When disaster strikes, communication can be a lifeline. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires, can disrupt conventional communication channels, leaving communities in the dark. In these critical moments, the fusion of technology and community support becomes invaluable. One such avenue that stands as a beacon of communication during emergencies is ham radio. In this blog post, we’ll explore the important role of ham radio in disaster response and how it’s intricately connected to events like the Great ShakeOut.
The Great ShakeOut
The Great ShakeOut is an annual global earthquake drill that has been taking place since 2008. It’s a day when millions of people worldwide participate in earthquake drills and other emergency preparedness activities. While the primary goal is to raise awareness about earthquake safety, it also serves as a reminder of the significance of emergency communication systems, especially ham radio. This year the exercise is scheduled for 10/19/23 at 10:19am.
Ham Radio: A Vital Emergency Communication Tool
Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a non-commercial two-way radio service operated by licensed individuals. Ham radio operators, often referred to as “hams,” use designated radio frequencies to communicate with one another. They play a vital role in emergency preparedness and response for several reasons:
- Independence from Infrastructure: Unlike traditional communication networks that rely on cell towers and the internet, ham radio is independent of these infrastructures. In the aftermath of a major disaster, these systems can be compromised, making ham radio a crucial fallback option for communication.
- Long-Distance Capabilities: Ham radio can transmit over long distances, even when other forms of communication are down. This is especially useful during large-scale disasters when coordination between different regions is necessary.
- Direct and Reliable: Ham radio communications are direct and relatively reliable. They don’t rely on third-party services, making them less susceptible to congestion and outages during emergencies.
- Community Networks: Ham radio operators often form close-knit communities that are well-prepared for emergencies. They can provide not only communication support but also valuable information and assistance to local authorities and first responders.
- Frequency Flexibility: Hams have access to a wide range of frequencies, including those designated for emergency communication. This flexibility allows them to adapt to various situations and work with different agencies as needed.
The Role of Ham Radio in the Great ShakeOut
During the Great ShakeOut, ham radio operators are called upon to participate in earthquake drills and emergency communication exercises. They often work in collaboration with local emergency management agencies, first responders, and other community groups to ensure that communication channels are well-established and functional.
- Drill Coordination: Ham radio operators play a pivotal role in coordinating earthquake drills during the Great ShakeOut. They use their communication expertise to ensure that messages are relayed effectively to participants and that the drill proceeds smoothly.
- Simulated Emergencies: The Great ShakeOut provides an opportunity to simulate emergency scenarios where ham radio operators can demonstrate their skills in communicating crucial information, such as damage assessments, casualty reports, and resource requests.
- Information Dissemination: Hams are instrumental in disseminating vital information to the public during and after the ShakeOut. They can provide real-time updates on the status of the earthquake simulation and safety instructions to those in affected areas.
- Interagency Collaboration: The Great ShakeOut fosters collaboration between ham radio operators, local government agencies, and first responders. This cooperation strengthens the overall preparedness and response efforts.
The Global Perspective
While the Great ShakeOut is a valuable event for earthquake-prone regions, the significance of ham radio extends far beyond a single day. Ham radio operators worldwide contribute to emergency response efforts during various disasters, from hurricanes and floods to wildfires and pandemics.
Ham radio’s global network is interconnected through organizations like the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), which coordinates international emergency communications. In times of international crises, ham radio operators can establish communication links, providing a lifeline for communities affected by natural or human-made disasters.
Finally
In a world where natural disasters and emergencies are increasingly common, the importance of reliable communication systems cannot be overstated. Ham radio, as a robust and adaptable means of communication, has proven itself time and again as an essential tool for emergency preparedness and response.
The Great ShakeOut serves as a poignant reminder of the role ham radio plays in emergency communication, bringing together individuals, communities, and agencies in the pursuit of safety and resilience. As we continue to face the unpredictable challenges that the future holds, we can take solace in knowing that the dedication and expertise of ham radio operators will always be there to bridge the gaps and ensure that no one is left unheard in times of crisis.
for more information: https://www.shakeout.org/
When an earthquake or other major incident occurs, frequently the infrastructure in the surrounding area is knocked out. This creates a so-called “doughnut hole” where people in the most-impacted area cannot provide reports via internet or cell phones. Because of this, USGS partnered with Winlink to provide a way for “Did You Feel It” (DYFI) reports to be submitted via radio. When Winlink DYFI messages are received by USGS, these reports are parsed automatically, and the information is added to their database giving a near-real-time picture of the extent of damage. The SHAKEOUT exercise on October 19 will give USGS a good measure of how effective the Winlink radio reporting system is.
In addition to providing information to USGS, the SHAKEOUT exercise also is being used by FEMA and other agencies to gauge the effectiveness of amateur radio at providing ground truth during incidents. This is from the September 26 FEMA bulletin, which went to all FEMA Regions for their stakeholders:
“Our primary aim of participating in the October 19th SHAKEOUT ‘Did You Feel It’ (DYFI) exercise is to underscore the remarkable proficiency of Winlink. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) will use this Winlink ‘Did You Feel It’ ground truth data to contribute to the calculations of their earthquake intensity assessments when modeling the Modified Mercalli (MMIS) Intensity Scale, a standard index used for earthquake severity (see Figure 1). This data will contribute to event response products, like PAGER, a system that provides fatality and economic loss impact estimates following significant earthquakes, worldwide, and is used by governments, agencies, NGOs, private companies, and citizens.
“A secondary and extremely important purpose for emergency management at all levels to participate in this exercise is to illustrate the capabilities of the Winlink system to provide situational awareness ground truth regardless of the specific information gathered.”
DYFI Winlink submissions will go to USGS, the Winlink team, and partner agencies. They will produce maps showing points of submission, and they will generate summaries for the AAR which will be sent to FEMA, DHS, SHARES, and other interested groups.
In addition to U.S. hams, Winlink DYFI reports will be sent by CISA SHARES members, Air Force MARS members, and hams in Europe, Scandinavia, and other parts of the world.
You can find detailed instructions about how to fill out a Winlink DYFI report and send it via radio at this site. Note to specify QUAKE-23 as a CC address to your submission.
Here are links to two sites that will live-stream the exercise and show real-time maps of Winlink DYFI reports as they are received.
https://winlink.org/shakeout–LIVE
If you have Winlink capability, we hope you will submit a DYFI report at 10:19 on 10/19. Please remember to add QUAKE-23 as a CC address; otherwise, your report won’t show up on the map or be included in the AAR.