Weekly CERT Radio Check

As a core part of our emergency preparedness and regular training, we maintain a radio infrastructure that is independent of the internet and cellphone towers. We provide CERTs with Walkie-talkie style radios and both the technical and protocol training to be effective communicators in an emergency situation.

We have certain frequencies set aside for our purposes and radio towers that repeat and amplify signals so they cover our whole (Woodside Portola Valley Fire Protection) district. Badged CERT members can purchase a CERT radio which is very handy during activation and emergencies. It is not required. We have spare radios for CERTs without radios to hand out during an activation. But, to be proficient we highly recommend each CERT gets, learns about and trains with their own radio, from at home.

For this purpose, we have a weekly radio check-in, on Tuesday evenings at 19:30-19:45. We start on the PV1 channel with a roll-call (name, badge number and location) and then proceed to the WD1 channel with the same procedure. 

This tests our radio repeater / amplifier infrastructure, each CERT's individual radio (can you transmit/receive properly ?), the location in or near their house from which they can communicate most effectively (locations inside the house may attenuate radio waves significantly, so for better reception and transmission you may have to move outside, to the driveway or a deck etc.)

The checkin also allows testing of radio buttons, volumes, push-to-talk (or as we say push-THEN-talk), keeping communications slow, clear and brief and repeating messages in case we "step on each other" (two or more people transmitting simultaneously, resulting in a momentary word salad)

We also use radios extensively - and in a more realistic, intense environment - during our exercises.

You can learn more about your CERT radio by watching some videos from our Youtube channel:

• CERT Radio setup and basic use

• Communications during an emergency

• Radio refresher and advanced topics