Foundations of Emergency Communications 4/18/26
BASIC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
In-Person Training
Duration: 1 Day / 0800
Location Lawrenceburg TN
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course provides a practical, non-theoretical foundation in emergency communications for individuals and families. The focus is on reliable communication when normal systems are degraded or unavailable, not hobby radio operation.
Students will leave with a clear understanding of communication options, limitations, and how to build a simple, functional communications plan they can actually use.
COURSE COVERAGE
Communications Fundamentals
- How communication systems actually work
- Line-of-sight vs beyond line-of-sight communications
- Strengths and limitations of common civilian communication methods
Personal & Family Communication Options
- Cell phones: capabilities and failure points
- FRS and GMRS VHF/UHFradios
- VHF/UHF amateur radio basics
- Repeater use, benefits, and vulnerabilities
- Simple antenna concepts and placement
Operational Communication Skills
- Basic message structure and clarity
- When to transmit vs when to listen
- Frequency discipline and channel management
- Introduction to communication security and awareness
P.A.C.E. Communications Planning
- Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency communications
- Building a basic P.A.C.E. plan for home and family use
- Planning for power loss, congestion, and distance
- Common planning mistakes and how to avoid them
Practical Exercises
- Hands-on radio use and setup
- Simple communication drills
- Scenario-based problem solving
- Instructor-guided corrections and feedback
STUDENT DELIVERABLES
- Basic personal or family P.A.C.E. communications plan
- Local communication considerations and planning guidance
- Reference materials for continued practice
REQUIRED / RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING
Required
- Notebook and pen
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and lunch (unless otherwise specified)
Recommended
- FRS or GMRS handheld radio (if owned)
- Baofeng uv-5r /w antenna
- Spare batteries or battery pack
- Personal phone and charging cable
- Any communication equipment you currently rely on
Students without radios can still fully participate.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
- Individuals and families new to emergency communications
- Those who own radios but lack confidence using them
- Anyone who wants practical, realistic communications planning
No refunds / Classes are subject to change