Household Emergency Communications: Staying in Touch During a Power Cut

A little preparation can make it easier to keep in touch when everyday services are disrupted. For households, a simple radio setup can provide an additional way to communicate locally when mobile phones or the internet are unavailable.

The government’s Be Ready announcement, published on 22 October 2026, encourages households to take small, practical steps to prepare for three days of disruption. Severe weather can affect electricity, water, phones and internet access, making a household communication plan a useful part of wider preparations.

So where do two-way radios fit in? This guide explains the simple licence-free options, when licensed digital radios may be worth considering, and how to build a setup your household knows how to use.

Why include radios in your household emergency kit?

Handheld radios configured for direct radio-to-radio use can communicate without a mobile network, Wi-Fi router or internet connection. With charged batteries, they can help people within range coordinate everyday tasks, check in with nearby family members or keep in touch around a property.

Each person or location needs a compatible radio, switched on and set correctly. A pair of radios will not automatically connect you to relatives across town: buildings, terrain and the position of the users all affect coverage.

A battery-powered broadcast radio serves a different purpose: receiving news and public information. Two-way radios let you speak to other equipped people. A well-planned household kit may have a place for both.

Option 1: licence-free radios for simple household communications

Compliant PMR446 radios can be used in the UK without applying for an individual Ofcom licence. They offer a straightforward starting point for short-distance communications, with shared channels and simple push-to-talk operation.

Our two suggested starting points are the Kenwood UBZ twin pack and Motorola T82 Extreme twin pack.

What about “privacy codes”? These filter which calls you hear; they do not encrypt your conversation or reserve a channel for your household. Other users may still hear your transmissions. Avoid sharing sensitive information over open channels.

For a fuller explanation, read our essential guide to licence-free PMR446 radios.

Option 2: licensed digital radios for a more advanced setup

Professional digital radios offer more scope to configure a system around your household’s needs. Depending on the equipment and setup, this can include programmed group calls and privacy or encryption features. They require an appropriate Ofcom licence and correct programming before use.

Licensed radios may also offer more transmit power than PMR446, but extra power does not guarantee coverage between particular addresses. The right choice depends on your surroundings and a practical coverage test.

Does an Ofcom licence make your conversations private?

No. Licensing and privacy are separate things. An Ofcom licence authorises operation under its conditions; it does not automatically encrypt speech or give you an exclusive frequency.

For suitable handheld-to-handheld arrangements, a Simple UK Light licence currently costs £75 for five years. Individuals can apply, as well as businesses and organisations. These frequencies are shared with other licence holders, users must self-coordinate, and base stations are not permitted under this licence. Different arrangements may require a different licence.

Digital operation alone does not make a conversation confidential. Group settings help organise calls, while privacy and encryption features offer different levels of protection. Availability depends on the exact radio, software options and configuration. Where confidentiality matters, ask us to specify the required protection and compatibility across the whole set rather than assuming every digital radio offers the same security.

See Ofcom’s current business radio licence information for licence conditions and fees.

Build a household communication plan

1. Decide who needs to communicate. List the people and locations involved, including any nearby relatives or neighbours who agree to take part.
2. Test your actual routes and rooms. Check coverage where the radios will be used. Do not rely on an advertised maximum distance.
3. Agree a channel and a backup. For licensed equipment, use only the channels programmed within your licence conditions.
4. Arrange check-in times. Agree when to listen, who calls first and what to do if a call is missed.
5. Practise simple operation. Make sure everyone can switch on, select the agreed channel, adjust the volume and use push-to-talk.
6. Write down a fallback plan. Keep important contact numbers and agreed meeting arrangements accessible without a phone.

Plan for batteries as well as radios

A working radio needs a reliable power plan. Keep batteries charged, check stored equipment regularly and allow for heavier use during disruption. A quoted battery runtime is not a promise of continuous operation for several days.

For USB-chargeable radios, confirm the correct cable and compatibility with your chosen power bank. Professional radios may require a dedicated charger or approved vehicle charging accessory; do not assume they can connect directly to USB. Store spare batteries safely and follow the manufacturer’s storage and charging guidance.

Should radios go in an emergency grab bag?

An emergency grab bag, sometimes called a “bug out bag”, holds essentials you can take if you need to leave home. A compatible pair of radios, spare power and a printed communication plan can be useful additions when members of your group need to stay in touch locally.

Keep the setup familiar and ready to use. A more expensive radio is only helpful if people know how to operate it and it suits the places where they need coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Will these radios work during a power cut?

Direct radio-to-radio communication can continue while the handsets have power. Charging still needs planning. Systems that rely on repeaters or other infrastructure also depend on that equipment remaining operational.

Can I call 999 using one of these radios?

No. These handheld radio setups do not provide a direct connection to 999 or emergency service radio networks. Keep alternative ways of seeking help in your household plan.

Can different radio brands talk to each other?

Sometimes, but compatibility must be checked. Radios need compatible frequencies, operating modes and settings. Licensed digital equipment may have additional limitations when privacy or encryption is enabled. Ask us to confirm the complete setup.

Will a professional radio definitely reach further?

No fixed distance can be guaranteed. Buildings, hills, indoor use and antenna position can have a major effect. Tell us where you need to communicate so we can advise on suitable equipment and testing.

Further reading: Government household preparedness announcement · Ofcom licence-exempt radio guidance · Ofcom business radio guidance. Licence fee checked November 2026. Product specifications and available options may change.