As the tornadoes that struck Massachusetts on September 6, 2025, demonstrate, you need to be ready for an emergency ahead of time. Radio amateurs were able to serve their communities and the National Weather Service because they were prepared.
IARU reports the FCC has granted AST SpaceMobile limited use of the 430–440 MHz amateur radio band. The license grants use of amateur radio spectrum for emergency purposes only.
National Preparedness Month—also known as September Safety Month or Disaster Preparedness Month—is an annual campaign held in September. It is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, businesses, and communities with the knowledge and resources they need to respond to and recover from emergencies.
Back in 2021, I was working with a young ham looking to learn Morse code. As he was blind, many of the tools commonly used, were not as useful. I stumbled upon the Morserino-32, a wonderful device from Willi OE1WKL, I bought a pair of them in kit form, and soon had my young fella sending and receiving Morse.
September is National Preparedness Month, and ARRL is working to help radio amateurs have a plan for family resilience. Many hams enjoy public service as part of their operating. Being ready to activate for a served agency through the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) involves not only being licensed and trained, but also prepared and equipped.
