2-Way Radio Guidelines

To strengthen communication across the district, the Idaho Falls School District is rolling out a new wide-area radio network designed to unify operations and improve responsiveness during both routine activities and emergencies. This advanced system will ensure staff members have reliable, clear, and efficient communication tools to support the safety and success of our schools.

Staff members who are issued radios play a vital role in maintaining the effectiveness of this system. Radios should be used appropriately as part of daily work duties, ensuring professional and courteous communication that reflects the district’s values. Proper care and maintenance of radios are essential to keep them in good working condition, minimizing disruptions and ensuring readiness in critical moments.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can enhance our ability to collaborate, respond quickly and maintain a safe and productive environment for our students, staff, and community. Together, we can make this communication system a valuable asset for all

General Programming:

PROCEDURES:

Turn the radio on – this also controls the volume so you can adjust it accordingly.

Always keep the channel set as directed by your school principal or supervisor.

Before speaking, listen to determine if the radio is currently in use by another user.

If the channel is clear, press the side button, pause and listen for a beep, now speak while holding the button.

Release the button when finished talking so you can hear the response.

Always have your radio turned on and with you while working or as directed by your building administrator.

Make sure to turn off the radio and put it on the charging base at the end of the day.

How do I get a replacement or additional radios?

Golden Rules of Radio Communication:

Basic Radio Information:

When using a two-way radio, you cannot speak and listen at the same time, as you can with a phone.

Do not interrupt if you hear other people talking.

Do not respond if you are not sure that the call is for you. Wait until you hear your call sign/name to respond.

Never transmit sensitive, confidential, or financial information.

We will be performing periodic radio checks to ensure your radio is in good working condition.

Think Before You Speak:

Radio User’s Language:

Go Ahead – I can respond, go ahead with your message

Say Again – Repeat your last message

Stand-by – I acknowledge your transmission, but I am unable to respond now.

10-4/Copy – Message received and understood.

Affirmative – Yes (Avoid yup, nope, etc.)

Negative – No

Over – I have finished speaking

Out – This conversation is finished; the channel is available for others.

Training:

Making a Call:

Follow these easy steps to make a call:

First, listen to ensure the channel is clear for you.

Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) button.

Wait for a beep:

Say, "recipient's call sign (name). THIS IS your call sign (name). OVER."

Once the person replies, convey your message.

Wait for the recipient to acknowledge your transmission.

Proceed with the conversation using radio protocol.

Answering a Call:

After hearing someone call you on the radio, follow these steps to answer a call and join a conversation:

Say “THIS IS” and “your call sign (name) GO AHEAD. OVER.”

Listen to the caller’s transmission/message.

Acknowledge the caller’s transmission by saying Copy; respond with the requested information, if necessary. Say, “OVER,” when finished transmitting.

Proceed with the conversation using radio protocol and language.

Sample Dialogue:

Below is a sample dialogue that puts these steps to use:

Adam: Mike, this is Adam. Over.

Mike: Adam, this is Mike, Stand By. Over.

Mike: Adam, this is Mike, Go Ahead. Over.

Adam: Mike, there is a fire at 123 Main St. Over.

Mike: Adam, this is Mike, confirming a fire at 123 main St. The fire department will be notified. Over.

Adam: Mike, this is Adam, address is confirmed, thanks for the help. Over and Out.

Radio Communication Tips:

Leave a second or two when switching between callers to give others a chance to enter the conversation.

It is always best to speak in short simple phrases on the radio and toss the conversation back and forth with the word "OVER."

Wait for the beep before speaking after pushing the PTT button.

Do not speak immediately when you press the PTT (push to talk) button because there is an automatic transmission delay. If you speak as soon as you press the PTT button, it can chop off your first syllable or word, making it hard to understand. This is when “do not enter” becomes “enter”

Be patient and give the other person a few seconds to reply before re-transmitting your communication. The other person may not be able to respond immediately.

PROPER ETIQUETTE:

Understand all radios are FCC-regulated and can be heard throughout the school district.

Use the radios for work-related conversation only. Non-work-related radio use such as casual conversations, profanity, inappropriate remarks, and outbursts of music is prohibited and violators are subject to disciplinary measures.

Restrict all transmissions to the minimum necessary to get the message across. When possible, use the telephone for lengthy communications.

Use your assigned radio number or name, known as your call sign(if applicable).

Interrupt an in-progress transmission only in case of an emergency.

LOSS, THEFT, & DAMAGE RESPONSIBILITIES: