Hurricane Emergency Communications: Complete Guide to Staying Connected
Overview
When hurricanes disrupt normal communication infrastructure, having multiple communication methods can be lifesaving. This comprehensive guide covers how cell service is affected, alternative communication options, and strategies for maintaining contact with loved ones during and after hurricanes.
Table of Contents
- How Hurricanes Affect Communications
- Cell Phone Service During Hurricanes
- Internet and WiFi Connectivity
- Two-Way Radio Communications
- Ham Radio Networks
- Satellite Communication Options
- Emergency Communication Planning
- Post-Storm Communication Strategies
- Special Considerations
How Hurricanes Affect Communications
Infrastructure Damage Types
Cell Tower Damage
- Wind damage: Towers can collapse or antennas can be damaged in winds over 100 mph
- Power outages: Towers lose power, battery backup lasts 4-8 hours typically
- Flooding: Ground equipment and cables damaged by storm surge and flooding
- Backhaul disruption: Fiber optic lines cut, microwave links disrupted
Internet Infrastructure
- Fiber cuts: Underground and aerial fiber optic cables severed
- Data center outages: Regional internet hubs lose power or cooling
- Switching equipment: Flooded or damaged network equipment
- Satellite uplinks: Dish alignment affected by high winds
Traditional Infrastructure
- Landlines: Telephone poles down, switching equipment flooded
- Cable TV/Internet: Coaxial cables damaged, head-end equipment offline
- Broadcast towers: Radio/TV antennas damaged or transmitters offline
Recovery Timeline Expectations
Immediate (0-24 hours)
- Some cell towers maintain service on backup power
- Emergency services communications prioritized
- Satellite services usually continue working
Short-term (1-7 days)
- Mobile cell towers (COWs - Cells on Wheels) deployed
- Emergency WiFi hotspots established
- Ham radio networks fully activated
Medium-term (1-4 weeks)
- Temporary repairs to major infrastructure
- Restored service to populated areas
- Satellite internet becomes critical
Long-term (1-6 months)
- Complete infrastructure rebuilding
- Upgraded systems more resilient
- Normal service fully restored
Cell Phone Service During Hurricanes
How Cell Networks Fail
Power-Related Issues
- Tower backup power: Most towers have 4-8 hours of battery backup
- Generator deployment: Carriers pre-position generators at critical sites
- Fuel logistics: Refueling generators during storms is dangerous/impossible
- Cascading failures: As towers fail, remaining towers become overloaded
Physical Damage
- Antenna damage: High winds can damage or misalign antennas
- Tower collapse: Rare but catastrophic, usually winds >130 mph
- Flooding: Ground equipment and power systems vulnerable
- Debris impact: Flying debris can damage equipment
Network Congestion
Traffic Surges
- Emergency calls: Everyone tries to call family simultaneously
- Data usage: Social media, news, weather apps create data traffic
- Network prioritization: Emergency services get priority, others may be blocked
- Text vs. voice: Text messages more likely to get through during congestion
Carrier Differences
- Verizon: Generally most resilient network, extensive backup power
- AT&T: Good coverage, FirstNet emergency network
- T-Mobile: Improving rapidly, good low-band coverage
- Sprint (now T-Mobile): Previously weakest in disasters
Maximizing Cell Service
Device Management
- Battery conservation: Use airplane mode when not needed
- Low power mode: Reduces background app activity
- Manual network selection: Try different carriers if phone is unlocked
- WiFi calling: Use when available to reduce cellular load
Communication Strategies
- Text over voice: SMS more likely to get through during congestion
- Off-peak timing: Early morning/late night may have better connectivity
- Message apps: WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram may work when SMS doesn't
- Social media: Facebook, Twitter status updates reach multiple people
Emergency Features
Emergency SOS
- iPhone: Press and hold side button + volume button
- Android: Varies by manufacturer, usually power button sequence
- Satellite SOS: iPhone 14+ can send emergency messages via satellite
- Location sharing: Automatic location sharing with emergency contacts
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
- Presidential alerts: Cannot be disabled, highest priority
- Imminent threat: Severe weather warnings, evacuation orders
- AMBER alerts: Child abduction alerts
- Language support: Spanish language alerts in appropriate areas
Internet and WiFi Connectivity
Home Internet During Hurricanes
Cable Internet
- Aerial cables: Vulnerable to wind damage and falling trees
- Underground cables: More resilient but can flood
- Head-end equipment: Regional equipment can lose power
- Backup power: Most cable systems have some backup power
Fiber Internet
- More resilient: Generally more reliable than cable
- Buried fiber: Less vulnerable to wind damage
- Power dependent: Still requires power at home and network equipment
- Faster restoration: Easier to repair than copper systems
DSL/Phone-based Internet
- Declining service: Most providers phasing out
- Telephone infrastructure: Vulnerable to the same issues as landlines
- Lower speeds: May be inadequate for modern needs
Public WiFi Options
Emergency WiFi Hotspots
- Government deployment: FEMA, state, and local agencies deploy hotspots
- Library services: Many libraries have backup power and offer free WiFi
- Community centers: Shelters and community centers often have connectivity
- School districts: May open schools as WiFi access points
Commercial WiFi
- Comcast/Xfinity: Often opens hotspots for free during emergencies
- Starbucks: Locations with power often maintain free WiFi
- McDonald's: Widespread locations with free WiFi
- Gas stations: Many have WiFi, especially truck stops
Mobile Hotspots
- Cellular carriers: Often waive data limits during emergencies
- Portable devices: Verizon Jetpack, AT&T MiFi, etc.
