The Complete Prepper’s Guide to Ham Radio Frequencies: How to Communicate When It Matters Most
Imagine the grid goes down, cell towers go silent, and your only source of information is whatever you can pull from the airwaves. This isn’t just doomsday fiction—it’s a scenario more and more preppers are preparing for. And if you’re reading this, you’re already ahead of the curve in understanding why ham radio frequencies are such a critical tool for preppers.
But not all radios—or frequencies—are equal. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly which frequencies preppers should know, how to use them, what equipment you need, and how to make sure you can reach your community when everything else fails.
Why Every Prepper Needs a Ham Radio
If you’re new to prepping or just starting to think about emergency communications, you might wonder: “Why not just stick with walkie-talkies or CB radios?” The answer is simple: range and reliability.
“CB and FRS are great for local, short-range stuff. But when things get real, ham is the only way you’ll reach across distances or connect to other networks. It’s a must-have if you want to communicate outside your immediate group.”
— u/PrepperJohn
Ham radios—also called amateur radios—let you communicate locally, regionally, and even globally. In a world where cell networks are down or monitored, that’s a game changer.
Understanding Ham Radio Frequencies: The Basics
Ham radios operate on a wide spectrum, but for most preppers, the focus is on VHF (Very High Frequency), UHF (Ultra High Frequency), and HF (High Frequency) bands. Each has its strengths:
- VHF (30 MHz – 300 MHz): Great for local, line-of-sight communication. Perfect for talking within your city or across town.
- UHF (300 MHz – 3 GHz): Even better for urban environments where buildings block signals. Good for tactical team comms.
- HF (3 MHz – 30 MHz): The powerhouse. With the right setup, you can talk across states or even continents.
For preppers, the big draw is that with the right frequency knowledge, you can monitor emergency broadcasts, coordinate with other preppers, and even reach rescue teams.
Best Ham Radio Frequencies for Preppers
One of the most common questions I see is: “Which frequencies should I program into my ham radio?”
Let’s break down the essentials.
1. 2 Meter Band (VHF): 144-148 MHz
This is the bread and butter for local communication. Most handheld ham radios—like the popular Baofeng UV-5R—cover this band.
- Prepper Calling Frequency: 146.520 MHz (known as the national simplex calling frequency)
- Why it matters: This is where you’ll find other hams and preppers in an emergency. Think of it as “channel 1” for hams.
2. 70 Centimeter Band (UHF): 420-450 MHz
Another standard band for handheld radios.
- Prepper Simplex Frequency: 446.000 MHz (national UHF simplex calling frequency)
- Why it matters: UHF signals can punch through buildings, making it ideal for urban preppers.
3. HF Bands for Long-Range Communication
If you want to connect with preppers hundreds or thousands of miles away, HF is your friend.
- 80 Meter Band: 3.818 MHz LSB (Lower Sideband)
- Why it matters: This is a popular frequency among US prepper networks. As one user on SurvivalistBoards.com says, “3.818 is the place to be if you want to hear or join in on the survivalist nets. It’s where a lot of info gets shared during drills and real events.”
- 40 Meter Band: 7.242 MHz LSB
- Why it matters: Another go-to for emergency nets, especially in the morning hours.
- 20 Meter Band: 14.300 MHz USB (Upper Sideband)
- Why it matters: The “International Assistance and Maritime Mobile Service Net,” where help is coordinated and relayed worldwide.
4. NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies
For up-to-the-minute weather alerts, especially during severe storms or disasters, NOAA radio is crucial.
- 162.400 – 162.550 MHz
“Every family should have a way to receive NOAA Weather Radio alerts. It’s the fastest way to get warnings in an emergency.”
— FEMA.gov
5. Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Local Emergency Frequencies
These frequencies are often used by local emergency services, fire, and police. While you may only be able to listen (not transmit), it’s a goldmine for situational awareness.
- Check with your local HAM club or emergency management office for specifics.
How to Use Ham Radio in Emergencies
Knowing the frequencies is only half the battle. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready when the pressure is on.
Step 1: Get Licensed (If You Can)
While some preppers argue that “in an emergency, you can use anything,” the FCC requires a license for transmitting on most ham frequencies. The good news: the test is easier than you think.
- Technician License is all most preppers need. It’s a 35-question multiple-choice test.
“Getting your Technician license is easier than ever. And it’s the best door into the world of emergency comms.”
— ARRL.org
Step 2: Program Your Radio
Most modern ham radios let you save your favorite frequencies. This is key for fast action. For example, set up:
- Channel 1: 146.520 MHz (VHF simplex)
- Channel 2: 446.000 MHz (UHF simplex)
- Channel 3: 3.818 MHz (HF LSB)
The goal: no fumbling around in a crisis.
Step 3: Practice, Practice, Practice
A radio is only as good as its operator. Join local ham nets, participate in drills, and make radio checks with fellow preppers.
“Don’t be the guy who buys a radio, throws it in a Faraday cage, and never uses it. You have to practice—otherwise you’re just LARPing.”
— K9Prepper
Step 4: Build a Communication Plan
Every family or group should have a written communication plan. Who calls whom? At what time? On what frequencies? This is a step most preppers skip—don’t make that mistake.
Best Affordable Ham Radios for Preppers
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get started. While some high-end rigs cost $500+, there are excellent radios for under $50.
