How SHTF Preppers Can Prepare with Amateur Radio Reserve Frequencies

When disaster strikes, communication is survival. For preppers, amateur radio is indispensable in any SHTF (terrible shit) or TEOTWAWKI (end of the world) scenario. Unlike smartphones or devices that rely on the internet, amateur radio operates independently of crumbling infrastructure—making it the ultimate lifeline. But just having a radio isn’t enough. You need key frequencies programmed and ready to go, paired with a rugged, feature-rich device like the Ailunce HD2 10W GPS Dual-Band DMR Radio.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ Must-have reserve frequencies (NOAA, FEMA, simplex channels, etc.).
✅ How to find local reserve frequencies in your area.
✅ Why the Ailunce HD2 is the ultimate survivalist radio (spoiler: GPS, waterproofing, and unmatched versatility).

Why Disaster Preppers Rely on Amateur Radio

Disaster preppers prepare for the worst—natural disasters, power grid failures, societal collapse. When modern communications fail, amateur radios shine, and here are the reasons why you need them:
a) Do not require cell towers or the internet to operate.
b) Can cover 2-18 miles (VHF/UHF bands) without repeaters, and can cover further with repeaters.
c) Powered by large batteries (5+ days of standby time).

Amateur Radio Prep Frequencies You Need to Know

When you want to be a disaster prepper, first you need to have a high-performance amateur radio, such as the Ailunce HD2, and then equip your HD2 with the following prep frequencies. I have collected important amateur radio prep frequencies that you can use in a TEOTWAWKI or SHTF situation, and I will share them with you in this blog.
Be sure to read to the end so you don’t miss some important survival information:

Amateur Radio Reserve Frequencies – Common Frequencies

1.Common Simplex Channels

a)146.52 MHz (2m Band): If you can’t think of any other frequencies, you can listen to the 2m simplex frequency of 146.52 MHz, which is one of the most common amateur radio reserve frequencies you can listen to. This frequency is almost always monitored, so your calls are more likely to be heard.
b)446.0 MHz (70cm Band): In addition to 146.52 MHz, there is also a backup frequency of 446 MHz for short-range emergencies.
c)146.42 MHz (2m Band): Some amateur radio operators also use 146.42 MHz as one of their reserve frequencies, but this frequency varies from region to region. If you are interested, you can try it and leave a message below the blog
5)146.55 MHz (2m Band): According to feedback from some storm chasing fans, 146.55 MHz is often used for regional weather updates and storm tracking.
In addition to the common frequencies above, there are some national reserve frequencies that should also be programmed into a survivalist’s radio.

2. Amateur Radio Reserve Frequencies - National Frequencies

a) NOAA Weather Channel - One of the most recommended reserve frequencies
Program these NOAA frequencies for real-time weather alerts:
162.400 MHz
162.425 MHz
162.450 MHz
162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz
162.525 MHz
162.550 MHz
b) FEMA Frequencies
In addition to the NOAA Weather Channel, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also has some dedicated frequencies that can be used, and for the prepared, these channels can be monitored for some information
FEMA Frequencies: Monitor for federal updates (find your frequency on RadioReference).

3.Ham Radio Prepper Frequencies – The Varying Ones.

Amateur radio operators are widespread and friendly around the world, and there are many non-governmental organizations that provide great resources for preppers, such as SKYWARN.
SKYWARN is a volunteer network that provides frequencies that are a reliable source of information, especially for finding key weather update times. But they vary from place to place. For example, the SKYWARN repeater in Alabama is 145.43 MHz, and in Kentucky it is 146.79 MHz.

How to Find the Right Ham Radio Frequency in Your Local Area

The above content has some widely used amateur radio frequencies, but these frequencies vary by geographical location. Here I will tell you how to find the right radio frequency in your local area.
1️⃣ RadioReference.com: This website has a huge frequency database. You can search your state or county on this website to get a list of radio frequencies in your area. Of course, it is also very simple to operate. You just need to log in to their website and create an account (free, anyone can sign up)
2️⃣ repeaterbook.com: This website has a list of radio repeaters classified by state. Just find your state, click on it and see if you can find a radio repeater closest to you.
3️⃣Join an Amateur Radio Club: Finally, my personal advice is to join a local Amateur Radio Club. If you don’t know a local Amateur Radio Club, you can visit the ARRL to get a directory of registered Amateur Radio operators in your area.

Can you transmit without a license?

Next is the important and necessary thing, can you use Amateur Radio frequencies without a license? It depends on what you are using the frequency for.
If you are just listening, you can monitor any frequency you like, but if you want to transmit, I would like to remind you that unlicensed transmissions via informal radio are illegal. However, there is an exception - if you are in a life-or-death emergency and there is no other source of communication available, unlicensed radio transmissions are allowed.

Last Word: Choose the Right Doomsday Radio and Be Prepared

Amateur radio is useless without pre-programmed frequencies and reliable equipment. Ailunce HD2 10W GPS Dual Band DMR Radio is built for survivalists, combining cutting-edge technology with rugged reliability. Here’s why it’s a must-have in your shelter bag
1️⃣ Dual-band DMR and Analog Modes
Communicate seamlessly on digital (DMR) or analog networks.
Switch modes on the fly for compatibility with any radio system.
2️⃣ GPS Tracking and Location Sharing
Share real-time coordinates with your team via longitude/latitude data.
3️⃣ Bluetooth 5.0 Hands-Free Operation
Pair with a headset for VOX (voice-activated) communications.
Stay mobile while maintaining crystal-clear audio.
4️⃣ IP67 Water and Dust Resistant
Survives rain, snow, mud, and drops - built for extreme conditions.
5️⃣ Massive Contact Storage
Store 500,000 contacts (via CSV upload) and prioritize 5,000 emergency contacts.
Massive Storage for Global/Emergency Contacts
When the SHTF comes, trust the HD2 to keep you connected.

Ailunce HD2 10W GPS Dual Band DMR HAM Radio

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