How To Use A Citizens Band Radio In A Disaster
Citizens' Band radio (often shortened to CB radio)
is, in many countries, a system of short-distance radio communications
between individuals on a selection of 40 channels within the 27-MHz (11 m) band.
The CB radio service is distinct from FRS, GMRS, MURS, or amateur ("ham") radio.
A CB does not require a license and, unlike amateur radio, it may be used for business as well as personal communications.
Like many other two-way radio services, Citizens' Band channels are shared by many users. Only one station may transmit at a time. Other stations must listen and wait for the shared channel to be available.
If you are new to CB radio, or have been away from it for years, this article explains what the hobby is like today. This article assumes you have set up your radio station. If not, see an article about setting up a CB radio.
Steps
The CB radio service is distinct from FRS, GMRS, MURS, or amateur ("ham") radio.
A CB does not require a license and, unlike amateur radio, it may be used for business as well as personal communications.
Like many other two-way radio services, Citizens' Band channels are shared by many users. Only one station may transmit at a time. Other stations must listen and wait for the shared channel to be available.
How to use a CB in a disaster:
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Channel 9 is reserved for emergency roadside assistance
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Travelers heading east or west bound listen to Channel 19
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CB radio is still used by truck drivers and therefore remains the best way to hear information regarding road construction, accidents and police radar traps
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Travelers heading north or south bound listen to Channel 17.
If you are new to CB radio, or have been away from it for years, this article explains what the hobby is like today. This article assumes you have set up your radio station. If not, see an article about setting up a CB radio.
Steps
- Tune to a popular channel, especially 19. Other channels are seldom monitored, and 6 is often hogged by illegally over-powered stations who transmit for long periods of time.
- Listen to the channel for a few moments. If there are people talking, politely wait for a break. When you're sure it's clear, ask for a radio check. Wait for a response. If no one responds, re-issue a radio check, but wait patiently before doing so.
- When another operator responds, interpret their response. Many operators are truck drivers who aren't looking for conversation. Others are enthusiasts that can not wait to chat. Follow the tone of the other person/people.
- Be polite. Nobody wants to communicate with a rude operator.
Tips
- Be patient. It's not everyday you'll find an enthusiast.
- Be courteous.
- Don't be surprised at some of the talk; it can become a tad vulgar. Just wait it out.
- Channel 19 is the best channel to connect with others. Other channels, including 9, are rarely monitored. Channel 6 is nearly useless, as certain operators (ironically, enthusiasts) blast thousands of watts for long periods of time.
- You can talk on channel 19, but if you decide to go to a quieter channel (less listeners and less signals from other sources), move to another. Just suggest another channel.
Warnings
- Do not become too irresponsible. Remember that you are all strangers. Even if you're talking with a friend, strangers can listen.
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Operate a CB Radio. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
