Staying informed and in touch

Cell networks jam within minutes of a disaster and lose backup power within hours. Your plan needs a way to hear official information and a way to reach your people.

Updated October 2026. Prices are typical ranges; check the live price before you buy.

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How much you need

Alert radios: 1 per homePlus one in the go-bag if you can.
Two-way radios: 1 per adultAgree on a channel and check-in times in advance.
Batteries: 2 full setsOr rechargeable plus a way to charge.
Paper contact list: Every bagPhone numbers you can't recite.

When it matters

How important each item is in each kind of emergency.

All items, all emergencies

Communication importance by scenario
Item	Outage	Grid down	Evacuate	Shelter	Bad water	Earthquake
NOAA weather / crank radio
Two-way radio or satellite messenger

Critical Important Useful

NOAA weather / crank radio: Works when cell towers and internet fail. Official alerts and evacuation orders still reach you.
Two-way radio or satellite messenger: Lets your household coordinate when phones are down, and gets an SOS out from anywhere.

Start here

Cheap, high-impact basics everyone should own.

Midland ER310 or Eton FRX3 crank radio

What it is: AM/FM/NOAA radio with hand crank, solar panel, flashlight and USB phone charging.
Why: One device for alerts, light and a bit of phone charge with no outlet needed.
Watch out: Cranking is slow for phone charging. Treat it as an emergency top-up.

$40 to $70Best for: Every householdCheck price on AmazonAffiliate link

Step up

Where most prepared households land.

Midland WR120 NOAA alert radio

What it is: A desktop weather radio that wakes you for alerts in your county only.
Why: Tornado and flash flood warnings at 3 a.m. when your phone is on silent.
Watch out: Program your county's SAME code during setup.

$30 to $50Best for: Tornado, flood and hurricane regionsCheck price on AmazonAffiliate link

GMRS radios (Midland, Rocky Talkie or similar)

What it is: Handheld two-way radios with a range from blocks to a few miles.
Why: Coordinate your household when phones are down.
Watch out: GMRS needs an FCC license in the US. It's about $35, covers your family for 10 years, and needs no exam.

$60 to $150 per pairBest for: Families and rural propertiesCheck price on AmazonAffiliate link

Go deep

For long outages, big households and rural homes.

Garmin inReach satellite messenger

What it is: Two-way satellite texting and SOS from almost anywhere.
Why: Reaches help when every ground network is down.
Watch out: Needs a monthly or annual subscription. Many newer phones have limited satellite SOS; check yours.

$300 to $450 + planBest for: Rural, wildfire areas and travelersCheck price on AmazonAffiliate link

How to choose

Make sure any alert radio receives NOAA Weather Radio and supports SAME county coding.
Prefer devices that share a battery type or charge from USB-C.
Write down your plan: channel, check-in times and an out-of-area contact.
Amateur (ham) radio gives the most range, but needs a license exam to transmit.

Mistakes to avoid

Buying radios and never turning them on. Practice once.
Relying on calls. Texts often get through when calls fail.
Assuming phone alerts cover local evacuation orders. Sign up for county alerts too.

Questions

Do I need a license for walkie-talkies?

FRS radios need no license. GMRS radios need an FCC license that costs about $35 and covers your immediate family for 10 years with no exam. Ham radio requires passing a test.

What is a NOAA weather radio?

A receiver for NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, a network of transmitters broadcasting official warnings around the clock. Models with SAME coding alert you only for your county.

How many days could you last?

Check off what you have. Get a score, your top gaps and a card to share. About 3 minutes, no sign-up.

Get your PrepScore