Here are a few links for those who want to obtain radios for a communication grid in Archuleta and LaPlata counties, or more… The type we want is "UV5R+." A number to choose from at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=uv5r%2B&sprefix=uv5r%2B%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Auv5r%2B
The extra length antenna that about doubles distance is here for $8+… ExpertPower® 14.5" DUAL BAND 144/430Mhz U/V SMA-F Antenna For BAOFENG UV-5R WOUXUN KG-UVD1P
You can get other accessories for the Baofeng radio at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=baofeng%20accessories&sprefix=baofeng+accessories%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abaofeng%20accessories
If you are thinking of a ham radio for your vehicle, our radio expert recommends the FT-2900R 136-174 MHZ 200CH 75 WATTS VHF MOBILE TRANSCEIVER RADIO, and two meter antenna. You can go to EBay or Amazon to check those out. Radios: vary from $180-250, so look around... some are bid and some "buy now." Antenna: http://www.amazon.com/ANLI-WH-713-DualBand-Mobile-Antenna/dp/B0042GAWTC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393965538&sr=8-3&keywords=FT-2900R+antenna#productDetails (With magnet mount and cable set below this) Only one I could find with the combo
.You can also get more info on home radios, antennas and such through Google. Get involved with your local ham club. Keep in mind that you can only listen with a ham radio you get unless you have a license. We recommend you work with local hams and get your emergency contact system up and running. Having active experience with ham radios will help when the emergency arrives. The license procedure is relatively simple.
FCC database: www.interceptradio.com - Do map search for your county to locate local frequencies for your area.
Ham Radio info and books: www.arrl.org