GMRS Net Outline

[OSCAR-03]

Each week, someone volunteers to be “Net Control” or “Host.” Ideally, there should be several Net Control Operators or Hosts who all take turns to manage your Nets.
Your local Net starts each week on the same day, and at the same time, usually in the evenings. Your Safety Net is also conducted on the same channel, usually the repeater channel for your area.
To ensure consistency, your Net Control Operator almost always works from a prepared script. This will save time and eliminate confusion. Time will be provided for everyone to talk, but please wait for Net Control to recognize you before pressing your radio’s push-to-talk or “PTT” transmit button.
A typical Net begins with Net Control briefly introducing themselves and stating the purpose of the Net. They then might ask if there are “any emergency or priority announcements.” This is the time for any Net listeners with high-priority announcements to first identify themselves with their name and GMRS call sign and then wait for Net Control to acknowledge them (i.e., “check-in”).
The Net then proceeds with the Host reading from an alphabetical list of names of participating community members, allowing a few seconds for each member to transmit and check in after their name is called.
When it’s your turn, reply by stating your name, GMRS call sign, and general location. Then release your PTT button. Net Control will check you in, and then read the next name on the list.
Once the list is finished, Net Control may follow up and ask if there are any “late or missed check-ins?” Net Control might also ask “are there any visitors?” and allow the chance for them to check in.

General Conduct Suggestions
From here, your Net may proceed with a more general discussion or a question and answer period. You may want to share something from your day or week. Please keep all conversations friendly, cheerful and courteous. We’re here to help each other out. Keep it fun, and avoid politics, religion, complaining, or “grumping.” (no one really wants to hear it). Also, remember this is “Family Radio” so assume your children and grandchildren are listening (as well as members of the press).

Again, wait for Net Control to call you. There might be times when you have a comment or answer for another member. Just a quick “Comment” inserted between breaks is usually enough. Again, wait for Net Control to invite you to speak.

Storm-Watch and Event Nets
A Storm-Watch or Event-Watch Net operates a little differently. Whenever there’s a weather-related emergency or a major event in your area, plan on checking in to your main net or repeater channel at half past the hour to receive or transmit important information. If your power is off, you may want to turn off your radio between check-ins to conserve batteries, and always have spare batteries!