Communications Resources

The CERT Auxiliary has long been committed to promoting communication by MURS radio. Roberta Joiner Roberts has assumed the CERT Communications Coordinator role. She looks forward to having monthly meetings as needed, meeting with teams, as desired, having radio exercises for new and seasoned members, and generally fostering radio usage to those who are interested.

Communications Resource Documents for team members and leaders

Basic MURS Radio Instruction handout (print in B&W or color, 2-sided) | Instrucciones Básicas de MURS

MURS Wallet Card (Quick Start)  (3 to a page – cut and fold in half and laminate if desired)

CERT MURS Version 2 Programming Channels  (Frequencies used by CERT and other local agencies)

MURS Radio Accessories (batteries, antennas, speakers, etc.)

We Have Radios!

The CERT Auxiliary has MURS radios available at a discount. These are the new, Version 2 edition of the radio and are programmed for use by CERTs. These radios are available to CERTs at the nice price of $30 each, and non-CERTs for $50 each (for Firewise/neighborhood groups not CERT-affiliated). On Amazon they sell for $65 plus tax. A wonderful discount. Interested? Contact Mary Edmund, Joyce Smith or Roberta Roberts.

Special Grant Program for MURS radios

MURS Radio Training

We conducted a Beginning MURS Radio class and an Intermediate Radio class on Zoom. You can find the recordings on the Continuing Education page.

Beginning MURS Training Slides — PDF version | PowerPoint version

MURS Radio Exercise

• MURS Radio Training and Exercise — September 7

  This will be an in-person, hands-on class, for those who may be new to CERT, unfamiliar with our MURS radio or uncertain about how to use it, or want a refresher. Those who have more experience using MURS radios are welcome to attend, refresh their skills, assist with those who are new, and possibly be squad leads.

  We will start off with some basic review of the usage of the radio, and then spread out into teams for some field exercises. You will be working in teams, with a map, assignments and radio practice. We will be utilizing the upper level as well as the lower level of the park, and you can drive up to the upper level if you are assigned there.

  Presenter — Roberta Roberts, Communications Officer

  Anna Jean Cummings County Park (Blue Ball Park), 461 Old San Jose Road, Soquel
  Sunday, September 7, 2 – 4 pm (Please arrive by 1:45 pm)

  More information, and Register

   

Get Your Ham Radio License

Have you thought about how the MURS radios have a limited “line of sight” range for transmission and receiving?  Are you ready to take the next step and get your ham radio Technician’s license to better assist with communications for your team and in an emergency?  

Now is your chance, as there will be an upcoming local 6-week study group beginning 9/2/25 at the Santa Cruz County EOC, with testing opportunities TBA. See the flyer and SignUpGenius link for more information on the class.

If you are one who studies well independently, you can also go to HamStudy.org or hamexam.org and do study sessions and practice exams on your own.

Questions?  Contact Roberta Roberts, Communications Coordinator for SC County CERT, roberta@slvares.org.