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I live about 8 miles as the crow flies from my (more elderly than me) parents and have been worried about losing communication with them in a SHTF scenario. I have zero radio experience, and I would appreciate any suggestions. (I already don’t understand most of what y’all are talking about here... :-) )

Thanks,

O2

You couldn’t use GMRS, which doesn’t require a license. You’re too far.

The basic ham radio technician license isn’t hard to study for and pass. But your folks would have to at least understand how to use the radio and listen; and be able to transmit, if you wanted that - also requiring a license.

On the other hand, there might be a ham person in their neighborhood who could help you in a serious emergency.

But it’s not like telephone. As long as cell or landline phone service were available, you could communicate that way; but in a major SHTF situation where everything shuts down or is interfered with, I’m not sure there’s a lot to suggest.

(I really miss old-fashioned landlines.)

I live about 8 miles as the crow flies from my (more elderly than me) parents and have been worried about losing communication with them in a SHTF scenario. I have zero radio experience, and I would appreciate any suggestions.

Not to discourage anyone from their interest in ham radio, I would suggest to you to consider the many alternatives available.

The one most likely to suit your needs is GMRS, a category similar to ham radio local communications.

Your radio needs are very dependent on the local terrain and 8 miles is doable with GMRS radios at higher power levels. If you are lucky, there may be a radio repeater installed in your areas that can overcome distance and terrain issues.

Ham radio as a hobby requires interest and time commitments that many aren't prepared to take on. There are alternatives that require little effort to get the results you desire such as GMRS (that only require a purchase of a license for a small fee).

Be forewarned though that all options, including ham, are on public airwaves and are easily monitored by anybody with the proper receiver.

Transmitting a location and indicating a potential vulnerability can be viewed by some as a invitation to cause harm.

I have zero radio experience, and I would appreciate any suggestions.

Me too, so I started a new thread.