- Phone hotspots: Use phone as hotspot if it has better signal
- Power management: Hotspot devices drain battery quickly
Satellite Internet
Starlink
- Rapid deployment: Can be set up quickly in disaster areas
- Weather resistance: Works in most weather conditions
- Power requirements: Needs roughly 50-75W (about 20W idle), can run on battery/generator
- Portability: Relatively easy to transport and set up
- Cost: residential service roughly $90-130/month (varies by plan and area); standard kit around $500
Traditional Satellite
- HughesNet: Widespread coverage, slower speeds
- Viasat: Higher speeds but data caps
- Weather sensitivity: Heavy rain can affect signal
- Equipment vulnerability: Dishes can be damaged by wind/debris
Two-Way Radio Communications
Family Radio Service (FRS)
Basic Information
- License required: None needed for FRS radios
- Range: 0.5-2 miles typically, up to 5 miles in ideal conditions
- Channels: 22 channels shared with GMRS
- Power limit: Up to 2 watts on channels 1-7 and 15-22; 0.5 watt on channels 8-14
- Cost: $20-100 per radio
Best Uses
- Family coordination: Staying in touch during evacuation
- Neighborhood communication: Checking on neighbors
- Emergency coordination: Coordinating with local emergency groups
- Shopping/supply runs: Coordinating supply gathering
Limitations
- Limited range: Hills, buildings, and trees reduce range significantly
- Congestion: Popular channels can become crowded
- No repeaters: Cannot extend range through repeater networks
- Battery life: Typically 8-12 hours with normal use
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
License Requirements
- FCC license required: $35 for 10-year license, no test required
- Family coverage: License covers immediate family members
- Call signs: Assigned call sign must be used for identification
- Age restrictions: Must be 18 or older to hold license
Capabilities
- Higher power: Up to 50 watts for base stations, 5 watts for handhelds
- Repeater access: Can use repeater networks for extended range
- Better range: 5-25 miles depending on terrain and power
- Vehicle installation: Can install more powerful mobile units
Equipment Options
- Handheld radios: Midland, Wouxun, Baofeng GMRS models
- Mobile radios: Vehicle-mounted units with higher power
- Base stations: Home installations with external antennas
- Repeater networks: Local repeater systems extend range
Citizens Band (CB) Radio
Basic Information
- No license required: Open to all users
- 40 channels: AM and SSB (single sideband) modes
- Power limit: 4 watts AM, 12 watts SSB
- Range: 1-15 miles typically, longer with atmospheric conditions
Emergency Uses
- Highway communication: Truckers monitor CB for road conditions
- Local coordination: Many emergency groups use CB
- Weather information: Local weather reports from other users
- REACT teams: Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Teams
Modern CB Features
- Weather channels: Built-in NOAA weather radio
- Emergency channels: Channel 9 reserved for emergencies
- Mobile installation: Common in vehicles and boats
- SSB capability: Extended range with single sideband
Business Radio Service (BRS)
Professional Grade
- License required: Part 90 commercial license needed
- Dedicated frequencies: Less congested than public services
- Professional equipment: More reliable and durable
- Repeater systems: Extensive coverage areas
Cost Considerations
- Higher initial cost: $200-500+ per radio
- Licensing fees: Annual fees for frequency coordination
- Professional programming: Requires technical knowledge
- Maintenance: Regular service and updates needed
Ham Radio Networks
Amateur Radio Basics
License Requirements
- FCC license required: Must pass examination
- Three license classes: Technician, General, Amateur Extra
- Technician class: Entry level, local/regional communication
- General class: Worldwide HF communication
- Study resources: ARRL materials, online practice tests
Frequency Privileges
- VHF/UHF: Local and regional communication
- HF bands: Worldwide communication
- Repeater access: Extended range through repeater networks
- Emergency frequencies: Designated emergency nets
Emergency Communication Networks
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service)
- ARRL-sponsored: Official emergency communication service
- Training programs: Regular emergency communication training
- Government coordination: Works with emergency management agencies
- Deployment: Activated during disasters for emergency communications
RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service)
- Government program: Part of civil defense structure
- Registration required: Must register with local emergency management
- Training requirements: Specific emergency communication training
- Official channels: Direct communication with government agencies
SKYWARN
- Weather spotting: Trained storm spotters provide real-time weather info
- National Weather Service: Direct communication with NWS offices
- Training required: Free training sessions offered regularly
- Local nets: Regular practice nets and storm-time activation
