10/09/2024
No doubt, you are probably aware of the havoc wreaked by the recent hurricanes on various infrastructures including communications, welfare, and search and rescue operations. There was no cell service available and it may be a substantial period of time before it is all restored to pre-storm levels. Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies When All Else Fails®. Hams serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems. An amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others. You can even send emails by radio signal, which will be converted to conventional email and delivered normally, sharing information with family or friends outside of the affected area.
As an amateur radio operator myself (ham), I follow with great interest Facebook groups that deal with this hobby. As we are all aware, Facebook brings out some "experts" on topics of which they have no knowledge. There are people saying, "I don't need a license if I am an emergency situation, I'll do what I have to". While anyone can purchase a radio and probably figure out how to turn it on, knowing how to communicate effectively and correctly is another story. As the saying goes, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
The time to prepare is before the need arises. There are many free, online learning tools to help an interested person prepare for their examination which is administered locally by volunteers (35 questions, $15 fee then $35 payable to the FCC after successful testing). There are many resources available before and after testing to prepare you for "When All Else Fails". Many mentors available and glad to help a newcomer learn about and set up their radio. While we are pretty well protected from the destruction caused by hurricanes, we do have tornadoes, possibility of earthquakes, or just plain cell phone outages (been a lot of those happening in the last couple of years).
If this is something that would interest you or you would like to reach out for more information, feel free to send an email to: [email protected] . Please share with family and friends, even if outside this area as similar assistance is available nationwide.
Thank you,
Bradley Nicholson
