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Great Early Review of the KG-UV9G PRO GMRS SHTF Prepper Radio

NEW KG-UV9G GMRS Radio for SHTF video title image

Here’s a great early review of the KG-UV9G PRO GMRS SHTF Prepper radio by our new favorite reviewer, Randy at NotARubicon Productions.

His generous use of sarcasm and his matter-of-fact delivery are actually quite refreshing and often hilarious.

Show him some appreciation with a thumbs-up and a subscribe, and let him know what you think about the review and his style.

Keep an eye on his channel for a future, more in-depth review of the KG-UV9G-PRO Two-Way Radio and if you’re into off-roading and Jeeps in general, you’ll love his video series on some serious trail-blazing and rock-churning action.

Enjoy!

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New $35 FCC License Application Fee for Ham & GMRS Radio Services

FCC_GMRS_Fee_Schedule_Changes_2021 Promo Image

It’s official, the new $35 FCC license application fee for Ham & GMRS radio services were formally adopted by the agency for the Part 95E General Mobile Radio Service & Part 97 Amateur Radio Service (and other commercial radios services), having now been officially published in the Federal Register on 03/19/21.

Header Image for FCC Federal Register License Fee Schedule Changes for March 19th 2021 Article

FCC_GMRS_Fee_Schedule_Changes_2021 Promo ImageAs widely anticipated for GMRS users, the new $35 license fee changes will go into effect 30 days from the date of publishing in the Federal Register, which means they will now be in effect on 04/19/21.

UPDATE: The FCC has finally published a note that the new fees will finally be active on the FCC ULS (Universal Licensing System) website on 04/19/22, an entire year after the new fees were actually approved. 

While some on the Amateur Radio / Ham Radio community are not happy about the addition of this $35 fee for what used to be essentially free for ARS license applications, the new fees bring a 50% reduction in fees for the GMRS community.

For a GMRS license, the changes include the same 10-year license terms, the same inclusion of your entire immediate family under the same license, and a new reduced license application fee of $35. That’s only 29 cents per month, and even less if you share the license with any family members!

The new lower fees comes at the perfect time for a major influx of new GMRS applicants and an overall increase in awareness about emergency radio communications on all radio services and bands, for disaster preparedness and SHTF prepping.

BSR Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF ScannerIt also comes at a time when there are finally several more options for quality handheld radios such as the Wouxun KG-UV9GX GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner, co-designed by Mark Lindsey (K6LED/WQXR567) and sold exclusively by BetterSafeRadio.

The new fee schedule was originally proposed to be $50 per application, but due to public comment, the FCC agreed to lower the fee to $35 for the personal radio services. Other commercial and broadcast radio services are also affected by the new changes. See the published FCC rule changes for all the details.

What do you think about the new changes? Chime in below.

Cheers and Be Safe!

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Meet the New Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner!

A close image of the front of the BSR Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner

Pre-Sale On Now!

Get $15 OFF the New Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner as the first batch of radios are being produced!

Image showing BetterSafeRadio Wouxun KG-UV9G FCC ID Part 95E & 15B Certification
FCC ID: WVTWOUXUN19

After a long battle to get all of the power and features we wanted, we’ve finally passed the FCC Certification process (ID: WVTWOUXUN19) last week and are starting to ramp up production of this amazing new GMRS radio, available exclusively at BetterSafeRadio. With an expected ship date of the end of March 2021, you can now backorder this killer radio and save your spot in line. But don’t wait too long as the pre-orders are racking up quickly (I’m actually overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and response so far) and it will take some time to prepare and process all of these orders, to be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis.

Use Coupon Code “UV9GLAUNCH”

The product page has all of the juicy details on the new radio and the list of features is stunning! Check it out now, but here’s a little taste:

BSR Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner - Flyer

Finally, if you’re an influencer or manager of a club or other group, or just a radio enthusiast that loves turning other people on to great gear at great prices, then check out the new BetterSafeRadio Affiliate Program, were you can earn a commission on all referred sales (via affiliate links or coupon codes tied to your account). It’s free, and the compensation terms are, let’s just say, way better than Amazon. 😉 Interest in GMRS is booming right now and I’d love to partner with you, especially on this UV9G launch!

