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What Frequencies Should I Program for Emergency Situations?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

When it comes to emergency situations, it's essential to program specific frequencies into your communication devices to stay connected with family, authorities, and other important contacts.

Programming Basic Frequencies

When setting up your communication devices for emergency situations, start with the basic frequencies that are commonly used for emergency communications. These include:

  • Channel 1: 146.520 MHz (2-meter amateur radio frequency)
  • Channel 2: 446.000 MHz (European 70-centimeter amateur radio frequency)
  • Channel 3: 154.570 MHz (VHF marine frequency)
  • Channel 4: 162.400 MHz (NOAA Weather Radio frequency)

It’s essential to note that the specific frequencies used may vary depending on your location and the type of emergency.

Programming Emergency Contacts

When programming emergency contacts, use the following frequencies or codes to stay connected:

  • Channel 5: 151.625 MHz (used by the US Coast Guard for emergency communications)
  • Channel 6: 156.800 MHz (used for international distress frequencies)
  • Use the International Morse Code or the phonetic alphabet to communicate with emergency responders.
  • Use the MDC-1200 code protocol for secure communication.

Programming Additional Frequencies

When programming additional frequencies, consider the following:

  • Use the 10-code protocol for simple communication (e.g., 10-4 for ‘Roger’ or 10-20 for ’location’)
  • Use the repeater frequencies for longer-range communication
  • Use the simplex frequencies for direct communication between two parties
  • Make sure to program your device with the correct tone and encryption settings to ensure secure communication.
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