While vacationing on the coast of South Carolina, I came across a couple of articles talking about how amateur radio operators should be prepared for “what’s next”. While we all talk about big disasters and what-ifs, most of us in Eastern Kentucky learned even small localized events, can be catastrophic to regular local communications. On July 29th, 2022 heavy rains (upward of 9 inches over three to four hours) created once in a thousand years flooding across our region. The swollen creeks and rivers busted out with rage and fury causing a complete failure of public power and communication systems (internet, PSTN, and cell service). As you read these articles, take a moment to pause and reflect on what your current situation is in terms of being able to operate in even a simple power outage.
No cellphone? No problem! The vintage radio enthusiasts prepping for disaster
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/27/ham-radio-emergency-natural-disaster-climate-crisis
Scout troop saves hiker’s life after terrifying fall
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2023/05/24/scout-troop-saves-hikers-life-after-terrifying-fall/
Hurricane Ian hero: Maryland firefighter uses his ham radio to send rescuers to Florida’s Sanibel Island
The hobbyists who could save your life
https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/130695835/the-hobbyists-who-could-save-your-life
