Emergency communications
On this page you will find:
During
a disaster or emergency situation when normal communication systems are
overloaded, damaged, or disrupted, an amateur radio station can make
transmissions necessary to meet essential communication needs and assist relief
operations. Public and private emergency response agencies depend on us for that
communication support, because they know that "When all else fails... Ham radio
works."
Amateur radio is not dependent on
the public infrastructure, like cell phones and other methods of communication.
Amateur radio operators are able to deploy into disaster impacted areas where
normal power and communication services are not available and set up functional
communication systems at any time.
We test our skills regularly in
drills and exercises, or in public service events like marathons, parades, and
other similar events. We learn in these training events the methods for keeping
the communications network functional when unexpected situations arise. We learn
about employing alternative power sources to keep equipment running, and how to
construct field antennas in challenging situations. We practice operational
techniques that are essential to a well organized and functional communication
network.
Most importantly, we reinforce the
knowledge of how the FCC rules govern our efforts to help these served agencies
when our aid is requested. Only in ham radio do you get the opportunity to learn
these kind of communication skills by 'hands on' experience.
Emergency communications links and resources