The Vital Role of Ham Radio in Disaster Preparedness
In the late 90s, heavy rainfalls created a flood on the Rogue River, which runs through Josephine County, where I live. Amidst the chaos, the power of Ham Radio emerged as a savior. Here's a glimpse into the significant role played by Ham Radio during emergencies and why it remains indispensable.
I live on the river, and I admit it was a bit concerning watching the water rise higher and higher. Fortunately, it made it to the top of the bank in my backyard and had no negative impact on my property. However, other areas were not so fortunate. The flooding affected many areas, including downtown Grants Pass.
A Lifeline During Natural Disasters
Being an active Amateur Radio operator, or “Ham,” I supported emergency communications at the emergency operations center, or EOC. The decision was made to contact the state office of emergency services (OES) and ask for a governor’s declaration of emergency so that the county could use state resources that are set aside just for this sort of emergency.
This should have been a simple matter. Pick up the phone, call the OES in Salem, ask for the declaration, wait a few minutes, get a call back with the go-ahead, and get things rolling. The problem is that during major emergencies, nothing is ever simple.
Picking up the phone was no problem. The phones all worked… Sort of… Local calls were fine, but dialing anything outside of Grants Pass resulted in a failed call. Same thing with cellular phones. Turns out the one non-redundant fiber optic cable connecting Grants Pass with the rest of the world had been severed by a landslide caused by the rain.
OK, let’s drive to Salem. Nope, roads were all closed due to mudslides, etc. Besides, the help was needed immediately, not in the 6 hours that would take. At that point, the staff in the EOC turned to Ham Radio. I was the guy on duty at the time, so it was up to me to make it happen.
Immediate and Reliable Communication During Infrastructure Failures
Normally, I would get on the facility's shortwave radio and contact the EOC directly in Salem, but their end was shut down. Time for some creative thinking… I got hold of the EOC in Medford, which was also active due to the flooding in the area, and asked if they had phone service that would allow them to call the EOC in Salem. Thankfully, they did. With Salem alerted to the problem in Josephine County, they got someone on the air up there, and we passed the request from the County to the OES via shortwave radio.
In minutes, the governor’s declaration of emergency was sent back via shortwave radio, and we were in business. It was days before phone service was restored, but help for those affected by the flood was not delayed, all because Ham Radio was able to fill in.
This is but one example of how Ham Radio is useful in emergencies. According to the FCC, it is one of the reasons why the Amateur Radio service exists. Of course, given the proliferation of cell phones, satellite communications systems, and all the other ways to get messages around, why would anybody care about Ham Radio?
Immediate and Reliable Communication During Infrastructure Failures
The significance of Ham Radio becomes even more apparent when examining the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In the wake of the devastation, Amateur Radio was the only viable communication method in and out of New Orleans. While other communication systems lay in ruins, Ham Radio operators swiftly mobilized. Their extensive network, coupled with technical expertise, allowed them to restore communication lines, proving the resilience of Ham Radio even in the face of catastrophic events.
What sets Ham Radio apart is its dedicated community of operators. With their in-depth knowledge of radio technology and repair skills, they can swiftly troubleshoot issues and restore communication. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service operates under the motto, "When all else fails, Ham Radio," a phrase that embodies the unwavering commitment of these operators to public service, especially during emergencies.
The incidents in Josephine County and New Orleans serve as powerful reminders of the invaluable role played by Ham Radio in emergencies. In an age dominated by advanced technologies, the enduring relevance of Ham Radio and the expertise of its operators stand as a beacon of hope, ensuring that even in the most challenging situations, communication and assistance will find a way. Ham Radio is not just a hobby; it is a lifeline, a testament to human ingenuity, and a symbol of community resilience in the face of adversity.
Protect What’s Most Important: Get Involved
If you want to get involved, the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) operates the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Being able to communicate when infrastructure fails can save lives. Amateur Radio Emergency Services is recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Communications System, and the Citizen Corps of the Department of Homeland Security.