Radio messages can be divided into four categories

[OSCAR-03]

Radio messages can be divided into four categories:

• Routine
  Routine traffic has no urgency and accounts for 99% of all two-way radio talk.

• Priority (has a time limit)
  These can be public media dispatches and emergency traffic not of the utmost
  urgency but having a time limit; for example, a priority can be a notice of death or
  injury in a disaster area, whether personal or official.

• Health & Welfare
  This is an inquiry or advisory as to condition.

• Emergency
  Emergency has life or death urgency to a person or group of persons. This includes
  official messages from welfare agencies requesting supplies, materials, or
  instructions that are vital to relief efforts.

When in doubt, do NOT use the emergency designation!