September is National Preparedness Month: an observance “to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.” 1
There are many ways to take action and prepare before a disaster occurs. But FEMA specifically recommends these 12 ways to prepare yourself, your family, and your community to be ready for disasters and emergencies.
On March 22, 2023, ARRL News reported on the inclusion of Amateur Radio in the FEMA Guide for National Emergency Preparedness
From ARRL News …
Channels 1 and 2 on 60 meters will be available starting on August 30 for interoperability between US government and US amateur radio stations involved in Hurricane Ida emergency communications. This situation will remain in place until the storm has passed and the need for these channels no longer exists, or on September 6, whichever comes first.
These frequencies will be used: Channel 1 Primary voice traffic 5332 kHz channel center, 5330.5 kHz USB voice; and Channel 2 Digital traffic 5348 kHz channel center, 5346.5 kHz USB with 1.5 kHz offset to center of digital waveform. Stations on 60 meters are asked to yield to operational traffic related to Hurricane Ida. 1
Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, was the FEMA Administrator over the course of the Obama presidency and was a vocal proponent of the public service communications provided by Amateur Radio Operators. The February 21, 2017, episode of Ham Radio Now was dedicated to an interview of KK4INZ; during this interview he discusses what Amateur Radio Operators need to do in the future to remain a valuable public service asset during emergencies.
The 1st week of #NatlPrep month is about getting all generations prepared--ages 2-102 should be ready for disasters! pic.twitter.com/gbjaZ7gdui
— Readygov (@Readygov) September 4, 2016
