EC8 (El Cerrito CERT Area 8)
Neighborhood Emergency Communication Network
 

     Explanation of CERT areas: Our local Community Emergency Response Training organization (CERT) has designated 11 areas, or districts, in El Cerrito and 6 area/districts in Kensington for coordination in times of an emergency. Links to all El Cerrito/Kensington CERT area/districts are here.

     In the event of a large scale disaster such as an earthquake or fire in our area, there is a possibility that electric power, land-line telephone, cell phone, and internet services may not be working. Volunteer amateur radio (also known as ham radio) operators in our area train to be ready to set up in various locations around our cities to provide emergency communication with our local Emergency Operation Center (EOC). For El Cerrito and Kensington, the EOC located in El Cerrito City Hall (if there is no substantial damage to City Hall). EOC operators receive messages requesting help from the amateur radio operators and then direct the messages to the applicable emergency service.

     The local amateur radio organization which provides training and practice for emergency communication methods is KARO-ECHO (Kensington Amateur Radio Operators and El Cerrito Ham Operators). The KARO-ECHO website contains many pages of useful information describing emergency communication methods.

     In order for the amateur radio operators stationed in our area to be informed about emergency situations in individual homes, blocks, or neighborhoods, neighborhood two-way radio networks (nets) are being organized in which volunteers use short range two-way radios that do not require an amateur radio license. Depending on the number of neighborhood radio network volunteers available, ideally there will be block teams, block captains, and a CERT area leader organizing the neighborhood emergency messages to be relayed to the amateur radio operator who then relays the message to the EOC. The KARO-ECHO website includes a detailed description of the organization of neighborhood radio networks.

     Some of the the El Cerrito and Kensington CERT areas already have neighborhood nets organized and have scheduled practice exercises. Area EC8, for which this website provides information, is looking for volunteers who are interested in participating in a neighborhood area radio network and being a service to their community. Participation involves obtaining a two-way radio and having the time available to participate in practice exercises, typically a half hour each month, and a simulated emergency test (SET), typically a Saturday morning, twice a year.

     The least expensive but shortest range type of two-way radio that may be used without an amateur radio license for a small area radio network is an FRS radio (Family Radio Service). A more useful and longer range radio type, GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), may also be used in a neighborhood network but the operator must purchased a no-exam license ($70) before this higher power type radios may be legally used. FRS and GMRS radios use the same frequencies, or channels, so both types can communicate with the other. More details:

Family Radio Service (FRS):
Advantages:

• No license required, anyone may use these radios
• Least expensive way to get started. Lowest price radios are around $30 for a pair (not sold singly) but somewhat higher priced models will probably give better results.

• Low power transmitter, 0.5 to 2 watts
• Small, inefficient antenna that cannot be replaced with a more efficient antenna
• Both of the above two items result in a probable short range depending on surrounding terrain. It is sometimes possible to communicate within a neighborhood with relatively unobstructed conditions between radios, but the range may not be as far often advertised, especially in a city with hills.
• Other operators may be using the same frequency (channel) you are trying to use

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS):
Advantages:

• Higher power than FRS radios, up to 50 watts is allowed on some of the channels
• The antenna provided with some GMRS radios is detachable and may be replaced with a more efficient antenna which may be mounted higher, such as on a roof-top, via a cable
• Both of the above two items can result in a a significantly longer range than FRS radios

• Can be higher cost than FRS radios, from $50 to possibly $500 or higher
• Other operators may be using the same frequency (channel) you are trying to use
• A purchased license is required to operate a GMRS radio. The license cost is $35 but no exam is required, the license may be renewed at no cost, and the license may be used by an entire family. A description of how to apply for a GMRS license is here (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Interested in an amateur radio license?
     This web page has been about using FRS or GRMS radios but for anyone who becomes interested in getting an amateur radio license, there is plentiful help and guidance available. Studying for and passing an exam demonstrating knowledge of electronics and FCC amateur radio regulations is required but there is no longer a requirement for being able to send and receive Morse code as there was years ago. Study guides are readily available, many local amateur radio clubs offer study and exam preparation classes, and many licensed amateurs will be happy to assist in any way possible. An amateur radio license enables the holder to use equipment with a far greater range than FRS or GMRS radios.

Updated 1/3/23