Firefighting radios are essential for firefighters to do their jobs properly and not encounter issues that may hinder them in an emergency. Communication is critical for firefighters on the job. You rely on technology to stay in contact with your teammates and receive instructions from your commander. Still, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, inadequate communication infrastructure is one of the profession’s biggest problems.

Firefighting Radios: Communication is Essential

Firefighters need functioning radios. Like every other piece of firefighter equipment, radios are subject to considerable wear and tear, which can eventually compromise their condition. Consider the following four signs that it may be time for your team to invest in new radios.

The Antenna Suffered Damage

If your radio is sporting a damaged antenna, it suffered damage in the field because of some impact. Firefighters use a radio antenna to generate a radio signal, which facilitates communication between devices. If this part of the radio suffers damage, the radio will lose its ability to transmit and receive messages.

 Remember that an antenna can sustain small fractures and other difficult-to-see damage, so you should inspect your radio’s antenna after any impact.

Its Range Is Limited 

Limited range is another common problem facing firefighter radios. Every radio should come with a maximum range that it can sustain — typically between four to six miles. If your radio can only communicate near other radios and cannot function at full range, it’s time to replace it. You must be able to communicate with your team, even when it’s from a distance.

There Are Reception Problems

A damaged antenna could be the reason for reception problems. A compromised range can cause these issues. Other times, though, it is a problem — in which case, it could be an easy fix or a problem that necessitates replacement. In either case, you need to find a solution fast. Lack of reception is a significant liability for any firefighter and can affect your insurance. Besides liability coverage, firefighter insurance can include first responder health insurance and firefighter benefits.

Its Battery Life Is Too Short 

Finally, you may have a radio that functions perfectly fine in terms of reception and range, but it might have a battery life that’s too short. Most two-way radios have a battery life of 18 to 24 months, but if yours is dwindling, it may power down after a few days or just a few hours of use, leaving you with no tools for communication. You may try replacing the batteries, but you’ll need to invest in a new radio if the issue is with the device itself.

About Provident Fire Plus

At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.