any channel will suffice for an emergency Ch.. For example, i was traveling north on 395 last week... This lady came on Ch 18 where i was monitoring and hollered out, "is anyone out there, i need help" I replied, yea,, what's up.. She yelled back, i just passed Sand Canyon Road going north and i need to know where the next gas station is,, i said, are you running out of gas, she said no, i'm about ready to $hit my pants Now this is a true story,, i told her about a mile up you'll find a place called Pearsons.. I guess that suffices for an emergency.. She must of made it, i didn't hear her again.