First off, let me say that I have never been in a actual disaster emergency communications environment, so yes, I probably don't have the knowledge there.

miniMe, thos are good points, and very true, but I should have been a little more clear on what my assumptions were:

- Both the hardline and wireless telephone networks are down
- You have no access to the internet
- You have a 2 meter portable radio
- You have a no-code Technician license
- You haven't joined ARES
- No one else in your family is an amateur radio operator.
- You know no amateur radio operators near your family
- There is a significant disaster
- You're trying to communicate your safety to someone you care about, right after the start of the disaster.
- You expect that message to get to them within 15 minutes or less.

These assumptions are based upon my personal situation, with the exception of the ARES group, which I am a member of the local group. I felt that there was an expectation of cellphone-like response to sending messages with amateur radio.

Amateur radio is a great alternative, but I feel ( MY OPINION ) with the lowest level of equipment, licensing, involvement and pre-planning, you will have to wait possibly hours for your message to be delivered to loved ones. Especially if those people live in the immediate area.

What you have said, and what I've shown here, this tells everyone one thing:

PLAN AHEAD AND GET INVOLVED

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