Hurricane-Specific Networks
Hurricane Watch Net
- Frequency: 14.325 MHz (USB) by day and 7.268 MHz (LSB) at night, as propagation allows
- Purpose: Collects and relays hurricane information
- Volunteers: Experienced operators handle traffic
- Historical significance: Operating since 1965
WX4NHC
- National Hurricane Center: Official ham radio station
- Direct communication: Can provide official weather information
- Emergency coordination: Coordinates with other emergency services
- Activation: Operates during significant hurricanes
Regional Nets
- State networks: Each state has emergency communication networks
- County networks: Local emergency communication nets
- Hospital networks: Healthcare facility emergency communication
- Red Cross networks: Disaster relief communication
Equipment and Setup
Basic Station Setup
- Handheld radio: 2-meter/70cm for local communication
- Mobile radio: Vehicle installation for higher power
- Base station: Home installation with external antenna
- Power backup: Battery backup and generator capability
Emergency Power
- Battery systems: Deep cycle batteries for extended operation
- Solar charging: Solar panels for battery maintenance
- Generator backup: Gasoline or propane generators
- Power conservation: Low-power modes and efficient equipment
Antenna Systems
- VHF/UHF antennas: Vertical antennas for local communication
- HF antennas: Wire antennas for long-distance communication
- Portable antennas: Deployable systems for emergency use
- Backup antennas: Multiple antenna options for redundancy
Satellite Communication Options
Satellite Phones
Iridium Network
- Global coverage: Works anywhere on Earth
- Satellite constellation: 66 satellites in low Earth orbit
- Voice and data: Text messaging and low-speed data
- Equipment: Iridium 9575 Extreme ($1,500), monthly service $150-200
- Battery life: 4-30 hours depending on usage
Inmarsat
- Regional coverage: Better in some regions than others
- Higher data speeds: Better for internet access
- Equipment options: Handheld phones and vehicle terminals
- Cost: Similar to Iridium, varies by plan
- Weather sensitivity: Can be affected by heavy rain
Globalstar
- North America focus: Best coverage in North America
- Lower cost: Generally less expensive than Iridium
- Coverage gaps: Limited coverage in some areas
- Equipment: Various handheld and vehicle options
- Emergency services: Can connect to emergency services
Satellite Messaging
Garmin inReach
- Two-way messaging: Send and receive text messages
- GPS tracking: Location sharing with contacts
- SOS function: Emergency rescue coordination
- Weather updates: Weather forecasts and reports
- Cost: $350-450 device, $15-65/month service
SPOT Satellite Messenger
- Messaging: Older SPOT trackers send preset/SOS messages only (one-way); the SPOT X model adds two-way texting
- GPS tracking: Location sharing capability
- Emergency SOS: Rescue coordination services
- Check-in function: Regular status updates
- Cost: $150-200 device, $20-50/month service
Zoleo
- Two-way messaging: Full text messaging capability
- Email support: Send/receive emails
- Social media: Post to social media platforms
- Location sharing: GPS tracking and sharing
- Cost: $200 device, $20-50/month service
Satellite Internet
Starlink
- High-speed internet: 50-150 Mbps download speeds
- Low latency: Gaming and video calling capable
- Rapid deployment: Set up in minutes
- Weather resistance: Works in most weather conditions
- Power requirements: roughly 50-75W in active use (about 20W idle)
- Cost: standard kit around $500 (often discounted); residential service roughly $90-130/month, varying by plan and area
Viasat
- Traditional satellite: Geostationary satellite internet
- Data caps: Monthly data limitations
- Higher latency: Not suitable for real-time gaming
- Professional installation: Requires professional setup
- Cost: $100-200/month depending on plan
Emergency Satellite Services
Iridium PTT (Push-to-Talk)
- Instant communication: Push-to-talk like walkie-talkies
- Group calling: Multiple users on same channel
- Global coverage: Works anywhere on Earth
- Professional use: Used by emergency services
- Cost: Higher monthly fees than regular satellite phones
Emergency Locator Beacons
- 406 MHz ELT: Aircraft emergency locator transmitters
- PLB (Personal Locator Beacon): Personal emergency beacons
- EPIRB: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (marine use)
- Satellite monitoring: Monitored by search and rescue satellites
- No subscription fee: One-time purchase, no monthly fees
Emergency Communication Planning
Family Communication Plan
Essential Information
- Out-of-state contact: Someone outside the disaster area
- Meeting locations: Primary and secondary meeting places
- School/workplace plans: Emergency procedures for all locations
- Medical information: Doctors, medications, medical conditions
- Important numbers: Insurance, utilities, emergency services
Contact Methods
- Primary: Cell phone numbers for all family members
- Secondary: Work numbers, school numbers
