PROVIDING EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DURING DISASTERS
9/11 and Hurricane Katrina demonstrated just how suddenly communications systems can be disabled. Terrorist attacks and hurricanes are not the only events that disable public safety radio systems, landline phone and cell phones. Floods, tornados, wind storms, human error and even inadvertent equipment damage frequently destroy or disable normal communications infrastructures.
Amateur Radio works all the time - - through storms, floods and even through power outages- - when all else fails. Even if repeaters or the internet are not available, trained radio amateurs use our radios to communicate directly to any location in the world where communications are necessary. This ability to communicate directly - - whether a mile away, hundreds of miles away or across continents - - makes Amateur Radio uniquely able to function in almost any situation. This is why all levels of government and disaster relief agencies worldwide rely on Amateur Radio Operators during catastrophes.
DAILY EMERGENCY SERVICE
Even in the absence of a major disaster, radio amateurs provide important emergency services through programs like the National Weather Service Skywarn Program. Amateur Radio is frequently helpful for search and rescue.
SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES DURING DISASTERS
Providing communications to emergency agencies is not the only service provided by Amateurs. We also provide communications assistance to members of communities affected by disasters and even to those far beyond. Amateurs in or near a disaster area pass "health and welfare" messages between disaster victims and their friends or family members miles or even countries away. This public service often provides important information and peace of mind when all other means of communication have failed.