Answering Questions: Ham radio..First Responders..Pandemic Recovery Room
We all learn as you ask questions and since I try to wait until I have a few to post answers, today is the day. This first one came in the form of a comment but I thought it was good information for all. I will be posting a longer article about HAM radio in a few days so watch for that also.
Would you please write a post about how this equipment works (HAM radio) in a power failure situation? I’ve looked, in confusion, at various models offered on the internet, but haven’t got it figured out.
During an emergency HAMs work with government agencies and relief organizations providing help with communications. They often travel into areas devastated by the disaster. In these cases they use hand held radios to communicate. These radios are a great way for a beginner to get on the air. These models run on rechargeable batteries which are especially designed for radio use. With the right accessory the radio can also run on AA batteries.
Hand held units are designed to operate on 12 volts so they can also be run off of a car battery. The cost of a hand held which would do everything you need during an emergency is about $150.00.
Sounds like you may be thinking of getting a license. Do it! The more ways you have to communicate during a crisis the better. See the next question..
You talk about first responders not working during a pandemic so we can expect power failures, who are first responders?
First responders are anyone who has a job which affects our everyday life or our infrastructure. In other words, doctors and nurses, police officers, fire fighters, but also power company and telephone company repair personnel, and those who work at water treatment and sewage treatment plants. If a winter storm or other weather emergency, or merely a car accident or equipment failure, causes a problem during a pandemic there may not be anyone able or willing to go out to make the repairs. You may see telephone, cell phone and Internet communications all fail. If this were the case HAM radio would be your only form of communication.
Well, I guess that proved my point. I was just finishing up this post when there was a thunder storm, no rain just thunder and poof the internet went down. That was two hours ago. I’m sad to say there must have been lightening with the storm in the Sierra because now I can smell smoke. It can happen just that quickly, and we can have our communication cut off. Be prepared for the possibility.
One more questions.
Should we have plastic sheeting and duct tape stored for a pandemic?
No, you may, however, want to have it for other disaster purposes. I’m assuming you meant to use in a recovery room. A recovery room should be kept well aired out, as should the entire house. If someone in your home is ill the windows should be kept open when weather conditions permit. In the recovery room itself widows should be opened whenever the bedding is changed and/or the patient is out of the room, such as when they are in the bathroom. It is also appropriate to leave windows opened if the patient is comfortable, will not be laying in a draft, and it is warm outside. You want to create an environment that encourages the virus to die! Using plastic and duct tape on windows and doors should only be done when sheltering in place during a chemical or biological attach or when using the sheeting to prevent drafts during power outages in winter.
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Good info. Will have to remind my Hubby to look here. Thanks.
Vikki at http://www.backyardgrocerygardening.blogspot.com
Thank you for a very helpful reply about the ham radios. I hope you also do another article on this.