While living in Florida, residents are likely to experience a hurricane or tropical storm at some point in their lives. However, a lack of preparedness can lead to disruption of normal operations for residents and businesses. As the hurricane season arrives, are you ready and prepared? When hurricanes occur, so do floods, downed trees, and power outages. If you work as a business owner, ask yourself if your team has an effective way to communicate. The same goes for residential homeowners and ensuring communication with loved ones during a storm. Two-way radios offer an ideal solution to keep families and businesses intact and connected during a weather emergency. Since power outages can keep you disconnected from your phone for days to weeks, two-way radios are an effective way to address issues and be proactive about problems that arise within families and businesses.

Although hurricanes in Florida often lead to area-wide power outages, less chaotic storms can also spark an outage or network failure. The use of two-way radios can ensure you are connected with who you need to be at all times.

Two-Way Radio Benefits

During a hurricane, business owners can successfully keep their staff communicating. Since power outages can last a few days or weeks, effective communication can ensure your business continues to thrive and does not lose profit. Two-way radios are also great communication tools for families to keep in touch with each other. Effective two-way radios also allow for a quick response to issues that arise and help keep everyone safe. Best of all, the radios are fully equipped with GPS to locate everyone in case of an emergency.

Preparing Your Two-Way Radios

Before a storm hits, test out your two-way radios to ensure they are functioning correctly. Testing your two-way radios can also check for adjustments and potential repairs. During hurricane season, ensure your batteries are fully charged. A full charge is essential, especially since charging them is impossible during a power outage. A less ideal situation would be using them for the first time during a storm and realizing they do not work correctly or are drained of battery. Providing your family or business team with a communication plan can ensure that everyone knows what to expect and how the business will operate during a hurricane. Prepping those with two-way radios to make sure they are trained on how to use them correctly is also essential so that everyone can be on the same page.

Why Retail Two-Way Radios Will Not Work

Now that you know the importance of two-way radios during a storm, it is also important to note the type of radios you might buy. Although going to your local retailer and picking up a few packs of walkie-talkies might seem like an ideal solution, it is vital to understand that these are not as efficient as commercial grade options. Retail bought walkie-talkies do not cover the same range as commercial-grade radios. Privacy also lacks when using these walkie-talkies as plenty of people will be talking over the same radio channel. Due to this, not all messages will successfully go through.

Rent Highland Wireless Two Way Radios

Commercial two-way radios from Highland Wireless offer affordable and effective communication solutions. Purchasing new commercial radios can be a huge investment when picking up more than two, that is why Highland Wireless offers a rental option. Be prepared for the next upcoming storm by renting two-way radios with battery extenders. You can rent these radios for as long as you need. Be prepared for hurricane season and contact Highland Wireless today for more information.

Communication through two-way radios is becoming more efficient than cell phones and other devices. Whether you’re out in the field working construction, working inside a building, or on a hike, two-way radios provide productive and reliable means of communication for an unlimited number of radios. These wide-ranged radios can connect others up to 300 miles away. In particular, in Florida, cities such as Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, and West Palm have been successfully connected. With a wide network of connections, it’s important to keep in mind efficient ways of communicating with others on your team.

Be Prepared and Know What You Are Going to Say

Although two-way radios might seem like a fun way to communicate casually, it’s vital to acknowledge those you share a line with. To ensure your message is clearly understood, take a moment to think about what you are going to say and who you are going to say it to. Once you know what to say, press the talk button to identify who you are so that others on the line know. Before starting your message, ensure that you get a response back from whom you are trying to talk to so that you know they are listening. Then lead in with a short and precise
clear message.

Be Patient While Communicating

Give the person you are trying to communicate time to respond. If they don’t respond right away, they potentially might be occupied or have their hands full with something else. Before you try to call them again, wait a few minutes for a response, unless it’s an emergency of course. Furthermore, when you are communicating with another partner, make sure they are done speaking before you press to talk. Only one person can be heard at a time and not waiting for the other person to finish may lead to a miscommunication issue. Wait a few seconds after your partner is done speaking before pressing the push-to-talk button. Most importantly, wait a few seconds after pressing the talk button to speak as there can potentially be a short delay.

Get Straight to the Point

When you are communicating with someone on a two-way radio, you want to make sure your message is clear and to the point. This will help the other party to repeat your message and ensure understanding while also asking additional questions for clarification. Repeating information after someone makes a comment or asks a question is also important to ensure proper and precise communication.

Use Radio Etiquette

Whether you’re on the road working for a trucking company or out on a yacht in Miami trying to communicate with others back on land, it’s important to use proper terminology that everyone understands. Using certain radio terms such as “over” when you are done speaking or “stand by” when you’re asking others to wait, helps the other party know when it’s their turn to speak, or that their request was acknowledged.

Be Professional

When communicating on a two-way radio, especially when there are multiple lines, it’s important to be professional while using the radio. Talking too long and casually might result in disruption of other workers that you aren’t speaking to directly. Also, remember that these radio channels are not private. Other radios can easily hear your conversation by tuning the frequency.

