The problem is the local radio stations are becoming the property of a select few radio broadcasting companies. One such local (my area) station has only the “morning crew” on from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. After their show they go to taped programming (FM Side) and satellite rebroadcasts. The actual DJ is located in sunny San Diego over 1000 miles away from bad weather Idaho. This homogenizing of AM/FM radio began back during the Regan era and was cemented with the FCC’s blessing. You should check your local station and see who actually owns them etc. Makes all of the difference in why they insist on playing PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. music and not reporting any adverse weather, or decent news. NOAA attempted to remedy this with the Emergency Broadcast Network. More info here
In the 1950’s the Red Cross recommended carrying a transistor radio (AM only) since most autos of the era did not have radios and live DJ’s were the norm. Today the recommendation is still there even though radio is quite different. BTW, most local AM stations were federally funded for the purpose of disseminating information in mass form during the Cold War era. Even television has its downfall. Our stations would likely incite panic and confusion. We have news anchors who delight in constant Oh dear, Oh me, Oh my, while incessantly wringing their hands. They will also make comments like stay out of the area. Don’t interfere with the street department, police or fire personnel and wait for those trained (as few as they are) to come to you. OH DEAR; OH MY… From what I have read (hurricane Isabel) here neighbors helping neighbors etc. is always a good policy. This behavior predates anything from the media know-it-alls. In a larger market I could see the advantages of having a portable TV. If you evacuate with enough warning a small screen TV will help entertain kids. Check your local thrift store as people are unloading their old VCRs since the advent of DVD. If your family evacuation plans are used to evacuate you should already be headed to a “safe house.” Hopefully the electricity works there, or you may need a small inverter.
So, what do I carry EDC or rather BOB? I carry an AOR AR 8200B wide range receiver, which I just picked up for $1.00 at a yard sale (saved $699.00) this covers from 5 KHz to 2.04 GHz w/ cellular blocked. I also have two ICOM HAM radios both modified to talk on the PSB. I use these while volunteering on an ambulance service. I have 3 cellular phones I can throw in and believe it or not a HH CB radio. Amazing weather updates can be heard from the truckers on CH 19. The AOR replaces a scanner and an AM/FM radios definitely a weight and batteries savings. The local HAM club is qualified to handle RACES, but they would argue over who was to do what and the local emergency services don’t them much anyway. Too old and too stupid they will interfere is exactly what the Chief of Police said once. It is a shame to hear comments like that from our supposed community leaders.