"The moment you are in an emergency situation is not the time to prepare for an emergency situation. ... It's not a matter of 'if' but of 'when'." 

⚠️ PRIMARY COMMS: CELL PHONES

Cell phones are the best means of communication—when they work.

However, during power failures, network damage, or system overloading, they will fail. We must become familiar with our backup systems before an emergency occurs.

📱 Tier 1: Secure Texting

The family has standardized on WhatsApp for group messages due to its security encryption and cross-platform compatibility (iPhone, Android, PC, Mac).

[ BUTTON: Join "The Prepared Family" Group ] (Link this button to your WhatsApp group invite link)

📻 Tier 2: Two-Way Radios

Every person in the family should own a handheld radio. This may be our only link to local news, weather, and each other.

Programming Your Radios

Tim has programming software and cables available at weekly meetings. All members must have their radios programmed with the standardized family frequencies.

If you have your own cable and CHIRP software, download the file below:

[ BUTTON: 📥 Download Family Frequencies (.img file) ]

🎙️ THE PREPARED FAMILY NET

Schedule: Every TBD @ 9:00 PM Frequency: "FAM RPT" (Channel 00) Everyone is encouraged to check in.

▼ View Net Control Script (Collapsible Header) (Paste your script here. e.g., "This is [Name] opening the weekly Prepared Family Net. Is there any emergency traffic? Hearing none, we will proceed to roll call...")