Ward Emergency Communication Plan

Elk Grove Ward Emergency Communication Plan

Our emergency communication goal is to establish a working Ward Emergency Communication Network, where members can stay informed during all phases of an emergency or disaster.

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios have been identified as the best option for our Ward to communicate with each other when all normal means of communication have failed.  

Following a disaster or emergency event, our Ward Leaders should be prepared to report the nature of the disaster, the welfare of the members and missionaries, the condition of meetinghouses, and any requests for assistance as quickly and completely as possible.

This requires a plan to communicate with each other that is not dependent on either the cell  phone system or the power grid. Also vehicle transportation routes that may be disrupted. Quarantines may make it impossible to make personal visits.

Next Steps Include:

• Encourage all leaders and members to get their GMRS license (one per household) and a GMRS radio.

Click how to get your GMRS license and recommended GMRS radio for more information.

• Radio testing is being performed to identify zones within the Ward boundaries and to assign Zone Net Controllers and Backups.

• We will then start operating the Ward radio net, so members can participate and ensure their equipment is operating properly and practice communicating on the radio. 

Ward Emergency Communication Responsibilities 

Zone Net Control & Backup(s):

Prior to an emergency

1. Prepare their family with sufficient resources for a long-term grid-down, no phone, no transportation, no first responder, quarantine event.

2. Own and maintain a GMRS radio and ability to charge battery for extended radio use.

3. Receive training in GMRS radio communications and documentation.

4. Participate in weekly ward emergency communication practice nets.

5. Records names of households in their zone that they receive communication from during the weekly nets and forward the information to the Master Net Control.

In the case of an emergency

1. Ensure the safety of their family.

2. Contact Master Net Controller(s) and confirm initial radio net time.

3. Be prepared and attend scheduled ward emergency communication specialist and Ward Leader radio nets.

4. Prepare to receive and document radio communications.

5. Respond to requests for assistance and resources as circumstances permit.

Head of Household 

Prior to an emergency

1. Prepare their family with sufficient resources for a long-term grid-down, no phone, no transportation, quarantine event.

2. Own and maintain a GMRS radio and ability to charge battery for extended radio use.

3. Receive training in GMRS radio communications.

4. Participate in weekly ward emergency communication practice nets.

In the event of an emergency

1. Ensure the safety of their family.

2. Participate in ward emergency communications nets.

3. Respond to neighbor requests for assistance and resources as circumstances permit.