Pros & Cons of the 7 Emergency Communication Devices

Emergency communication devices are an important part of any go bag. If traditional communication such as phone and web based connections are not available, an emergency communication device may save your life. While each family has different needs and may choose a different device, we’ll review the pros and cons of the 7 most popular options.

Though all emergency communication devices have similar traits, such as being roughly the same size and weight, there are quite a few differences including range, price, battery licensing and more. You can find a side by side comparison of all emergency communication devices but here we’ll cover the main pros and cons of each device.

Police Scanner Radios

Pros

• Able to listen to all emergency communication including, Police, Fire, Rescue, Military, Aircraft, Civilian, etc.
• A scanner will ‘scan’ all frequencies in your area, and transmit when there is communication.
• 30 mile range*

Digital scanners are very easy to use

• Uses AA batteries

Cons

• Cannot broadcast

Ham Radios

Pros

• Able to listen to all communication including, Police, Fire, Rescue, Military, aircraft, civilian, etc.
• 30 mile range*
• Scanning capabilities

Cons

• Ham radio license is required to operate a ham radio
• Can be complicated to use if you are not familiar with ham radios
• Some ham radios have proprietary batteries that can be difficult to recharge or replace in an emergency
• Programming required

CB Radios

Pros

• Inexpensive; can find for $100 or less
• Easy to use
• Uses AA batteries

Cons

• Limited range of 2 miles*
• Can only communicate with other CB users
• Reliant on others to be using a CB radio device within a 2 mile radius.
• Most CB communication is done vehicle to vehicle so handheld communication options may be limited during emergencies.
• Cannot hear EMS (Police, Fire, Rescue, etc.) communication

Walkie Talkie (FRS/GMRS)

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Inexpensive; can find for $110 or less

Cons

• License required for GMRS walkie talkies
• Some walkie talkies have proprietary batteries that can be difficult to recharge or replace in an emergency
• Must have at least 2 walkie talkies
• Limited range of 2 miles*
• Cannot hear EMS (Police, Fire, Rescue, etc.) communication

Marine Radio

Pros

• Very useful if you’re on/near water to hear all marine communication
• S.A.M.E. emergency & weather alerts

Cons

• Not relevant away from water
• Some marine radios have proprietary batteries that can be difficult to recharge or replace in an emergency
• Limited range of 3 miles*
• Cannot hear EMS (Police, Fire, Rescue, etc.) communication

Weather Radio

Pros

• Inexpensive; can find for $60 or less
• Crank and solar charging
• Range of 40+ miles*

Cons

• Can only listen to NOAA and radio broadcasts
• Cannot broadcast
• Most weather radios have proprietary batteries that can be difficult to recharge or replace in an emergency
• Cannot hear EMS (Police, Fire, Rescue, etc.) communication

Satellite Phone

Pros

• Can make/receive phone calls anywhere

Cons

• Expensive; can find for $1,700 or less for phone plus a monthly subscription plan of $60+
• Cannot hear EMS (Police, Fire, Rescue, etc.) communication
• Limited battery life of 3.5 hours
• Satellite phones have proprietary batteries that can be difficult to recharge or replace in an emergency
• Dead zones in coverage

To find the best police scanner radio or view bug out bag packages visit Zip Scanners’ Scanner Resources & Learning Center & compare emergency communication devices.