12-10-2014, 08:02 PM
If you are part of a group, everyone in your group should be equipped with a radio. Preferably one that can listen in on all emergency frequencies... You should get a 'technicians' level Ham Radio license. Cost is around $15. You can study for the license test at www.hamstudy.org for free. You should program your radio with all the local repeaters... http://www.ilra.net/DirByCity.html is a pretty good list for around the Chicago area.
Remember, cell phones and land lines likely will be down within hours.
As to a reasonable quality radio, I'd go with the Yaesu FT-60R (about $160). You will need to upgrade the antenna. I'd recommend the Smiley Stick II 2 meter - SMA MALE/146.25 which is about $22 if you want to get decent range around here.
This is probably the second most important prepper BOB item.
Remember, cell phones and land lines likely will be down within hours.
As to a reasonable quality radio, I'd go with the Yaesu FT-60R (about $160). You will need to upgrade the antenna. I'd recommend the Smiley Stick II 2 meter - SMA MALE/146.25 which is about $22 if you want to get decent range around here.
This is probably the second most important prepper BOB item.