The Baofeng UV-5R
- Price: $30-$40
- Bands: VHF/UHF (covers 2m and 70cm)
- Why it’s great: Reliable, cheap, and widely used by preppers. Tons of online tutorials and accessories.
- Downside: Not “plug and play” for total beginners, but plenty of YouTube guides are available.
Other Options
- Wouxun KG-UV8D: Another solid VHF/UHF choice.
- Yaesu FT-60R: More expensive, but ultra-durable and trusted.
- For HF: Look at the Icom IC-718 or Yaesu FT-891. Prices start around $600, but you can find used ones for less.
Ham Radio vs. CB and FRS: What’s Best for Preppers?
You might wonder if you can get by with CB (Citizens Band) or FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. Here’s the scoop:
- CB Radios: No license needed, but range is limited (1-5 miles unless conditions are perfect). Crowded bands, lots of noise.
- FRS Radios: Great for neighborhood comms, but maximum range is 1-2 miles.
- Ham Radios: Require a license, but offer much greater range, flexibility, and access to emergency nets.
“CB is better than nothing, but ham radio is the gold standard. It’s the only way to be sure you can reach help or hear what’s really going on.”
— ModernSurvivalBlog.com
How to Listen to Emergency Frequencies on Ham Radio
Even if you’re not ready to transmit, listening to emergency traffic can give you a huge advantage. Most ham radios can be programmed to scan key frequencies, including:
- NOAA weather (162.400 – 162.550 MHz)
- Local police, fire, and EMS (check local listings)
- Prepper nets (e.g., 3.818 MHz, 146.520 MHz)
Remember: In a real emergency, anyone can legally transmit if it’s a matter of life and death. But until then, stick to listening unless you have your license.
Prepper Communication Plans: What to Include
A solid plan includes:
- Primary and backup frequencies: List the main ones everyone in your group knows.
- Time windows for check-ins: E.g., “We’ll all try to check 146.520 MHz at 8am and 8pm.”
- Who contacts whom: Assign roles—who listens, who transmits, who relays info.
- Fallback methods: If radios fail, consider written notes, pre-arranged signals, or runners.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail. Write down your comms plan, laminate it, and distribute copies.”
— SurvivalMom.com
Ham Radio Repeaters: What They Are and How to Use Them
Repeaters are powerful radio stations, often on mountaintops, that rebroadcast your signal over huge distances. Most cities and counties have at least one.
- To use a repeater: You’ll need to program the input/output frequencies and the “PL tone” (a sub-audible code).
- Find local repeaters: The RepeaterBook.com database is your best friend.
“Repeaters are force multipliers. A $40 handheld can talk 50 miles with a good repeater. Learn how they work before you need them.”
— PreparedSociety.com
Staying Legal: Ham Radio Licensing for Preppers
The FCC isn’t out to get preppers, but they do enforce the rules. The Technician license covers all the frequencies you need for local and regional comms.
- Testing: Many ham clubs offer monthly exams. Some are now online!
- No Morse code required: That’s right—just multiple-choice questions.
- Resources: ARRL.org, HamStudy.org
Off-Grid Power for Ham Radios
All the radios in the world won’t help if the grid is down and your batteries are dead. Every prepper should have:
- Spare rechargeable batteries
- Solar panel charger
- 12V car adapter
- Hand-crank generator (as a last resort)
“You’re not ‘off grid’ until you can charge your radio off grid. Solar is a must. Even a 20W panel can keep you talking for weeks.”
— SurvivalComms (YouTube)
How to Practice Ham Radio Skills
- Join local nets: Most areas have weekly practice nets. Perfect for learning the ropes.
- Field Day: An annual ham radio event where operators test their gear outdoors.
- Simulate outages: Do a “comms blackout” drill. No phones, no internet—just radios.
Common Mistakes New Prepper Hams Make
Even the best gear won’t help if you make rookie mistakes. Watch out for:
- Not programming radios in advance
- Forgetting spare batteries
- Not practicing under real-world conditions
- Ignoring antenna upgrades (a better antenna = more range)
- Failing to document your communication plan
“Don’t wait for SHTF to learn your radio. Make it part of your monthly routine. It’s like any other survival tool—the more you use it, the better you get.”
— PrepperForums.net
The Future of Prepper Ham Radio: Digital Modes and Messaging
Did you know you can send text messages, emails, and even photos by ham radio? Digital modes like Winlink allow you to reach the outside world even when the internet is down.
- Winlink: Lets you send emails worldwide over HF radio.
- APRS: Lets you share your GPS location and short messages.
It takes some setup, but it’s worth learning. As “HamRadioCrashCourse” says on YouTube,
“Digital modes are the future for preppers. Imagine sending your location or a status update when every other network is down. That’s powerful.”
Conclusion: Start Small, Think Big
You don’t have to become a radio expert overnight. Start with a simple handheld, learn the basic frequencies, get your license, and practice with your group. As you get comfortable, you can branch into HF, digital modes, and advanced antennas.
When the grid goes down, those who can communicate have a huge advantage—whether it’s calling for help, gathering intel, or just checking in on loved ones. Ham radio is the backbone of prepper communication.
“When all else fails, ham radio works.”
Ready to get started? Program those frequencies, make a plan, and join the world of prepper ham radio. Your future self will thank you.