Use of radios can be vital to assure timely communication in the time of any disaster. EC CERT uses three different levels of radio access.

FRS

Family Radio Service (FRS) requires no license and is shared with general public. It provides short range communcation with no expectation of privacy. For general information about FRS visit Wikipedia.

GMRS

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a step up from FRS and does require users have a license issued by the FCC. Generally, an individual at least 18 years of age can apply for a GMRS license. There is no test requirement but there is a fee. The GMRS license may be shared by family members of the licensee. For more information visit Wikipedia.

"Ham"

Amateur Radio Service "Ham" radio provides maximum permitted spectrum and power transmission. Ham licensing requires a test as well as a fee. The easiest license to get is Technician followed by General and Extra. Note however, that you still need a seperate GMRS license to operate in that band. For more information about Ham radio licenses visit Amateur Radio Relay League.