September 26th, 2024, hurricane Helene made landfall in the “Big Bend” area of Florida. Over the next 3 days, the hurricane continued north until it stalled and dissipated over Tennessee. As of November 6, at least 233 deaths and nearly $88 billion in damage has been attributed to this storm.
One hundred and twenty seven years ago, on May 13, 1897 Guglielmo Marconi sent the world’s first radio message across open water. It is considered the birth of “Telegraphy without wires” – known to us now as radio.
In today’s world we are familiar and comfortable with communications without wires. Our corded phones have jumped off the wall and into our pockets. Computers sit on our desk with no cords attached as we search the “world-wide-web”. All of which, in today’s world is quite common and considered not that impressive.
Even in my own house, as I work to stretch the abilities of my small and humble radio station, I have been known to excitedly proclaim to my wife, “I just talked to someone from Australia”! My wife will pull out her phone and say, “I can too”. Saddened, I admit that yes, maybe she can. But her communication is aided by a network of cell towers, and over a million miles of phone lines. All of which are susceptible to the kind of weather mentioned above.
One of the biggest problems in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene was the inability to communicate. People who needed help, were unable to get it because the cell towers where down, power was out, and now, those cellphones where bricks. And it is at this point that a 120 plus year old technology showed up.
Enter Amateur radio. A type of communication that provided a reliable way to pass information into and out of this area. So valuable was it, that a call went out for licensed amateur radio operators to come and help with communication during the disaster. Cell phones need infrastructure; amateur radio does not.
In truth, the real benefit of amateur radio is found in catastrophic situation such as these; providing communications when electricity is absent. In those moments we find truth in the words that “when all else fails, ham radio works”. When disaster strikes, ham radio can still communicate and pass information. So many think amateur radio is outdated and obsolete. But tragedies like this remind us of its immense value. It is a reminder that Amateur radio is more than just a hobby, but it could be essential in certain circumstances. That is why I always encourage others to get their license, learn how to use a radio, and practice often. It is the best way to be prepared for storms that may come.
Kevin, W8NI
