Video: Amateur Radio EmComm Demonstration
While prowling the interweb looking for something else, this video caught my eye. It serves to graphically show that, with minimal preparation, Amateur Radio operators can be ready to assist in a disaster, or other situation that requires emergency communications after the existing infrastructure is damaged.
January, 2008. Assisting Red Cross and Jefferson Co. DES/WMD. HF station setup in less than 10 minutes. Capabilities included HF, VHF, satellite and digital modes, completely self contained and off the grid.
Dallas technology officials told City Council members that it will take over a year and more than $14 million to resolve problems related to the installation of Dallas’ new emergency dispatch system.
High-threat tactical whisper-mic headset - provides both hearing protection and situational awareness with hear-through communications. 
First responder agencies never seem to have enough money for communications equipment. Tapping into radio amateurs is a good way to extend your reach and network capacity for free. Most radio amateurs are highly knowledgeable operators who are more than happy to offer their time and equipment. 
One elderly lady endured Hurricane Ike’s wrath. She was sitting in her modest home located near the San Luis hotel alone in the dark. Her husband was hundreds of miles away in Utah, worried and unable to reach her as landline and cell phone links went offline one by one. Ike ruthlessly destroyed telephone lines and damaged numerous cell towers, and left many others without operating power. The result: a nearly complete communications blackout rarely experienced by 21st century America.
As Hurricane Kyle brushed its way across Eastern New England region on its way to the Canadian Maritimes, hams in the area were prepared for impact. Heavy rain associated with a stalled out boundary, as well as some influence from Kyle, caused heavy rainfall and flooding in the region.
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With the availability of cell phones, the Internet and instant messaging, fewer and fewer young people are intrigued by the possibility of communicating via radio waves. Amateur radio operators, often derogatorily called “ham” radio operators, have long been the subjects of criticism by radio professionals.