Cheers and Be Safe!

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Finally, A Pro GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner That Delivers Peace of Mind!

BSR Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio - Box Contents

I’m pleased to announce the impending release of a new pro-grade GMRS two-way radio, co-designed by Mark Lindsey and which will be sold exclusively by BetterSafeRadio, the new:

Wouxun KG-UV9G Pro GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner

Everything you love about the 9D(Plus) & 9P, now for GMRS use!

The front view of the BSR Wouxun KG-UV9G Pro GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner

BSR Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio & SHTF Scanner - Flyer

The first release in the new BetterSafeRadio PRS-GO! radio line…

The BSR-exclusive Wouxun KG-UV9G is a 999 channel programmable dual-band handheld analog superheterodyne FM GMRS two-way radio transceiver with wide 7-band receive range, TDR (true dual receive), repeater capability, and pro features, ideal for families, scouts, SHTF preppers, survivalists, business, or EmComm emergency communication groups.

Finally, a pro GMRS two-way radio & SHTF scanner that delivers peace of mind with the advanced features you need!

It has 2.5kHz tuning steps and comes custom pre-programmed with 880 channels for GMRS + SHTF* (ships with Tx locked to GMRS band for Part 95E compliance), for dual-use GMRS transceiver & analog FM scanner operation. User programmable with free downloadable Wouxun programmer or optional advanced software programming & USB cable kit (by RT Systems).

This is the GMRS Two-Way Radio you will EDC (Every Day Carry) or Bug-Out with!

With a full legal 5.5 Watts of power (on UHF) and a talk-around range of 2 to 7+ miles (many more when used with GMRS repeaters or at higher elevations), the KG-UV9G provides reliable recreational or emergency radio communications for personal disaster preparedness, family outings, scouting, prepping, survival, business operations, Neighborhood Watch, REACT, CERT, Guardian Angels & EARS groups to keep in touch when other methods of communication break down. IP55 rated and Part 95E FCC (certification pending). The UV9G is custom power calibrated for GMRS simplex & repeater use and transmits on all 30 GMRS frequencies. Even the antenna is tuned for the GMRS center (465MHz).

In addition, the UV9G features simultaneous dual-receiver scanning, 10 scanning groups, and improved “scan-advance” functionality over previous 9-Series models, turning the KG-UV9G into a powerful portable GMRS two way radio communications device & SHTF scanner, especially with its advanced features, high-quality performance, wide 7-band receive range, and full host of accessories (available separately).
If you like the clarity and reliability of the Wouxun KG-805G, 905G, or 935G, then you’ll love the massively upgraded functionality and features on the 9G for normal everyday GMRS use, as well as for emergency EmComm and SHTF uses. We’ll also be releasing a line of replacement radios for the 805G with an IP67 case for more reliable outdoor all-weather uses. 
Check out the KG-UV9G & Get On The Waitlist Now to save with a special introductory offer!

Here are the key features of the new radio – almost too many to list:

999 Channels • Analog FM UHF GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) Two-Way Transceiver • Pre-Programmed for GMRS + SHTF (876 Channels, User Programmable) • Tri-Power 5.5/5/0.5 Watts • Two Dual-Band Double-Conversion Superheterodyne TDR (True Dual Receive) Receivers • IP55 Water Jets Rated • Extended-Capacity 3200 mAh (23.68 Wh) Li-ion Battery • Part 95E & 15B FCC (WVTWOUXUN19) • Simplex & Repeater Capable • Wide 7-Band Receive Range with AM AIR Band & Broadcast FM Radio (w/ 20 Memories) • Dual-PTTDual Simultaneous Scanning (3 Modes, 10 Scan Groups, Priority Scan, Dual-Watch & Single-Receive Modes, Mutable Sub-Receiver & New Scan-Advance Feature) • Memory & VFO Modes (Tx locked to GMRS frequencies) • Wide & Narrow Bandwidth • DTMF Keypad • Repeater Reverse & Talk-Around Functions • 50 CTCSS PL Tones & 105 DCS Privacy Codes (Independently Front-Panel Programmable) • CTCSS/DCS ScanningColor Screen • Dual Signal Indicator LEDs (customizable) • Full Keypad (w/ Auto-Lock) • 3 Programmable Function Side-Keys2.5 kHz Tuning Steps • FlashlightStopwatch • Battery Saver • Time-Out-Timer (w/ variable warning beep) • 8-Character Alpha Channel Names • Voice Announce (English or Chinese) & Key Beeps (optional) • 10 Squelch Levels • Functional Emergency RESET w/ Usable Default Channels & Repeaters • BCL, VOX, SideTones, DTMF & ANI PTT-ID • 8″ High-Gain Dual-Band GMRS-Tuned Antenna (removable) • Wrist Strap • Belt Clip • English Manual (full rewrite coming soon) • Full Line of Accessories

