Reliable Communications When the Cell Network is Down During Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Hurricane Milton took out power and communications in Florida even before it made landfall on October 9, 2024. Prior to making landfall, over 12 tornadoes ravaged the state between Tampa and Orlando, resulting in catastrophic damage, widespread power outages, and a complete failure of cellular communications.

While I primarily focus on privacy and security topics, there will be times when other important topics warrant a post here.

I feel that it’s important to discuss the critical role of communication during disasters - especially since it's relevant with the hurricane. Many people don’t consider communication an essential part of their disaster plans until they find themselves unable to reach loved ones or emergency services. This article aims to address two trusted communication strategies for future emergencies.

Two key areas to consider when discussing communications are local communications within cities or towns and long-range communications extending over 10 miles.

Two-way radios, including Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), and ham radios, have proven to be reliable methods for both short and long-range communications when traditional systems fail. With Hurricane Milton, these tools once again demonstrated their effectiveness.

In the days leading up to Milton's landfall, ham radio organizations mobilized to provide essential real-time weather information from local operators and relay updates to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The Importance of Ham Radios in Emergencies

Ham radios, or amateur radios, serve as vital communication tools during natural disasters when conventional infrastructure fails. Their importance can be summarized as follows:

• Reliability: Ham radios do not rely on commercial power or infrastructure, making them effective when traditional communication networks are down.

• Long-Range Communication: Operators can communicate over long distances, which is particularly useful for coordinating rescue efforts and providing updates to emergency services.

• Real-Time Information: Ham radios allow for rapid information exchange regarding the status of the disaster, areas in need of help, and conditions on the ground.

• Community Support: Many ham radio operators work within their communities, offering support and information to residents and emergency services.

Operation During Natural Disasters

Preparation is key for ham operators, who should maintain emergency kits with radios, batteries, and essential supplies. Familiarity with the equipment and protocols is critical.

During a disaster, ham operators often establish communication stations in emergency operations centers, shelters, or their homes to relay information. They use established protocols and frequencies for emergency communication, such as the National Simplex Frequency (146.52 MHz).

Ham operators also participate in the SkyWarn program, which trains them to observe and report severe weather conditions to agencies like the NWS, enhancing the accuracy of forecasts and warnings.

Recent Use Cases:

• Hurricane Laura (2020): Ham operators provided crucial real-time updates on weather conditions and damage assessments, supporting local and state emergency services.

• Texas Winter Storm (2021): Ham operators facilitated communication for emergency shelters and coordinated aid for residents in need.

• August Complex Fire (2020): Local ham operators established communication links for first responders and evacuation centers.

Key Organizations and Resources

Several organizations support ham radio operators during emergencies:

• ARRL (American Radio Relay League): The national association for amateur radio in the U.S., offering resources, training, and support for operators during emergencies.

• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration): Provides weather-related data and collaborates with ham operators to disseminate critical information.

• SkyWarn: A volunteer program that trains operators to report severe weather conditions in coordination with the NWS.

• ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service): A volunteer organization that provides emergency communications support during disasters.

• RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service): Offers emergency communication support to local, state, and federal agencies.

Getting Involved

To participate in ham radio emergency operations:

• Get Licensed: Pass an exam to obtain a license from the FCC.
• Join Local Clubs: Many amateur radio clubs focus on emergency preparedness.
• Participate in Training: Organizations like ARRL offer courses on emergency communications.
• Stay Informed: Follow local weather forecasts and emergency management updates.

Ham radios are invaluable tools during natural disasters, providing essential communication when other systems fail. By collaborating with organizations like ARRL, NOAA, and SkyWarn, ham operators enhance public safety and community resilience.

During Hurricane Milton, ham radio operators played a crucial role in emergency communication and coordination efforts:

1. Emergency Communication: Operators relayed critical information between affected areas and emergency services, helping coordinate responses and resource allocation.

2. Support for Emergency Services: Many set up communication stations in emergency operations centers and collaborated with ARES and RACES to provide backup communications.

3. Weather Reporting: Operators reported severe weather conditions, contributing to real-time data collection for the NWS.

4. Community Support: Ham operators disseminated vital information regarding safety, evacuation routes, and shelter locations, ensuring residents stayed informed.

Ham radio operators maintained communication before, during, and after Hurricane Milton, enhancing situational awareness and supporting both emergency services and the local community. Their adaptability and quick response in crisis situations underscore the value of amateur radio in disaster management.

Family Band Radios (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

Using Family Band or GMRS radios during events like Hurricane Milton can significantly enhance local communication, especially for families. These radios enable immediate communication within a small area—usually under a 2-mile range—without relying on cellular networks.

