GENOAK

GMRS Emergency Network – Oakland (GENOAK) – 2-way Radio Communications

Visit the OCP&R GENOAK Web site for more information

In the event of a large-scale emergency such as a major wildfire or earthquake, individuals and neighborhood groups in and around Oakland may need to depend on information and assistance from other nearby neighborhoods. However, cellular, internet and landline phone communications may be overloaded or disrupted. Two-way radio service though, such as the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), can enable effective communications between neighborhood groups when other means are unavailable.

When a disaster does occur, a GMRS radio network can allow neighborhood groups to connect with each other to provide status updates, report incidents, share resources, mobilize volunteers and coordinate needed assistance, among other tasks. Individuals and neighborhood groups will also be able to communicate for some time period during power outages (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) and at other times when phone and internet services are unavailable.

GENOAK (GMRS Emergency Network – Oakland) is the GMRS radio network service created by OCP&R to serve all of Oakland and surrounding communities before, during and after a disaster. An Oakland-based GMRS repeater greatly increases the ability for neighborhood-to-neighborhood communications using GMRS radios. Access to this repeater is being provided to OCP&R by the NCGUG/Northern California GMRS Users Group.

Example illustration only of how neighborhood groups could connect with other communities via GENOAK

Thanking Berkeley’s BeCERTAINN GMRS radio program and its founders for their guidance and support.