Use FRS Radios for Emergencies ?

Eric Knight, KB1EHE has proposed that Family Radio Service (FRS) transceivers become the backup emergency communications tool for the general citizenry. In a press release, he suggests using FRS Channel 1 on 462.5625 MHz as the standard "SOS" frequency. I think the idea has merit, as long as people clearly understand the limits of an FRS radio. Specifically, the typical range is only a few miles and a single channel could easily be overloaded during an emergency. -- Bob K0NR

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 2005--In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it's become clear that a major contributing factor to the tragic loss of life was the near total breakdown of communication systems. Once electricity, telephone, and cell phone services failed, people were unable to let rescuers know of their dire situations -- and died as a result.

A simple, instant, and virtually zero-cost solution: "Establish a National SOS Radio Network (www.NationalSOS.com)," says Eric Knight, CEO of UP Aerospace, Inc. (www.upaerospace.com). "There are millions of 'Family Radio Service' or 'FRS' radios already in use by the public for camping, boating, and hiking, and there are 675,000 licensed ham radio operators in America -- people renown and prepared for emergency communications. The output frequencies of FRS radios are easily received by the radio gear ham radio operators use daily. That's the magic link in this emergency communication strategy."