I don't argue with the responders position, but have found that the participation of hams in emergency communications is not only welcomed, it is encouraged by groups like FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army and others on local, regional and national levels. Many of us have completed the required FEMA training and participate in exercises regularly through our local organizations (ARES, etc.).
The voluntary participation by Hams in the case of natural disasters, for example, is well documented. Many of us have taken it seriously enough to actually get the required training offered to us by FEMA, ARRL, etc. Groups such as SATERN and the Red Cross hold periodic Simulated Emergency Tests with the active participation of ham radio groups. Right now, hams in the South Carolina area are actively participating in emergency communications related to Hurricane Isaias. Are they "riding high and saving the day" ? Probably not, but they are contributing their skills and facilities in an effort to serve the public need. 73 Lyn, W0LEN -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of JHRichards Sent: Monday, August 03, 2020 4:18 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question on K3S and Winlink Express a nationwide group to become proficient in handling P2P message traffic in the case of a "grid down" emergency (no internet, no cells, no repeaters, no power). ------------------------------------------------------- While that is a lovely gesture, it is neither realistic nor practicable. Your traffic handler and I have radios, but my in laws and relations do not. Moreover, when it gets THAT bad, I will NOT be on my radio. Instead, I will grab a gun and hunker down to protect my homestead and loved ones from looters. And, I expect your traffic handlers to do the same. If they are situated within the disaster area, they will be busy enough looking after their own, and if they are located outside the area, they are not likely to drive hundreds of miles in to hand-deliver messages of good tidings to my wife's disconnected family 200 miles away. Besides, FEMA and most other official agencies are not going to be embarrassed by another communications conundrum "when all else fails." Even the ARRL has backed away from that draconian position. At a recent Dayton Hamvention, FEMA made it abundantly clear the notion of ham operators riding high and saving the day are long gone. It clearly indicated ops must be FEMA trained and certified, and it will supply the radios. It gave an example where the only way local ham operators were involved in an actual emergency was to identify the highest hill in the area to put a temporary repeater. Thank you, good night, we will take it from here. Just MY take. K8JHR -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
