#prepping #preparedness #emergencyradio Getting into emergency communications can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re just starting out and don’t know where to begin. In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what to look for when choosing your first emergency radio so you don’t waste money on the wrong one. We’ll cover: ✅ The difference between ham and GMRS radios (and why it matters for preppers) ✅ Why CHIRP software is the #1 feature you need to make programming easy ✅ Power, frequency bands, and features that actually matter in an emergency ✅ Why budget-friendly radios like Baofeng are often the smartest choice Whether you’re building your first go-bag, setting up family communications, or just starting your prepping journey, this guide will give you the confidence to choose a radio that works when you need it most. ⏱️ Video Chapters 00:00 – Why CHIRP compatibility is critical 03:48 – Buy Ham over GMRS-only radios 04:14 – Why ham radios are more flexible in emergencies 06:00 – Added power = better signal penetration 07:13 – Dual band vs. tri-band radios 07:42 – Extra features to look for: Scrambler, FM, Dual Watch, Waterproofing 09:31 – Why I stick with Baofengs 10:18 – Recap: Easy, reliable, CHIRP-friendly radios 10:33 – Special offer: 10% off pre-programmed radios ? Need Help Programming Your Radio? I offer a service where I pre-program radios with repeaters for your area, pre-programmed and ready to go! https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-k5plus-pre-programmed-radio https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-uv25-pre-programmed-radios ? Use Code NPS10 for 10% off all pre-programmed radios (National Preparedness Month special) ▶️ Related Videos Radio Rules the FCC Doesn't Really Care About & Why https://youtu.be/vCtU_PM9_wE How Far Can GMRS Radios Go? https://youtu.be/0Blvvj0G9iY Radio Basics for Preppers https://youtu.be/SLyZy5OuirM How GMRS Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One https://youtu.be/XFvJcJD4-Is Radio Bands Explained https://youtu.be/3rz10lRc-HQ Every GMRS Radio Setting Explained https://youtu.be/y7zEixMDTTI