Tx Range (MHz): 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 UHF
Rx Range (MHz): 76-108 FM Broadcast Radio • 108-136 AM AIR • 136-180 FM/AM VHF • 230-250 FM/AM VHF • 350-400 FM/AM UHF • 400-512 FM/AM UHF • 700-985 FM/AM UHF

ReadySafeGo™ custom pre-programmed for GMRS + SHTF* with 876 channels! (see PDF chart above) – Tx locked to GMRS frequencies for Part 95E compliance. User programmable with free factory software (downloadable above – requires USB cable) or an advanced software & cable kit.*

The new Wouxun KG-UV9G is a firmware modified version of the Wouxun KG-UV9P, co-designed by Mark Lindsey will be sold exclusively by BetterSafeRadio. The UV9P is an upgraded, high-power version of the revered and trusted Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus, known for their quality double-conversion superheterodyne receivers, performance & features. The 9G GMRS is functionally similar to the UV9P Amateur/Ham radio, with a few modified features that are restricted or prohibited for GMRS, such as the cross-band repeater and power levels.

If you like the clarity and reliability of the Wouxun KG-805G and KG-905G, then you’ll love the massively upgraded functionality and features on the UV9G for normal everyday GMRS use, as well as for emergency EmComm and SHTF uses. We’ll also be releasing a replacement for the 905G with an IP67 submersible case for even more reliable outdoor all-weather uses in the near future (join the email QST to be notified when it comes out). 

The Wouxun KG-UV9G works fine (unofficially) with the RT Systems UV9D Advanced Programming Software & Cable Kit or the new free Wouxun factory software, (downloadable on the product page – requires optional Wouxun “Red” USB cable), and the 9G will accept any program from the UV9D Plus or 9P (but with Tx locked to GMRS). The optional slimmer 2000 mAh battery pack from the original UV9D & UV9D Plus is also compatible with the UV9G for a lighter, more compact package. Check out all of the Wouxun 9-Series Accessories, which are all interchangeable.

Note: Transmitting on the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) requires a license (currently $70 for 10 years and good for your entire immediate family – typically takes only a couple days to obtain online from the FCC). NEWS FLASH: The FCC has agreed to lower the GMRS license fee to $35, expected in the next month or so. More details to come.

Appearance, features & specifications for the production version of the KG-UV9G may vary slightly with these pre-release details. While we don’t expect anything to change, before shipping occurs, the final production version details will be updated on this page. You will be notified by email when this takes place and when ordering is available.

Cheers and Be Safe!

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Introducing the Retevis RT27V MURS License-Free Personal Business Two-Way Radio

Retevis RT27V MURS Personal Business License-Free Two-Way Radio - Front

We’re happy to announce the release of the very affordable Retevis RT27V, a quality 5 Channel, 2 Watt handheld MURS radio – Outperforms other budget MURS radios at a fraction of the cost, and offers real two-way radio features like programmable CTCSS/DCS & side-keys**, scanning, monitor, voice announce, USB charging, and an 1100mAh Li-ion battery pack!