Why Choose to Communicate With a Two Way Radio?

Two-way radios are changing the spectrum of communication drastically. With a wide range of coverage, these radios are becoming more popular for certain workforces and can become handy to many more individuals during an emergency. Two-way radios are portable, durable, and easy to use. Users can expect to effectively communicate with all those they are connected to at any time with no additional costs.

Call on Highland Wireless

Highland Wireless is ready with all your two-way radio needs – marine, building, site, event, or fleet. Call on Highland Wireless today to provide your two way radio communication solutions.

The school environment requires effective communication between teachers, staff members, and administrators. It is important to build an infrastructure with excellent communication. Reliable communication is required to create a suitable school environment that is safe and secure for students and teachers.

Importance of Using Two Way Radios in Schools

• Assists teachers and staff members to maintain social distancing during COVID Pandemic.
• Builds a secure and safe environment and creates effective communication within the school.
• Reliable communication method in the event of an emergency in the school.
• Less dependence on mobile networks.
• A more reliable mode of communication than cell phones.
• Battery life is better than mobile phones.
• Deals effectively with chaotic situations during hectic school days.
• Makes it easier to handle day-to-day operations in the school by enabling continuous and reliable communication.
• Two-way radios are a cost-effective method to secure schools quickly and efficiently in an emergency.

Install Security Cameras

For students and teacher safety, security cameras alongside two-way radios can assist school management to monitor the safety of everyone effectively. The benefit of using these security cameras with two-way radios helps to create an effective security system that prepares the school to handle tough emergencies. Highland Wireless provides many ways to secure the school environment by building a two-way radio communication in the school and protecting it from strangers or others who can prove a threat to the school.

Creating Social Distancing Through Two-Way Radio

The COVID pandemic is the most challenging time and requires school management to consider the safety of students and teachers alike. Highland Wireless helps in creating a communication system by providing two-way radio communication. This allows the creation of a protective layer around young students and staff members by maintaining safe distances through the use of this mode of communication.

Types of Communication Devices for Schools

• Two-Way Radios at School: One of the options to make schools a more secure place for students and the staff is to adopt two-way radio systems to communicate. Schools can contact Highland Wireless to set up the two-way radio system to communicate effectively.
• 4G Technology to Communicate: Today’s radio technology allows customers to push a single button to communicate within the school. “Push to talk radio” is one such service that uses 4G technology to communicate. Schools can contact Highland Wireless to create such a communication system in the school to help teachers and staff members and provide a secure environment to students.
• Body Cameras: Many technology companies provide body cameras to be used in conjunction with two-way radios. These cameras are worn on a person’s body to record real-time events. These cameras record incidents and prevent serious damage to the school. This also provides a safe learning environment for the children.

Prevent Harmful Incidents by Adopting Two-Way Radio Communication

Schools can prove to be a dangerous area for young children if effective security systems fail to play their part. Communication helps in safeguarding children and providing them with a safety net. Schools can contact Highland Wireless to build a radio communication network within the school to improve the safety of children while they engage in various extracurricular activities. The professionals at Highland Wireless can recommend the right solutions for creating an environment that is safe and secure for schools.

Communicate Clearly

Highland Wireless offers various services to create effective radio communication. This helps to enhance school safety for teachers, students, and other staff members. Highland Wireless provides a safe learning environment that is secure from theft and other harmful events. It also protects the school during dangerous pandemic days by encouraging social distancing within the school. The days of depending on shoddy cell service are a thing of the past with dependable two-way radio communication from Highland Wireless.

At Highland Wireless, you’ll find a professional team who knows two-way radios. With the goal to provide customers with the best radio communication solutions in the industry, Highland Wireless promises premium quality equipment, along with exceptional service. That said, Highland Wireless offers these tips for taking care of your two way radios whether you use them for business, security, or recreation.

Your two way radios can be easily maintained with the aid of the manufacturer’s instructions in your owner’s manual and common sense guidance. As a two way radio owner, you know they are excellent communication tools. If you are a recreational two way radio user, what you might not know is these radios also serve a variety of industries including manufacturing facilities, construction sites, event venues, as well as emergency responders, security personnel, and medical personnel. Like most tools, two way radios work best when they are properly cared for and well maintained. Neglecting to maintain your two way radios can mean critical failure at the moment you need them most. At Highland Wireless, keeping you in touch with the individuals and support structure you need is priority one, so let’s explore these helpful tips to keep your two way radios in optimal working condition.

The Two Way Radios’ Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual included with your two way radios is an excellent place to start. The owner’s manual is packed with the manufacturer’s operating instructions as well as lots of guidance on how to maintain and care for your two way radios. In addition, in reviewing the information inside, you’ll also find troubleshooting tips should issues arise with your radios.

