When an emergency occurs and conventional communication channels fail, ham can take immediate action and use ham radio to assist in emergency communication work.
Climate change is having a significant impact on wildfires around the world and across the U.S. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk. Typically, wildfire season across North America has been from spring to fall (although it varies by region). However, as the effects of climate change increase, disaster seasons are becoming less accurate.
The week of Aug. 6, 2023, a series of wildfires, driven by Hurricane Dora’s winds, swept across Maui and the Big Island, bringing widespread devastation, especially in the town of Lahaina on Maui.
When wildfires struck Hawaii, conventional communication channels faltered. Cell phone towers were damaged or overwhelmed, rendering traditional phone signals useless. In these dire circumstances, there is a need to find other reliable alternatives.
Ham Radio Operators, or “hams,” have a long history of serving their communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, such as cell phone towers and fiber optic networks. Amateur radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems, and a ham radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Amateurs can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.
Uninterrupted Communication:
Unlike regular cell phones, ham radios rely on radio waves to transmit messages. This proved invaluable in the wildfire crisis, as radio waves can travel through dense smoke and challenging terrain. Ham radio operators maintained clear and consistent communication, ensuring critical information reached those in need.
Community Coordination:
Ham radio operators facilitated essential coordination among emergency services, helping firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders collaborate effectively. Their ability to relay real-time information allowed for prompt decision-making and resource allocation.
Citizen Assistance:
Beyond professional responders, ham radio operators enabled affected citizens to send distress signals, share updates on their safety, and request assistance.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Hawaii and for a speedy return to normalcy.
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Related Blog: The Importance of Radio Communication in Emergency Situations (twowayradiocommunity.com)
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