Retevis RT27V MURS License-Free Personal Business Two-Way Radio
Retevis RT27V MURS License-Free Personal Business Two-Way Radio

 

Retevis RT27V MURS Personal Business License-Free Two-Way Radio

The budget Retevis RT27V is a 5 channel programmable VHF handheld analog FM MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) two-way radio “walkie-talkie” transceiver with simple operation and durable construction, ideal for license-free personal, family or business communications. It has 5kHz tuning steps, an 1100mAh Li-ion battery pack, USB desk charger and A/C adapter (most online offers do not include this), and comes custom pre-programmed with 5 standard MURS channels. Programmable with free downloadable software.

With up to 2 Watts of power and a talk-around range of 1 to 2+ miles (more when used on high-ground with direct line-of-sight), the RT27V provides reliable personal or business communications for individuals, families, recreation, convoys, churches, small event security/stores/construction crews, clubs, Neighborhood Watch & CERT groups to keep in touch when other methods of communication break down. Part 95J FCC Certified.

Key features include:

MURS License-Free Personal or Business Use • 5 Channels • User Programmable • VHF 2/0.5 Watts • 1100mAh Li-ion Battery • USB Desk Charger • Handheld • Analog FM • Part 95J FCC Certification • 5kHz Tuning Steps • 9 Adjustable Squelch Levels • Voice Announce • 260 CTCSS/DCS Programmable Settings** • VOX Mode** • Voice Compander** • Battery Saver • Busy Channel Lock-Out • Time-Out Timer & Alarm • 2 Programmable Side-Keys • Scanning • Emergency Siren Alarm • Monitor • Fixed Antenna • Wrist Strap • Belt Clip • English Manual • 2-Year Warranty (on radio, 6 months on battery & accessories)

Tx Range (MHz): 151-154 FM VHF MURS
Rx Range (MHz): 136-174 FM VHF

ReadySafeGo™ custom pre-programmed for Personal, Family or Business use with 5 channels. – Ships with Tx locked to MURS band for Part 95J compliance. User programmable with free downloadable software.*

Only $23! – *See the Retevis RT27V product page for more details!

Note: Initial supply is limited, so get in line now – backorders accepted.

Cheers and Be Safe!

 

**Enabled via optional free user programming software, and USB programming cable (not included).

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Introducing the QuanSheng UV-R50-CX Budget Amateur Ham Two-Way Radio

QuanSheng UV R50 CX Amateur Ham Two Way Radio Front Image

We’re happy to announce the release of the very affordable QuanSheng UV-R50-CX, a quality budget dual-band amateur/ham radio – Outperforms the Baofeng UV-5R and comes with camouflage styling & an extended-capacity 1800mAh Battery!

QuanSheng UV-R50-CX Amateur Ham Two-Way Radio
The QuanSheng UV-R50-CX Ham Radio

 

QuanSheng UV-R50-CX Amateur Ham Two-Way Radio - FlyerThe affordable QuanSheng UV-R50-CX provides budget EmComm emergency radio communications for amateurs/hams, SHTF preppers, survivalists, Neighborhood Watch, ARES, RACES & CERT groups to keep in touch when other methods of communication break down. This “CX” version offers a Dark Green Camouflage case style, the same performance as the standard/black version and the UV-R50-II (which is the same radio with a different case), and comes with the same Extended-Capacity 1800mAh Battery from the UV-R50-II model, for longer operating & standby times. As well, the CX battery offers Direct Charging (jack on side of battery) using the same power pack included for use with the charging cradle (also included). This reduces your weight and cargo volume when you’re traveling/packing, etc.

Key features include:

128 Channels • Programmable • VHF 5/1 Watts • UHF 4/1 Watts • Dual-Band • IP54 Splash Rated • Ext. 1800mAh Li-ion Battery • Direct Charging • Handheld • Analog FM • Part 15B FCC Certification • Part 97 Amateur/Ham • Wide 400-520MHz UHF Range • Dual-Watch • FM Broadcast Radio Rx • Tri-Color LCD • Keypad • 2 Programmable Side-Keys • 2.5kHz Tuning Steps • Backlit Keypad, Flashlight & Emergency Flasher • Antenna, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, English Manual

Tx Range (MHz): 136-174 VHF • 400-520 UHF – Tx Locked to Ham
Rx Range (MHz): 65-108 FM Broadcast Radio • 136-174 FM VHF • 400-520 FM UHF

ReadySafeGo™ custom pre-programmed for SHTF* with all 128 channels! – Ships with Tx locked to Ham bands for Part 97 compliance. User programmable with free downloadable software.*

Only $39! – *See the QuanSheng UV-R50-CX product page for more details!

