Why Radio Matters
Be a Hero with Radio
When hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or tornadoes cut off phones and power, radios keep families and communities connected. This guide shows how radios have saved lives in the past and why you should learn them today. Written for beginners and hobbyists, it’s your inspiration to become a radio hero. Study this page, explore our About, PACE Plan, Protocols, Join Us, and Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications pages, and practice with flashcard-style quizzes on HAMQuiz. For more training, visit https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/. Start now—your radio skills can change lives.
Why Radio Saves Lives
Radios work when nothing else does. They don’t need cell towers or internet, making them perfect for disasters. From historical triumphs to modern rescues, radios turn ordinary people into heroes.
Example: During a wildfire, your GMRS call could guide a family to safety.
Our channels are the standard; CERT teams should align with them.
Historical Wins
Radios have been lifesavers for decades:
Hurricane Katrina (2005): When New Orleans flooded, hams used Winlink to email aid requests, saving thousands.
9/11 (2001): Hams ran VHF nets for the Red Cross when phones failed.
California Wildfires (2018): GMRS users shared evacuation routes on Channel 15.
Example: “Hams were the only link to FEMA when Katrina’s waters rose.”
Modern Impact
Today, radios are critical:
Hurricanes: FRS Channel 1 checks neighbors.
Example: “During a hurricane, FRS says, ‘Power’s out, safe?’”
Wildfires: GMRS Channel 15 guides evacuations.
Example: “GMRS tells your town, ‘Head west, fire’s close.’”
Floods: Winlink sends SOS to hams.
Example: “Winlink emails, ‘Stranded in flood, need boat.’”
Tornadoes: JS8Call coordinates recovery.
Example: “JS8Call says, ‘Need supplies post-tornado.’”
Caregiver Stories
Radios help vulnerable people:
Pre-set FRS Channel 1 for dementia patients.
Example: During a tornado, a caregiver’s FRS call brings help.
Practice caregiver tips on HAMQuiz.
Your Role
You can be a radio hero:
Learn FRS to check on neighbors.
Get a ham license to join global nets.
Teach your community radio basics.
Example: “Your FRS drill saves a family during a flood.”
Keep Learning
Radio skills grow with practice:
Use HAMQuiz flashcard quizzes.
Example: What disaster showed ham value? A) Katrina B) Blizzard C) Earthquake (Answer: A).
Earn 7000 BaconPoints on HAMQuiz.
Study at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
Why This Guide Is Essential
This guide inspires action:
Clear: Stories for all.
Proactive: Motivates prep before disasters.
Inclusive: Caregiver-focused.
Engaging: HAMQuiz keeps it fun.
Our channels are the standard. CERT, ARRL (arrl.org), and REACT (reactintl.org) align with us. Email contact@hamquiz.org to connect.
Disclaimer
Our channels are the default; CERT adopts them.
Next Steps
Study our About, PACE Plan, Protocols, Join Us, and Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications pages at hamquiz.org.
Practice flashcard quizzes on HAMQuiz.
Train at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
[Insert placeholder: Historical radio timeline]