The Importance of Fresh Batteries

The batteries powering your device are crucial to performance. Choose premium quality batteries, and change them regularly to ensure optimum performance and sufficient power for the tasks at hand. By regularly checking and changing your batteries you will also avoid unanticipated battery failure when you need your radios most. Plus, it will also prevent damage from old batteries such as leakage and corrosion.

Avoid Water Exposure

It is best, even for “waterproof” two way radios, to avoid exposure to water, as even the best water-resistant and waterproof versions have their limits. Always keep your two way radios stored in safe, dry place when not in use.

Safe, Dry Storage

If your two way radio is always by your side, it is advisable to purchase a carrying case or holster to prevent damage if dropped or bumped against a potentially damaging surface. When your radios are not being used, store them safely in a clean, dry space safe from potential damage.

Dust, Debris, and Ventilation

Like other handheld devices, your two way radios need to be cleaned regularly to prevent dust, debris, and other contaminants from causing damage. Dusting and wiping your radios will keep debris from prohibiting proper function, particularly of the controls. As you know, your two way radios have vents to allow heat as well as air away from the critical internal workings, thus preventing overheating and damage. Keep vents clear of dust and debris to allow for proper ventilation of your radios.

Call on Highland Wireless

Highland Wireless is an authorized dealer of two way radios and radio products by Motorola and Kenwood. In addition to equipment , Highland Wireless promises a reliable expansive network from Jacksonville to the Florida Keys. Whatever your two way radio needs – marine, building, site, event, or fleet, Highland Wireless has the network and equipment solutions your team needs. Call on the team at Highland Wireless today to help you with your two way radio communication needs.

 

When it comes to radio communication, there is a vast array of commercial and recreational applications dependent on effective and timely communication who are not in close proximity. From warehouse personnel making their way through the maze of the warehouse to farm and ranch hands getting the job done on vast acreages to emergency teams saving lives after a catastrophic event, two-way radios provide the needed solution for crucial communication.

These aren’t the two-way radios of your childhood (aka walkie talkies) but rather two way radios equipped with the latest technology and real-world applications. These two-way radios offer a full range of uses with benefits in abundance for numerous commercial and recreational environments. In fact, unlike cellular devices, two-way radios send and receive messages with any action from the intended recipient, and are not dependent on phone lines or cell towers. Additionally, they are cost-effective, without monthly maintenance fees, without overage fees, and without recurring expenses. Plus, they are easy to operate, only requiring a battery for power. From the experts at Highland Wireless, let’s explore the ways two-way radios can benefit their uses in commercial and recreational situations.

Commercial Applications of Two-Way Radios

There are lots of commercial applications in which effective radio communication comes into play, like these:

• Construction – On a construction site, communication is one of the keys to safety. Two-way radios are the perfect addition in the world of construction, helping to keep construction crews safe as they drive trucks and equipment, climb ladders and scaffolding, transport heavy or dangerous materials, and more. In construction areas, cell phones are often difficult to use and even harder to answer on the job. On the other hand, two-way radios can be set to broadcast all incoming messages, thus helping to coordinate teams throughout the workday. Plus, should an emergency situation arise, two-way radios allow everyone to be alerted instantly and simultaneously.
• Conventions and Hotel Events – If you have ever been to a convention, a trade show, a political rally, or a hotel event, you have likely experienced the crowds, the changing schedules, the inability to find seat, and the apparent disappearance of security personnel when you need them. Two-way radios are the ideal solution which can allow event organizers to communicate with colleagues during the event as needed to avoid chaos and confusion for attendees. In hotels, the staff can easily utilize two-way radio communication while carrying out their duties as they move from room to room, floor to floor, event to event to keep guests satisfied.
• Emergency Services – Two-way radios provide critical communication capabilities for fire, rescue, and medical personal in catastrophic circumstances. There is no advance planning in emergency response, time is of the essence, and effective communication is required to manage difficult or near-impossible situations, enabling full coordination of the emergency services teams.
• Farms/Ranches – Both farms and ranches require employees to be spread over vast ranges as they do their jobs. Like construction sites, farms and ranches have many safety hazards from falling objects to malfunctioning equipment, and more. More and more farms and ranches are utilizing two-way radios which permit effective and dependable communication in what are often remote, rural settings where cell phone reception often fails.
• Security Services – Many businesses have onsite security to safeguard customers, employees, and property. Two-way radios allow the members of the security team to stay in contact while guarding against safety threats and call for assistance should an emergency arise.
• Warehouses and Distribution Facilities – By nature, warehouses and distribution centers are vast areas of storage and aisles, mazelike in appearance. As employees and managers work to retrieve and store merchandise, two-way radios are essential for dependable, easy to use, effective communication designed to keep operations running effectively throughout the facility. On top of that, they also mean employees can easily call for help in the event of an emergency.

Recreational Applications of Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios provide the ideal communication for adventure-seeking families and friends. From family hikes to rafting trips, and any adventure in which the participants my get separated, two-way radios promise effective communication to keep everyone connected or call for help in the event of an emergency.