For a long time people have been telling me that family, love and happiness are the crucial things in life…Nowadays I realized that I can take or leave all that so long as I have this walkie talkie gmrs in the world.
When it comes to disasters such as hurricanes, it is very important you have a means of communication in addition to your normal survival gear like first aid kits and emergency water and food supply. Radios are very effective in coordinating people and establishing logistics both during the calamity itself and the rescue operations that follows. Owning a portable amateur radio station or using two way radio Hire and long term radio rental may just be the key for surviving a disaster.
Advantages of Using Radios during disasters
Amateur radios or ham radios can endure a lot of disasters that other means of communications can’t simply withstand. For example, cell phones might be more convenient during normal days but they are rendered useless when severe weather knocks telephone towers downs. Wireless radios can still communicate with people regardless of whether the towers survived or not. Power loss may also greatly affect other means of communications but these radio stations can run on smaller and improvised sources of electricity such as car batteries.
Radios and Surviving Power Outages
These radios’ abilities to survive power outage were put to the test during the 2003 North American Blackout. The blackout affected around 55 million people from Canada and the United States and has caused widespread alarm and damage. Landlines and other means of communications, which were resticted by the lack of reliable power sources, were quickly swamped by calls. Fortunately, amateur radio stations were able to quickly get back on air with backup generators and some batteries. They were essential in coordinating relief and power restoration operations to areas in need. The radios were also able to report cases of fire outbreaks caused by mishandling of candles.
Radios and Surviving Hurricanes
The radio’s capabilities to survive hurricanes where also proven when Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in 2005. Violent winds, storm surges and widespread flooding have rendered much of the infrastructures in the affected areas inoperable. Amateur radio stations were still able to receive and send 911 messages and other communications. Some operators were even able to help victims as well.
Types of Amateur Radios
There are many types of radios to choose from depending on the coverage that you need and the funds that you are willing to invest. Small walkie talkies are the cheapest and most convenient radios to use. However it has an ideal range of around 35 miles which may not be enough especially if the calamity is widespread. It also has a limited battery life which is very disadvantageous in disasters. CB radios are bulkier than walkie talkies but can be used for long distance communications in ideal situations. They’re also relatively cheap compared to more advance systems. Finally there’s the amateur or ham radio which offers the widest options for communications. There are a lot of radio operator organizations that can help you to quickly learn about using this radio. Unfortunately this is also the most expensive radios although some home improvisations may cut costs. You would also need to earn a license to be able to operate them legally.
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