No License Required!
(Updated 29 Nov 2023) - No matter where you are in the Inland Northwest, start your journey with an email:  [email protected] and let us know you'd like to try it out!  If you don't already have a radio, an affordable way to start is with a $20 radio of the Bao Feng UV-5R family, available through Amazon.  Bring it to one of the events posted at www.inwPrep.com , and we'll help you navigate your way through it!  We'll get you "dialed in" to the frequencies you'll need to chat with us.
We'll suggest that you go to https://amrron.com/communications-resources/ch3-project/  and get your own personal call sign "handle".  This will be of great help to you and your family, should a real emergency someday exist.
Those of us who are "ham" operators will convene at times and "Check In" with how many of our non-ham neighbors - like yourself! - we've been in contact with.
In a time of real emergency, we'll be able to pass on important information to you that may not be available otherwise, so feel free to listen in!

                                                                         ^^^^^^^^
The National CH3 (Channel Three) Project  connects everyday, non-licensed  owners of CB, FRS, and MURS ("walkie-talkie") radios with a communications network of neighborhood and nation-wide Ham radio operators.
In a local, regional or national emergency, traditional communication networks may be overloaded or even nonexistent.  As has been proven time and again - most recently, in Puerto Rico - Amateur Radio has proven to be the only dependable means of communication.
While a test and license are required to operate a "ham" radio under the current rule of law, CB radios and FRS walkies are weaker, and have no such restriction. "MURS" frequencies are often very clear in our area, and are free to be used by anyone!   We have successfully used MURS3 from Blanchard to Bayview, up to Cocolalla, Sagle, Priest River, and Elk.   More powerful GMRS radios do not require a test, only a license (call it a tax).  Any of these can be easily obtained in local stores or on line, and are a great way to be able to communicate with neighbors and local hams, who can communicate globally.
Hams typically have local "practice nets"; predetermined times and frequencies where they reach out to one another.  Some nets are associated with the Channel 3 Project, where participants will take a break and switch over to channel 3 of CB, FRS, etc. in an attempt to contact local citizens, such as yourself.  This is the opportunity for hams to relay any news to the citizenry, and, in exchange, find out about local conditions such as road closures, civil unrest, etc. 

Please watch AmRRON:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOiZNNB61bQ 
Then join in the daily check-ins listed above.
[email protected] 



Learn more about the nation-wide "Channel 3 Project": 
https://amrron.com/communications-resources/ch3-project/
and:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnE1OfkGUsM

KI7BIV