Calais Establishes GMRS Radio Network for Emergency Communications

In February 2025, the Calais Emergency Management Committee implemented a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio network to improve internal communications during emergencies. This system represents one part of the town's broader strategy to ensure reliable communications when other methods fail.

According to minutes from the February 11, 2025 Emergency Management Meeting, the committee established four main radio communication systems for the town :

1. Town Highway Department's dedicated frequency
2. GMRS for town internal communications during emergencies
3. Amateur Radio for external communications to state/repeater networks
4. Emergency Services Radio through Capital West Dispatch

The GMRS system was specifically chosen for its accessibility, requiring no test and only a $30 license valid for 10 years. This makes it an ideal option for town-wide emergency communications.

The committee planned a practical test of the system, with Jake scheduling "a GMRS check in this weekend about the predicted storm. Friday at 7PM."

The implementation of this radio network addresses a critical need identified during previous emergencies. As noted in the town's Annual Report for the year ending June 30, 2024, "Currently there are numerous 'dead spots' where communication with town trucks is marginal or impossible due to our hilly topography." The report further explained that reliable communications become "especially important when power, internet, landline, and cellular services are down, as occurred in the December 2023 storm."

During that December 2023 event, "town trucks were unable to contact WEC and GMP to request removal of utility wires lying in the road." The new radio system aims to prevent such communication failures in future emergencies.

The committee is also working to expand the network's reach. At their October 22, 2024 meeting, they discussed recruiting additional participants, noting that "Jay Copping and Bill Davis are interested in getting GMRS radios and being a part of the network."

To ensure optimal coverage, the committee is planning to map signal strength throughout the town. They discussed having "several people driving around" while net control operates from town hall to "compile data regarding who can reach who using GMRS." This mapping will help identify the best locations for net control and improve overall system effectiveness. A road crew radio map can be seen here.

The GMRS radio network represents just one component of Calais's comprehensive emergency management strategy, which also includes shelter preparations and coordination with other emergency services. By implementing this accessible communication system, Calais is taking important steps to enhance its resilience during emergencies.