Being a strong advocate for ham radio can be frustrating at times. No matter how often you explain to non-hams about the importance of the amateur radio service—its proven results after disasters, lifesaving potential, and history of relaying critical messages for more than 115 years—the number of folks who ignore the message far outweighs those who will listen and understand.
Until an emergency happens nearby.
Time and time again, amateur radio has been there when other forms of communication have succumbed to raging waters, high winds, unexpected freezing temperatures, wildfires, and earthquakes. Exhibit A in making the case for the viability of amateur radio occurred in the devastating wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
None of the reports below will be revelatory to hams, but our hope is that the message of being prepared for the worst by becoming licensed and properly learning how to communicate through ham radio will gain a stronger foothold with the uninitiated, dispel myths about amateur operating, and, ultimately, save lives.
WIRED magazine published this article by Makena Kelly and Dell Cameron on October 8, 2024, “Through Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Amateur Radio Triumphs When All Else Fails.”
Rural North Carolina resident Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, who was severely affected by Helene along with so many who lost power in western North Carolina, was quoted in the article. K4SWL is an OnAllBands blogger and creator and administrator of his own website, QRPer.com.
“Amateur radio is one of those things you get into because of your love of radio communications and the technical aspects of it or the community and the challenges that you can overcome,” K4SWL told WIRED. “It’s a lot of fun, but underlying all of that is this prime directive with amateur radio that it’s always there as emergency communications when all else fails.”
Also check out this article, “Helene Aftermath Update: Community, Coordination, and Misinformation” posted on OnAllBands with permission from K4SWL.
News stations in North Carolina showcased the value of ham radio after Helene:
“Ham Radio Operators Trying to Connect Families after Helene,” CBS Channel 17 from Raleigh.
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“How Old Tech Is Being Used to Remotely Help in Wake of Helene,” Queen City News, WJZY, Charlotte, featuring Dan Gitro, K2DMG
“We started calling family members all across the country for these folks and saying, ‘Hey, we talked to your loved one on ham radio, and they want you to know that they are alive and okay,’” said K2DMG, who operated after Helene from his shack in Moorseville, NC.
“It’s a humbling feeling being able to help somebody you’ve never met, you’ve never seen, you have no idea who they are,” K2DMG continued. “All you want to do is offer help to them, to let their loved ones know they’re okay, they’re alive.”
