"Its Better To Be Prepaired For An Opportuinity...And Not Have One,
Than To Have An Opportuinity, And Not Be Prepaired!"

 - Les Brown -

Emergency Communications

The concept behind Amateur Radio use in Emergency Communications dates back to around 1913, when amateurs at the University of Michigan and Ohio State University, in conjunction with numerous individual amateurs in and around the region, successfully bridged the communications gap surrounding a large isolated area left by a severe windstorm in the Midwest. In these early days, such emergency work was spontaneous and without previous organization of any kind.

Sence that era of 1913, some 90 years have past and Amateur Radio Operators are still providing that very service...However, better organized.

Today's volunteers have more advanced equipment, such as portable laptop computers, multi function multi-band radios, space satellite communications, image and data communications and real-time tracking communications via GPS just to name a few. All conducted by Amateurs, on Amateur Radio frequencies at no charge to the served Agencies.

Amateur Radio Emergency Communicator have always been in the forefront of emergency situations when they happen, where they happen. During hurricanes, floods, snow storms, and countless Other incidents when and where normal communications systems fail. The volunteer services of the U.S. Amateur Radio Service is in fact, a service mandated by Federal Law under the Communications Act of 1934.

With the turn of events which occurred on September 11th, 2001, the U.S. Amateur Radio Service is again utilized by government agencies...as it was in the past...so it is today. Higher level of technical skills, no-cost training courses offered by Federal, State and Local level Emergency Management, and more opportunities for competent Radio Operators who are willing to be part of an extraordinary and valuable group of Emergency Service volunteers.


Please visit our National site at www.arrl.org for more information on Amateur Radio and Amateur Radio Emergency Communication.