Ham Radio Operations During Emergencies

There’s no school like the old school. In these days when communication essentially means using a cell phone or connecting to the Internet, ham radio seems to be like a nostalgic hobby. However, its low-tech abilities have never been so important as evidenced by its uses during terrorist attacks or natural calamities. During and immediately after such emergency situations, the importance of communication can never be overemphasized. But it is also during these times that power is out and phone lines are down. Amateur radio systems on the other hand are not affected. Radios can run using battery or generator power. And unlike cell phone sites, radio waves cannot be overloaded. Amateur radio operators are dispersed all over the United States and since it is a decentralized communications system, it is not vulnerable to terrorist attack. Other characteristics that make amateur radio networks ideal during emergency situations is that the radio operators themselves can go on the air anywhere at any time. They have enough technical knowledge to repair equipment or create makeshift ones when necessary.

Throughout modern history, ham radio operators have given their time and services when public communications systems fail during natural or man-made emergencies. In countless examples, these amateur radio operators stay on the air as the only remaining link between a disaster area and the outside world for hours or even days. The largest disaster event when the amateur radio community gave their invaluable service was during Hurricane Katrina. As the initially Category 1 hurricane swept along affected areas and eventually unleashing its full force of destruction when it reached Category 5 strength, public services, especially the exchange of information broke down. More than a thousand ham operators pitched in to provide emergency communications support. Their efforts were recognized during the Congressional hearings on Hurricane Katrina’s relief effort.

The quick response and level of coordination does not come out of the blue. Ham radio operators show their commitment and seriousness in providing this service through “Field Days” which they hold annually. These events provide a venue for amateur radio operators to practice their emergency response skills. Organizations of radio operators are either sponsored by the ARRL or the FCC. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service is under the ARRL, while the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service is under the FCC. Their emergency assistance is usually done in cooperation with the Red Cross where most chapters have amateur radio stations.