The Ham Radio

The world is not a very safe place to live in these days as disaster and terrorism can strike at any moment. Communication is the only relief in times of disaster and hence the need for an efficient disaster management system becomes imperative in public places and even in business establishments and important commercial joints where people move around in large numbers. Disaster might strike in the form of natural calamities, terrorist attacks and accidents. Thus an efficient disaster management system which will work in adverse conditions is needed.

Disaster management crew must be well trained and equipped with the best appliances which might help them to communicate the condition they are in and the status of the calamity in the region they work for. In times of natural calamity like floods, storms or fire the usual mode of communication like phone, mobile etc might not work or might become inoperative in the calamity. Underground communication lines get disabled due to flooding, cell towers are blown over or simply choke due to high utilization, backup generators run out of fuel, or are filled up with water. This is where Ham Radio (Amateur Radio) comes into picture. Using HF (High Frequency) radio sets, messages can be conveyed or relayed to long distance. Accurate picture of situation on the ground, requirements and key information could be sent to disaster response team.

With Amateur Radio Operators, you have a ready workforce that is efficient with regard to communicating with each other ‘efficiently’ and ‘effectively’. They are known for innovation and are adept at adapting to situations. Unlike commercial systems, Amateur radio is not dependent on terrestrial facilities that can fail. It is dispersed throughout a community without “choke points” such as cellular telephone sites that can be overloaded.

Amateur Radio Operators are experienced in improvising antennas and power sources and most equipment available today can be powered by an automobile battery. Annual “Field Days” are held in many countries to practise these emergency improvisational skills. Amateur Radio Operators volunteer to help, as and when needed; however, there is no national database on active operators who can be called upon during any disaster, and also if they have right setup (which means – ready to go on air gear) at short notice. Amateur Radio Operators can use hundreds of frequencies and can quickly establish networks tying disparate agencies together to enhance interop.