Since you are a ham operator you should look into becomming involved in emergency communications. There are many different organizations that are actively looking for ham volunteers to carry emergency traffic. If you are involved then not only will you be informed you will be the operator to whom others turn when they need to communicate about the situation both internal to the effected area and to the outside. <br><br>check out this link for more info on the various emergency opportunities for ham operators. Often enough the ham operators involved in emergency communications are the only ones able to communicate effectively on behalf of the national guard and FEMA and the Red Cross about the situation. These organizations are the operational communications for the ICS during disasters.

I absolutely agree with miniMe. Getting involved with the Ham radio groups in your area is the best bet. Ask Hams on your 2m repeaters about their emergency involvement. They usually have regularly scheduled discussions and tests. One or more of the radio clubs in your area will probably be active participants in support of community emergency communications.<br><br>Finding the best equipment for communication is sometimes not as important as finding, joining, and supporting the active members of your local radio community.<br><br>During out earthquake last year in Seattle, I found my 2m radio to provide me with the best, unbiased and unsensational information. I carry it everyday in preference to a "more useful" cell phone. I know that I can rely on my local Hams to help out during any emergency.<br><br>The Technician class Ham license is easy to obtain and gives frequency privileges that are very appropriate to local emergency response work. I encourage everyone to seek out a local Ham club and get more information.<br><br>

I'll be checking out my city's ham radio emergency comms group next week...so I should ditch the idea of a scanner or radio and just use my HT?<br><br>It's only a once a month meeting and has a lot of support from city hall and the police department. I'll let you know how it goes.<br><br>Any advice re equipment? Like guns and guitars, I'm going to go with what I have (hand me downs from Dad) before I determine what I really want/need.

Peanut - <br><br>Looks like a neat item! Let's get one and see how it does.<br><br> .....CLIFF<br><br>Just a prodigal scout's older brother.......

Would we have to draw up a joint custody agreement?<br><br>Peanut