Star Valley Search and Rescue is promoting to the public the ‘Be 307 Aware’ program which is a radio channel that helps them locate people needing assistance.

Former Search & Rescue Commander Corey Hepworth says the idea came about since a lot of guides use radios. He says there are some that have family service channels on them.

“(The radios) make it a little bit easier for us to locate people throughout the state,” Hepworth said.

Using a FRS/GMRS capable radio you just need to remember 307. Hepworth says 3 is the primary channel and and 07 is the sub-channel.

“We’ll actually ask the reporting party if the party we’re going after is using one,” Hepworth said. “It just gives an easier, quicker way when we get into the area they are around that we will start monitoring that channel as we go out on missions.”

He says they do not monitor it until they get called out. You only need to tune into the channel if you need help out in the backcountry and such.

Newly elected SAR Commander Matt McMurdo says Backcountry Access makes one that runs about $190 just to give an idea of price range. He says any radio though with the family service channel on it will work.

“They’re trying to get it promoted state wide,” McMurdo said. “Just to help us out, to locate the parties a lot faster.”

Both members of SAR say there is more information on the Homeland Security website. You can access that link here.