and laundry supplies for camping. For a 3 minute video, click here.

Bonus: This series of videos from a Utah-based expert in emergency preparedness is very informative! Sanitation in a Disaster Video Series

The Great Utah Shakeout- Thursday, April 18, 2024

 

The Great Shakeout annual earthquake drill will be on Thursday, April 17th, 2025. 

The Sandy Community 10 GMRS Radio Group will hold an emergency communication drill at 12:10 p.m. on GMRS Channel 22.

In a real emergency, the Sandy Community 10 GMRS communication plan is to get on the radio at ten past the hour on even hours (8:10, 10:10, 12:10, etc.) and call out for two minutes (in order to conserve battery life). To practice this emergency protocol for the Great Utah Shakeout, the Sandy Community 10 GMRS Radio Group will hold a radio net at 12:10 p.m. on GMRS Channel 22.

Recommended FRS and GMRS Radios:

https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/recommended-frs-and-gmrs-radios.html

How to get your GMRS license: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuX_zx35VpU

How to participate in a net:

https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Put together (or restock) your 72 Hour Kit/Go Bag

 Last month we finished making our general emergency plan. This month we’ll start the most important aspect of emergency preparedness, a 72-hour kit.

Week #1—Commit to Make a 72-hour Kit

During a large emergency (like a major earthquake) utilities, services, and even roads can be disrupted for an extended period of time. It can take three days for FEMA and the Red Cross to set up emergency shelters and distribute supplies.

During this time, you’ll need a 72-hour kit for each person in your household.

Ideas for what to put in kit:

-BYU Women’s Conference list: https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/14d.pdf

- https://beready.utah.gov/family-preparedness/get-a-kit-family/

Week #2— Decide Where to Keep It

Based on your situation, decide where to store your 72-hour kit.

·       Camper or Motorhome—If you have a camper or motorhome and you store it on your property during the winter, then you could easily move into it if your home is not habitable.

·       Car—If the emergency happens while you are away from home, you will probably have your car with you. However, you need to insulate perishable items, like food and water, from hot and cold temperatures.

·       Garage or Shed—Because your home could be destroyed by fire or earthquake, you may want to keep emergency supplies in your garage or in a shed.

·       Home—Store it close to an exit, where you can quickly grab it if you need to leave in a hurry.

Week #3—Get a Backpack for Each Person

Because you may need to relocate to an emergency shelter or hotel, get a backpack, duffel bag, or suitcase for each person in your household. Make sure it is large enough for all your emergency supplies. If it is not waterproof, then store it off the floor so it will stay dry.

Week #4—Don’t Borrow from Your Kit

Have your 72-hour kit be for emergencies only. If you borrow items and forget to put them back, then you won’t have them when you need them the most.

Extra Credit—Buy a Premade Kit

If you can afford it, buying a premade 72-hour kit is a quick way to get some basic emergency supplies. If not, you can save money by making your own kit as we talk about it in the newsletters this year. However, don’t assume the kit contains everything you need, especially if it’s inexpensive. Also, make sure you know how to use all the items in your kit.

Neighborhood Radio Net: 2nd & 4th Sunday, 

Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd and 4th Sunday at 4 pm). Takes about 5 minutes, then you can stay on zoom for more emergency prep information. Contact Eric or Amy Dennison or Dan or DeeAnn Dodge for more information. Join us on GMRS Channel 22. 

· Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee). 

· Info about radio net: https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Make a Plan- Part II- February 2024

 

Week #1—Set your Budget

Decide how much of your monthly budget will go toward emergency preparedness.  Over the next 2 years, $10 - $20 a month can make a difference! If you would like more than you can afford, tell friends and relatives you would like emergency preparedness items for birthdays and Christmas. For a 2 minute video: https://tinyurl.com/2d6tp82b

Week #2- Participate in a Neighborhood Net

https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd and 4th Sundays at 4 pm. 

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)

Week #3 —Neighborhood Info and Emergency Alerts

·        Provide information about equipment or skills that would be useful in an emergency and about the needs of your family.

o   https://tinyurl.com/3te7zybe

·        Sign up for emergency alerts from Sandy City to get information about local hazards, severe weather and other emergencies.

o   https://sandy.utah.gov/1748/My-Alerts-Emergency-Routine-Alerts

·        Download the Red Cross Emergency app  for emergency alerts for our area and other places you care about. It has information on how to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and the location of emergency shelters.

o   https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

·        If you are disabled, handicapped, or have special needs, use the Utah State Special Needs Registry (call 211 or visit www.SpecialNeedsUtah.org). Personal information is shared with emergency responders so they can serve you better during small emergencies. However, during large emergencies they will be overwhelmed, so make other plans too.

Week 4- Prepare Children (and grandchildren!)

During an emergency, kids need a sense of security. They will feel safer if you involve them in your emergency planning. Make sure they know how to call 911 and to only do it during a real emergency. Most important, during an emergency, stay calm and talk about positive things. This will reassure them and help them feel safe.

https://www.ready.gov/kids

Extra Credit- Plan for Pets

Most emergency shelters do not take pets. Sometimes they can accommodate them, but you should not depend on it. If you need to evacuate, will you take your pets to a friend/relative’s house, pet boarding business, or stay in a pet friendly hotel (instead of the shelter)? Because some roads may be blocked or bridges may be unstable, you should have several options.

You will need vet records, pet carrier, leash, and pet food. You should have your phone number on their collar, an implanted pet chip, and a current picture of your pet. For a 3 minute video, click here. https://tinyurl.com/269yyvb3