Ward and Stake Radio Checks

This section contains materials for organizing and running a monthly ward and stake radio check.

Request that all block captains, assistant block captains, and members of the Ward Council acquire two-way radios. The Communications 101 handout includes suggestions on types of radios to buy. These are typical FRS two-way radios such as those used by hikers, which can be purchased online or at many retailers. We suggest that individuals pay for their own radios. They are not expensive, they may use them for personal use, and there is less hassle to try to pass them along to the next block captain should they leave the ward or discontinue the assignment.

An in-person meeting with all block captains is a good way to introduce the first radio check and answer any questions. Establish a regular day and time each month when the check will be held. Announce the time early in the month and send email reminders. We all get busy, so a text message the afternoon or evening of the radio check is an effective reminder to maximize participation. If people know they are going to be out of town, they should communicate that to the leadership so they can be excused from the radio check.

The goals of the radio check are to familiarize participants with the procedures of communicating on a radio net, help them get comfortable with their equipment and make sure they know how to operate it, and to establish the habit of communicating as a group. We don’t need to wait for “The Big One.” Teach block captains and ward council members that if there is an event that seems like an emergency, they should turn on their radios. “When in doubt, turn on your radio.” We have seen wards activate the emergency radio net for a power outage, a severe wind storm, or heavy rains, and it has proven very helpful.

Most radio checks take only 10-15 minutes, consisting mainly of an introduction and a roll call of participants. See the suggested script below.

The Ward Emergency Response Coordinator is not the only one who can run the ward radio check. After the first few times, assign different members of the ward council, in rotation, to take a turn being the voice of the “Command Post” and conducting the roll call. By giving everyone a turn, all can become familiar with the radio net. We never know in a time of real emergency who will be available, so the ranking member of the ward council should take over and coordinate communications.