A PACE plan
| Level | Method |
|---|---|
| Primary | Cell phone or text |
| Alternate | GMRS family channel |
| Contingency | Ham repeater: W4CAT Nashville or K5PXP Mount Nebo |
| Emergency | Ham simplex 146.550, or a note at the meeting place |
Write it down and give everyone a copy.
Make it routine
Check-in times
Top of each hour for 5 minutes during an outage
Meeting place
Where to go if no one can be reached
Channel card
Same list in every radio and wallet
Monthly test
Try every method from home, truck and ranch
Who carries what
Everyone
- A GMRS radio with family channels
- A spare battery
- The PACE card
Licensed hams
- The FT-65R with repeaters and simplex
- A mobile in the truck
- Skywarn and net contacts
Sources: Family Radio Guide; ARRL emergency planning guidance
Remember
A plan only works if you practice it; test every method once a month.
Tap or press Enter to flip
Answer key
- What does PACE stand for?Primary, Alternate, Contingency, EmergencyPACE lists methods from most to least convenient.
- Which method is the 'Alternate' in this plan?GMRS family channelGMRS is the family's alternate.
- Why set check-in times?To save batteries and know when to listenScheduled check-ins save power and avoid missed calls.
- How often should the family test the plan?Once a monthMonthly practice keeps everyone ready.
- Who should carry the ham radio?Licensed family membersOnly licensed operators may transmit on ham.