York County Emergency Communication Team
Congratulations on getting your GMRS license! Most of us get our license and radio because we are concerned about being able to communicati in an emergency.
Hi my name is Neil Tolman – WRKP270. I’m team Chief of the York County Emergency Communication Team.
We live in a world where emergencies—whether natural disasters, power outages, or unforeseen crises—can strike at any moment. In these critical moments, communication becomes a lifeline. GMRS radios, with their extended range and reliability, can be an invaluable tool for keeping in touch with family, friends, neighbors, and emergency services when traditional communication networks fail.
However, there is one key element that stands between you and effective emergency communication: training.
Why Train?
Be Prepared – not panicked: In an emergency, time is often of the essence. Having the ability to quickly and effectively communicate can make all the difference. Training ensures that when disaster strikes, you don’t waste precious minutes figuring out how to use your radio or calling for help.
GMRS radios are versatile, but their functionality and range depend on the user's knowledge of frequencies, power settings, antenna use, and proper etiquette. Without the proper skills, you may miss vital transmissions or fail to transmit clearly when it matters most.
Emergencies are stressful, and a calm, clear voice on the radio can be the difference between success and failure. Training builds confidence, ensuring that in high-stress situations, you know exactly what to do - whether it’s contacting a first responder, relaying vital information, or coordinating efforts with a group of people.
Effective Communication Saves Lives: The ability to clearly convey critical information—such as the location of survivors, medical needs, or hazards in the area—can help first responders prioritize their efforts and save lives. Regular practice helps you develop concise, efficient communication, reducing the chance of misunderstandings.
Steps You Can Take Today: Practice Regularly: Don't wait until a disaster strikes to pick up your radio. Set aside time to familiarize yourself with your GMRS equipment and test your communication skills. Practice not only sending and receiving messages, but also how to help in an emergency. Stay Informed about Local Risks. Understand the potential emergencies that may affect your area. GMRS radios operate on specific frequencies. Familiarize yourself with emergency radio protocols and make sure you’re always ready to listen in on important transmissions.
Consider enrolling in more advanced courses that focus on emergency communication, including those offered by York County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). The more you learn, the more equipped you’ll be.
GMRS radios are an essential tool for communication in times of crisis, but without proper training, their effectiveness can be limited. Emergencies are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to train, you not only increase your own safety and readiness, but you also contribute to the overall resilience of your community. Don’t wait for the unexpected to happen - start training today to ensure you’re ready when the time comes.
Being part of an emergency focused community ensures you're not alone when the need arises and allows you to exchange vital knowledge. We are a specialized part of the York County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Come train with us.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and stay connected.
Neil Tolman WRKP270
207-590-4896
k1nbt@yahoo.com
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
A valuable tool for emergency situations where immediate coordination and information sharing are crucial, such as during natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies. By equipping yourself with a GMRS radio and understanding its operation, you can enhance your preparedness and contribute to effective emergency response efforts.
When applying for a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), you agree to several important conditions:
-Compliance with Regulations: You must adhere to all FCC rules and regulations governing GMRS operations. This includes operating within the designated frequencies and adhering to power limits.
-Licensing Requirements: You agree to operate only on frequencies for which you are authorized and to use the radio equipment in accordance with the technical standards specified by the FCC. $35 fee, no test, with assigned call sign if you are 18 years or older and not a representative of a foreign government. If you receive a license, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and units within the licensed system.
-Identification: You are required to identify your station using the call sign issued by the FCC at the beginning and end of each communication, and at least once every 15 minutes during a conversation.
-Radio Operation: You agree to use GMRS frequencies only for personal or business communications, not for commercial purposes or public safety operations, which are reserved for other types of communication services.
-Responsibility for Equipment: You are responsible for ensuring that the radio equipment you use meets FCC specifications and does not cause interference to other communications.
-Updating Information: You must inform the FCC of any changes to your address or other contact information associated with your license.
By agreeing to these terms, you help maintain orderly and interference-free GMRS communications, ensuring effective and reliable use of the service for you and others.
For more information contact: Neil K1NBT - k1nbt@yahoo.com
Sponsored by YCEMA - 149 Jordan Springs Rd , Alfred, US 04002
Dave KB1HUU drfrancoeur@yorkcountymaine.gov
