We often use radios when working in disasters and in remote environments where the mobile network is limited.
It’s good to **know the basics.**

HOW TO TALK ON THE RADIO

Be sure your radio is switched on, set to the appropriate channel and that the volume is up.
Take a moment to think - know what you are going to say before transmitting. If it’s a long message with complicated details (like map coordinates), it is best to write it down before you call.
Listen for at least five seconds to avoid interfering with an existing communication. Let others finish their communication before starting a new conversation.
To Talk - press and hold the push-to-talk (PTT) button.
To Listen - release the the push-to-talk (PTT) button. It’s important to remember that the other person cannot speak/transmit unless you release the PTT button.
The microphone should be approximately five centimetres from your mouth.
Say {their name twice}, this is {your name}. For example “Ayse, Ayse, this is Karl, over.”
When you are finished speaking, say “over”, so that the other person knows they can start speaking. When they say “over” you can start speaking again.
Talk at a normal speaking volume - do not shout.
Use normal language but be brief and to the point.
Speak clearly and not too quickly.
Use short sentences, then pause to listen.

It takes training and practice to become comfortable using a radio - please ask for it.

VHF RADIOS

Very high frequency (VHF) radios are the most commonly used radio equipment in IFRC field operations. The two most common types are hand-held VHF radios and vehicle VHF radios, both of which are introduced below. It is important that staff and volunteers know how to use handheld and vehicle radios (so they can call for help if needed) and how VHF radio waves travel (so that they don’t try to communicate from a bad location).

Using a VHF handheld radio

**1. Turn the power on**
Turn the upper left knob clockwise to turn the radio on and adjust the volume.
**2. Selecting a channel**
Use the channel knob/buttons to select the correct channel. Remember to ask and note which channels to use when you receive the radio.
**3. Push-to-talk**
Press the push-to-talk (PTT) button and wait for one second before you start talking.

Using a VHF vehicle radio

**1. Turn the power on**
Turn the (round) upper left knob clockwise to turn the radio on and adjust the volume.
**2. Selecting a channel**
Use the middle buttons to select the correct channel. Get in the habit of asking the driver which channels to use when you get into a vehicle. If they get hurt in an accident, it may be up to you to call for help.
**3. Push-to-talk**
Pick up the handset and press the push-to-talk (PTT) button on the side - and wait for one second before you start talking.

How VHF signals travel

VHF radio waves travel in a straight line and usually as far as the line of sight. Basically, this means that if you are looking through binoculars at the spot you want to make contact with, you should be able to communicate to that point with the VHF radio.
Buildings (walls/roofs) and geographical features such as hills, mountains, forests can block the signal. This is why other communication devices are required in mountainous areas, for example.
Under good conditions, you have about 5km of range with a VHF handset and 20km with a vehicle VHF set, which emits a stronger signal and has a higher antenna. This is why other communication devices are required for longer range field missions.

Batteries

Charge your radio batteries every chance you get and carry a spare when going to the field in case one of the batteries is defective or fails to charge completely.
Know that batteries discharge at a much faster rate when transmitting than when receiving.
During a crisis, when it may be difficult to recharge batteries, use the radio more sparingly to preserve the batteries. For example, you may need to establish a fixed time to communicate with the radio room and switch the radio off in between.

Common Mistakes

Trying to communicate from an unsuitable location such as in a valley or behind a large building.
Trying to communicate on the wrong channel (or not knowing the channel).
Low battery level (means less power to transmit).
No spare batteries. You, or someone on your team should always have a spare battery.

If you have a problem - try this:

Check you’re on the right channel and that the volume is up. Sometimes the dials gets turned by accident.
Move to a higher location. Find a high enough point where there are few physical obstacles between you and the area you want to communicate with. This can mean driving to the top of a hill or walking to an upper floor of the building.
Check for obstacles. Office walls, hills, other buildings can all interfere with the signal. Moving to the other side of the building or finding a spot with a clear line of sign to the receiver can make a big difference.
Put in a fresh battery if the power is low.

Other things to consider

VHFs are easy to lose or steal, so keep yours with you at all times and store it in a safe place.
Your radio may be programmed with several channels for talking to different groups or agencies, so check that you’re using the correct channel before talking.
VHF talk can be monitored by others, so think before you speak. Don’t share confidential information.
VHFs have a limited battery life, so keep the batteries charged and manage their use. Carry a spare.

RADIO ROOMS

The term ‘radio room’ is often used when referring to the country delegation’s operational communications centre. All delegations and Federation offices must establish a system or procedures to monitor delegates’ field movements. In larger operations, this can be done by establishing a radio room with radio room operators. In small delegations, it could be someone in the administration office who is responsible for monitoring field movement.

The most important thing to remember is that someone should always know where you are and have the means to communicate with you.

RADIO ALPHABET

Often called the radio phonetic alphabet, this alphabet is used international for two way radio communications, so it’s good to know it.

It’s especially important to the alphabet when working in disasters and in higher-risk areas since it commonly used during radio communications between, the UN, humanitarian agencies, militaries, authorities etc.