Note: Initial supply is limited, so get in line now – backorders accepted.

Cheers and Be Safe!

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Introducing the Wouxun KG-UV9P Hi-Power Amateur Ham Two-Way Radio

Product flyer for the Wouxun KG-UV9P Amateur Ham Two-Way Radio

We’ve released an updated hi-power version of the beloved Wouxun KG-UV9D(Plus), the new Wouxun KG-UV9P Amateur Ham Two-Way RadioEverything you love about the 9D(Plus), now with More Power & A 3200mAh Battery!

The front view of the Wouxun KG-UV9P Amateur Ham Two-Way Radio

Wouxun KG-UV9P Amateur Ham Two-Way Radio - FlyerThe High-Power Wouxun KG-UV9P provides reliable EmComm emergency radio communications for amateurs/hams, SHTF preppers, survivalists, Neighborhood Watch, ARES, RACES & CERT groups to keep in touch when other methods of communication break down. This 9P version offers more power, includes an extended-capacity 3200mAh battery, and has a different front grill than the 9D(Plus), but is otherwise functionally identical.

Key features include:

999 Channels • Programmable • VHF 7/5/1 Watts • UHF 6/4/1 Watts • Dual-Band • IP55 Rated • 3200mAh Li-ion Battery • Handheld • Analog FM • Part 15B FCC Certification • Part 97 Amateur/Ham • Wide 7-Band Receive Range • TDR (True Dual Receivers) • Built-In Cross-Band Repeater • Dual-PTT • Dual Scanning • 20 FM Broadcast Memories • Color Screen • Keypad • 3 Programmable Side-Keys • 2.5kHz Tuning Steps • 1 Antenna

Tx Range (MHz): 136-174 VHF • 400-512 UHF – Tx Locked to Ham
Rx Range (MHz): 76-108 FM Broadcast Radio • 108-136 AM AIR • 136-180 FM/AM VHF • 230-250 FM/AM VHF • 350-400 FM/AM UHF • 400-512 FM/AM UHF • 700-985 FM/AM UHF

ReadySafeGo™ custom pre-programmed for SHTF* with 917 channels! – Ships with Tx locked to Ham bands for Part 97 compliance. User programmable with free (downloadable) or advanced software.*

Only $149 – *See the Wouxun KG-UV9P product page for more details!

Note: Initial supply is limited, so get in line now – backorders accepted.

Cheers and Be Safe!

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Closeout Special on the Wouxun KG-UV3D Amateur Two-Way Radio

Wouxun KG-UV3D Commercial Ham Two-Way Radio - Assembled Stock

We’re closing out our remaining stock of the Wouxun KG-UV3D Amateur/Ham Two-Way Radiojust two left in stock with a special discount!

Wouxun KG-UV3D Commercial Ham Two-Way Radio - Contents

Wouxun KG-UV3D Commercial Ham Two-Way Radio - Assembled SpecsThe Wouxun KG-UV3D is a great starter or extra 5 Watt 128 channel IP55 dual-band ham radio to have in your car, go bag or wherever you need a solid, trusted performer. It was originally FCC certified as a Part 90 commercial radio and is still grandfathered for use on LMR frequencies with a 5kHz step, but we’re selling it in an amateur radio configuration (Software Programmable). We have several accessories left for this radio also, so don’t forget to check out the KG-UV3D Accessories category.

We’re replacing this model with new & more powerful radios, but the 3D is still a great bargain with many features found only in much more expensive radios, and if you don’t mind a few minor scuffs on the retail box, you can save even more on these last two units, available now for only $89 each!

Buy Now Only $89 including our ReadySafeGo service, so your radio is ready to use right out of the box.

