Generally, the simpler time-tested forms of radiocommunication work best in disaster situations. These include single-sideband (SSB) voice and Morse code (CW) telegraphy at HF and FM voice at VHF/UHF.

Radio frequencies should be selected according to propagation requirements, allocation to the service for which they are used and in accordance with licensing regulations of the country in which the station is operating.

As in antenna work, for safety purposes any electrical work should be done with a second person present. A switch should never be used in the neutral wire without also disconnect the equipment from an active or “hot” line.

At VHF and UHF, some type of relay system or network is required for reliable communications beyond line-of-sight.

Certain Q code abbreviations may be given an affirmative or negative sense by sending, immediately following the abbreviation, the letter C or the letters NO (in radiotelephony spoken as: CHARLIE or NO).