Why Ham Radio Is So Great?

Simply Put --Ham Radio Works!-          
Most of the time, things work fine. But, despite the development of very complex systems--or maybe because they are so complex--ham radio has been called into action again and again to provide communications when it really matters.

Why Ham Radio Works So Well-          
Telephones, cell phones, Internet, trunk lines, satellite phone--to get a message out, they all have to go through many vulnerable choke points and need electric power. Even if the system is functioning, these systems can be overwhelmed by the number of cries for help and families seeking information.

Ham Radio is Different-        
While hams MAY use the Internet or a repeater system, they do not have to do so! Hams can "go direct" and talk straight through to each other because each station is fully independent. Hams can operate just fine without other infrastructure. By selecting the right frequencies, hams can talk across town or around the world.

Joining an Emergency Communications Group-
To join the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), you must have a ham radio license. ARES members constantly learn more about emergency operations and practice regularly by providing aid to non-emergency events like parades, marathons and drills.

-ARES has formal, national agreements to provide emergency communications aid for FEMA, DHS, The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and many other response organizations.             
               
- Amateur Radio, often called "ham radio," has consistently been the most reliable means of communications in emergencies when other systems failed or were overloaded.    

-Hams meet on the air and in person. There are about 630,000 hams in the USA, with ham radio clubs and gatherings all over the country.