A reader recently wrote:
Hi Dan,Thank you so much for the great content you have put out there about Ham radio. I live in NYC but my parents are in Atlanta and I want to make sure they have everything they need for a disaster. Do you think I should help them connect with a local ham operator? I also plan to get them radios but I wanted to ask if you have any advice basically on how to set them up for safety, knowing they will not be getting licensed or anything like that.
I replied:
I think that it depends on what disaster scenario you want them to be prepared for. When you say that you are “going to get them radios” what do you envision them doing with the radios? And why will they not be getting licenses? Getting a Technician Class license is not rocket science.
Having said that, I’m probably not the best one to give advice about emergency preparedness, as I’m not that well-prepared myself for a serious disaster. You might want to visit ready.gov for a more integrated approach to emergency management.
I’m not really satisfied with my answer, so I’m asking you. What should I have told this person?