📡
When networks fail: broadcast radio is often the only reliable information source. Know your frequencies before you need them.
🇬🇧 UK Emergency Broadcasts
198 kHz LW
Long Wave — most resilient, works furthest
BBC Radio 4
93–99 MHz FM
Local FM — check your area
BBC Radio 4 (local)
🌍 International Emergency
156.8 MHz
Marine VHF Channel 16
Maritime Distress
243.0 MHz
Military UHF Guard
Aviation Emergency
121.5 MHz
Civilian aviation band
Aviation Distress
📻 Walkie-Talkie / PMR446
446.0–446.2
No licence required in UK/EU
PMR446 (8 channels)
Ch 8 / 446.09375
Commonly used for family/group
PMR446 Default Channel
No-Signal Contact Tree Protocol
1
Try SMS first
Text messages queue and deliver even in heavily congested or partially failed networks. Voice calls fail first.
2
Wi-Fi calling apps
WhatsApp, Signal, FaceTime — route over data not phone network. Works when calls fail.
3
Out-of-area relay
Contact your designated out-of-area person. They can relay messages between separated family members when local networks are saturated.
4
Go to the meeting point
If no contact after your agreed wait time — go directly to the primary meeting point. Do not keep trying. Move.
Check-In Rules
Daily check-in time
18:00 daily
Wait before acting
3 hours
Primary meeting point
Home front door
Fallback if home unsafe
Library car park
Out-of-area contact
Sarah — 07700 900 123