Benefits of FRS/GMRS Radios

• Ease of Use: Designed for user-friendliness, these radios are accessible to all family members, including children.

• Cost-Effectiveness: GMRS radios are relatively inexpensive compared to other communication devices, making them practical for families.

• Communication Range: While effective ranges vary, many GMRS radios can facilitate communication over several miles, suitable for local coordination during emergencies.

Limitations to Consider

• Range Constraints: Effective communication can be significantly reduced by environmental obstructions.

• Battery Dependence: These radios require batteries, necessitating careful power management to ensure continued operation during emergencies. Often, reserve power supplies and batteries are stored in waterproof boxes with the radios.

• Voice-Only Communications: Unlike smartphones, FRS/GMRS radios offer basic voice communication without additional functionalities.

• Channel Congestion: Multiple users on the same ham channels can lead to interference and delays, especially during major disasters. Person to person communcations over FRS/GMRS are generally less congested.

• Incompatibility with Ham Frequencies: Most off-the-shelf Family Band and GMRS radios cannot communicate on ham radio frequencies, limiting interaction with licensed operators.

In critical life-threatening situations, it's important to remember that anyone can make an emergency call on a ham radio when no other communications are possible, even without a license. This provision ensures that individuals can seek help when needed.

What Radio is Right For Your Family?

As you consider the best communication tools for your family's emergency preparedness, it’s important to weigh the options between ham radios and FRS/GMRS radios. Which is the right choice for your family and situation? Here are some questions to consider:

• Range Needs: How far do you need to communicate? If your family is spread out over a larger area, ham radios may be more suitable.
• Ease of Use: Are you looking for a user-friendly option that all family members, including children, can operate? FRS/GMRS radios are typically simpler to use.
• Licensing Requirements: Are you willing to go through the licensing process for ham radios, or do you prefer the no-license-required option of FRS radios?
• Budget: What is your budget for communication equipment? FRS/GMRS radios tend to be more affordable than ham radios.

To help you make an informed decision, here are three top product recommendations for each category:

Top FRS/GMRS Radios

1. Motorola T460

   • Features: The Motorola T460 is a versatile FRS/GMRS radio with a range of up to 35 miles in open areas. It offers 22 channels, 121 privacy codes, and a built-in flashlight. The radio is also weatherproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. With easy-to-use buttons and a compact design, it’s perfect for families looking for reliable communication without complex setup.

2. Midland GXT1000VP4

   • Features: This GMRS radio boasts an impressive range of up to 36 miles, with 50 channels and 142 privacy codes. It features NOAA weather alerts, ensuring you stay informed about severe weather conditions. The GXT1000VP4 is also equipped with a rechargeable battery pack, providing convenience during power outages, and it’s designed to be rugged and water-resistant.

3. Baofeng UV-5R

   • Features: Although primarily a ham radio, the Baofeng UV-5R can also operate on GMRS frequencies. It features dual-band functionality (VHF/UHF) and includes 128 programmable channels. This radio is compact, lightweight, and includes a built-in flashlight, making it an excellent choice for both emergency and everyday use. However, keep in mind that you will need a license to use it on ham frequencies.

Top Ham Radios

1. Icom IC-7300

   • Features: The Icom IC-7300 is a high-performance HF transceiver that offers advanced digital signal processing and a color touchscreen interface. It provides excellent clarity and coverage across multiple bands, making it suitable for emergency communications over long distances. Its built-in sound card allows for easy digital mode operation, enhancing communication capabilities.

2. Yaesu FT-60R

   • Features: The Yaesu FT-60R is a dual-band handheld ham radio known for its durability and ease of use. It features 1,000 memory channels, a powerful battery, and a wide frequency range, making it versatile for both local and long-distance communication. Its rugged design ensures reliable performance in tough conditions, and the built-in CTCSS and DCS tones enhance privacy.

3. Kenwood TS-590SG

   • Features: The Kenwood TS-590SG is a top-tier HF transceiver that excels in weak signal reception. It features a built-in automatic antenna tuner and a variety of digital mode capabilities. Its advanced filtering technology ensures clear communications during emergencies, making it a solid choice for serious amateur radio operators looking to enhance their emergency preparedness.

By considering your family’s unique needs and evaluating these products, you can make an informed decision on which communication tools will best serve you during emergencies. Whether you choose ham radios for their long-range capabilities or FRS/GMRS radios for their accessibility, being prepared with reliable communication can make all the difference in a crisis.