The North Bay Communication Cooperative (NBCC) is a grassroots, community-owned emergency communications network serving Sonoma County and beyond. NBCC provides an organized platform and hands-on support for neighborhoods seeking reliable backup communication when traditional systems fail.
We help residents organize their communities and learn to use a range of tools—including two-way radios and text-based systems—that we provide at no cost, 24/7. Community members may attend our free emergency communication workshops and even take home free emergency communication devices to stay prepared!
Our work is powered by more than 50 dedicated volunteers from across Sonoma County. We rely on community involvement and donations to keep this network growing into other unserved and underserved areas. Join us in strengthening local resilience, supporting public safety, and keeping our communities connected.
We help residents organize their communities and learn to use a range of tools—including two-way radios and text-based systems—that we provide at no cost, 24/7. Community members may attend our free emergency communication workshops and even take home free emergency communication devices to stay prepared!
Our work is powered by more than 50 dedicated volunteers from across Sonoma County. We rely on community involvement and donations to keep this network growing into other unserved and underserved areas. Join us in strengthening local resilience, supporting public safety, and keeping our communities connected.
NBCC Network Map and Community Survey
Explore our network map below to locate nearby radio repeaters.
Interested in organizing a local radio group? Take the NBCC survey to get started!
Interested in organizing a local radio group? Take the NBCC survey to get started!
NBCC Network Map |
NBCC Survey |
NBCC Radio Workshops
NBCC's dedicated team of volunteers coordinates and conducts community radio workshops throughout the region. These workshops provide attendees with comprehensive training on radio usage and how to effectively utilize the NBCC radio network. Each participating household is provided with a complimentary programmed radio to take home.
Practicing With Your Radio
Please watch the following video to learn how to use NBCC's standardized GMRS radio.
Using the NBCC Radio Network
FCC LicensingThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires a license to operate most radios, and licensing instructions can be found below. Please adhere to FCC protocol. Family Radio Service (FRS) does not require a license. Please scroll down to the FAQ for more information.
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Etiquette/ProtocolPlease maintain a respectful and concise approach to communications. This radio system is designed to facilitate communication in cases where all other means are nonfunctional. Announce your call sign when initiating radio communication and every 10 minutes while on the air.
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Making a callTurn on the radio and set the volume to maximum. Choose a channel and press the PTT (Push to Talk) button to speak. Release the button when finished talking and adjust the volume as needed. Switch to a different channel if required.
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Community NetsOrganize leaders within your neighborhood, create a neighborhood net, and practice using radios regularly. For additional guidance, contact the GMRS leader in your area. Many communities host a weekly radio net to which you are welcome to participate.
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Emergency useIn the case of an emergency, call 911 first. If that is not successful, switch to your local GMRS neighborhood channel, contact other members, and establish an active net. Ask a neighborhood GMRS leader to contact the Sonoma County Office of Emergency Management. Have another neighborhood leader contact the nearest repeater and check in with their net. Information will be distributed by neighborhood leaders.
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VolunteerWe're on the lookout for both neighborhood leaders and community champions to join our GMRS initiative. Get in touch with us to discover how you can be a part of positive change.
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