People often ask me why I got into Amateur Radio. My normal answer is something along the lines of “So I can help with communications should the need ever come up.”

And their response is usually “But we have cell phones and can call anywhere in the world if we want.” And while this is true, under
normal circumstances, what happens when the cell towers go down from a storm or other natural disaster? Your cell phone, or smart phone will become useless.

Case in point, Hurricane Helene, which ripped through North and South Carolina, 19 days ago, at the time of this writing.

Some parts of the effected area are just now getting spotty cell service.
Through it all, there are reports of amateur radio operators offering communications into and out of the areas. They are generally passing along heath and wellness information, or in some cases asking for
needed medications and other supplies. Below are two links that I have found on the subject:

https://www.wired.com/story/hurricane-helene-milton-north-carolina-florida-amateur-radio/

https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/hurricane/helene/ham-radio-helene-recovery-north-
carolina/275-a905e9cd-5b86-48ff-b4b5-f0e4546115dd

These articles show just what amateur radio ops can do with their own gear to facilitate communications during times of crisis.

These reasons alone are what started my journey into amateur radio, the ability to assist my fellow citizens in their time of need.
“But, Mr. Amateur Radio person, don’t you need a whole bunch of technical stuff to run one of those radios?”

The answer to that is no. All an amateur radio op needs is a transceiver (radio) a power source (car battery or other type of battery or generator/solar power) and an antenna. This is all the
infrastructure and amateur radio op needs. What is needed is the knowledge to use them.

That knowledge comes from getting an amateur radio license. You will learn the skills to make an antenna, the knowledge to use the transceiver, and how to hook it up to a power source.

If you are inclined to get your amateur radio license, check out Ham Radio Prep at:

https://hamradioprep.com/

I am not sponsored by them at all and get no kind of kick back from them. They have helped many people from all walks of life get their amateur radio license.

In conclusion, amateur radio is there when all other forms of communications go down, and we can and do help those in times of crisis.

Stay safe,

K0MRD. 73!