Cheers and Be Safe!

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Custom Radio Programming & Pricing Rejig In Progress

BSR Store Programming Coding & Pricing Rejig

BSR Store Programming Coding & Pricing RejigJust a quick update… We’ve been busy re-coding and reworking how we approach our custom radio programming options, and tweaking (mostly lowering!) some prices lately. Here’s a quick rundown:

  1. Custom radio programming and consulting are now a separate store items. By separating the stock radios from our custom programming & consulting services, we no longer have to charge CA Sales Tax on such, so CA buyers now only pay tax on the actual hardware. Now, when you buy a radio and want Custom Programming (where you submit all the programming info to us and we handle the actual programming before shipping your order), or want to utilize our Custom Programming Consulting service (where we do all the research, planning and programming for you), you can simply add a stock radio to your cart, and then the appropriate custom programming or consulting item to your cart (each radio model now has its own custom programming item – The TR-505 item is linked above). See all the new programming service items in the TERA Radio Accessories or Wouxun Radio Accessories store categories for more details on how the new process works.
  2. We’ve also added a new Radio Programming Cloning service item, so instead of paying for 2 or more radios with custom programming or consulting, you just add 1 of those custom service items to your cart, then you add the cloning service item and set the quantity to cover all of the radios you want cloned – just $9/ea for the TR-505/500 clones. This saves you from $10-30+ on each cloned radio over buying multiple custom programmed radios!
  3. Our TERA TR-505 custom pre-programmed radio options, such as our legal MURS, GMRS or newly revised Long Beach Neighborhood Safety radios have been reduced in price from $114.95 to $109 – That’s almost $6 cheaper, without a sale! Other radios have been price-reduced as well, and more options are coming soon!
  4. Some of the pre-programmed SHTF radio options that we’ve offered in the past that were based on customer-submitted programming charts that may not have been “type-accepted” configurations, now require our custom programming service. You can still find the same programming charts like the TR-505 “GMAX” and “D” radios on the TR-505 product page, but you now need to specify that you want one of those customer-submitted programming charts used along with our custom programming service (just $19 for the TR-505/500, and don’t forget the $9 cloning option for 2 or more radios). We’ll be releasing some new FCC-compliant pre-programming options soon, as well as publishing more customer-submitted SHTF options, including a new series of Patriot/Militia programming options! Have any ideas for new killer radio configurations? We’d love to hear about them!
  5. We’ve finally released the Excel XLSX custom programming template for the TR-505 (found under the description on the product page and which can also be used for the TR-500), and we plan on finally working on templates for our other radios very soon, to help make the custom programming process smoother. As well, we’ve made some improvements to the TR-505-C custom programming options document (also found under the description on the product page), which now includes all CTCSS/PL Tones and DCS Code options, so you don’t have to look them up. We’ll also be adding as many PDF manuals for our radios as we can find, so you can get to know the radios before buying or planing your custom programming project.
  6. Finally, we have the new AnyTone AT-D868UV Dual-Band 6 Watt Part 90 Commercial/Emergency Analog/Digital DMR radios in stock and will be adding them to the store soon for just $159 (stock) – a customer-submitted SHTF programming option will follow soon. If you just can’t wait, we can always setup a custom order for you now, so let us know.

Stay tuned for more details and useful programming options and let us know if you have any questions in the meantime.

Cheers and Be Safe!

-BSR Mark

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Hurricane Season is Coming and 2018 Could Be Worse Than 2017!

image 1 Image

A new forecast out by Colorado State University predicts a 63 percent chance of a Cat 3 or stronger hurricane hitting the Eastern coast of the U.S. this season.

image 1 ImageThis is a great time to be reminded that having emergency two-way radios in your emergency kit, survival pack or bug-out bag could save your life if the cell towers go down and you become separated from your loved ones. This is especially important in Florida, with the highest chance of any hurricane hitting land.

Read more details about the forecast in this article by Eric Mack on Forbes.

Be Prepared, and Be Safe!

Use Coupon Code “BSR” to save 5% on your next order (of $100 or more).