- Backup: Email addresses, social media accounts
- Emergency: Out-of-state contact who can relay messages
- Local: Neighbors, local friends who can check on family
Communication Cards
Create wallet-sized cards with:
- Emergency contact numbers
- Out-of-state contact information
- Meeting locations
- Important medical information
- Insurance policy numbers
Pre-Storm Communication
Equipment Testing
- Test all radios: Ensure batteries work and frequencies are programmed
- Charge all devices: Phones, radios, battery packs
- Update contact lists: Ensure all numbers are current
- Download apps: Weather apps, emergency apps, offline maps
- Backup power: Ensure generators, battery banks are ready
Information Gathering
- Weather monitoring: Multiple sources for weather information
- Local alerts: Sign up for local emergency alerts
- Social media: Follow local emergency management accounts
- Amateur radio: Monitor local emergency nets
- Official channels: Bookmark official emergency websites
During Storm Communication
Communication Priorities
- Life safety: Emergency services (911) for immediate threats
- Family safety: Let family know you're safe
- Status updates: Update extended family and friends
- Information gathering: Stay informed about conditions
- Coordination: Coordinate with neighbors and community
Battery Management
- Airplane mode: Use when not actively communicating
- Low power mode: Reduce background activity
- Charge scheduling: Charge devices when generator is running
- Backup batteries: Use external battery packs efficiently
- Radio rotation: Rotate radio monitoring to preserve batteries
Post-Storm Communication
Damage Assessment
- Personal safety: Report injuries and immediate needs
- Property damage: Document and report to insurance
- Infrastructure status: Report utility outages
- Community needs: Coordinate with neighbors for mutual aid
- Recovery resources: Connect with disaster relief organizations
Long-term Communication
- Insurance adjusters: Maintain communication throughout claims process
- Contractors: Coordinate repair and restoration work
- Employers: Keep employers informed of your situation
- Government agencies: FEMA, local emergency management
- Support services: Mental health, financial assistance
Post-Storm Communication Strategies
Immediate Priorities (0-24 hours)
Safety Check-ins
- Family notification: Contact family as soon as possible
- Emergency services: Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies
- Neighbors: Check on elderly and disabled neighbors
- Work/school: Report your status to employers and schools
- Insurance: Begin claim process if safe to do so
Information Needs
- Weather updates: Monitor for additional threats
- Emergency services: Location of shelters, medical care
- Utilities: Outage status and restoration estimates
- Transportation: Road conditions and restrictions
- Supplies: Open stores and resource locations
Short-term Communication (1-7 days)
Coordination Needs
- Supply sharing: Coordinate with neighbors for mutual aid
- Transportation: Share vehicles and fuel
- Childcare: Coordinate childcare with other families
- Elderly care: Ensure elderly neighbors have needed assistance
- Pet care: Coordinate care for displaced or lost pets
Resource Management
- Generator coordination: Share generator usage with neighbors
- Fuel sharing: Coordinate fuel purchases and sharing
- Tool sharing: Share cleanup tools and equipment
- Skill sharing: Coordinate repairs using available skills
- Information sharing: Share important updates and resources
Long-term Recovery (Weeks to Months)
Professional Communication
- Insurance adjusters: Regular communication about claims
- Contractors: Coordinate repair schedules and materials
- Employers: Keep informed about work status
- Government agencies: FEMA, SBA, local recovery programs
- Healthcare providers: Maintain access to medical care
Community Recovery
- Neighborhood groups: Participate in community recovery efforts
- Volunteer coordination: Coordinate with disaster relief volunteers
- Advocacy: Communicate with elected officials about needs
- Business recovery: Support local business recovery efforts
- Infrastructure: Advocate for improved infrastructure
Special Considerations
Medical Communication Needs
Medical Equipment
- Power-dependent devices: CPAP, oxygen concentrators, dialysis equipment
- Backup communication: Dedicated communication for medical emergencies
- Medical alert systems: Ensure systems work without landlines
- Pharmacy communication: Maintain contact with pharmacies
- Healthcare providers: Alternative contact methods for doctors
Medication Management
- Prescription refills: Coordinate early refills before storms
- Pharmacy locations: Identify open pharmacies after storms
- Medical records: Maintain electronic copies of medical records
- Emergency contacts: Medical emergency contact information
- Insurance coordination: Communicate with insurance for medical needs
Business Communication
Business Continuity
- Employee communication: Systems for contacting all employees
- Customer communication: Methods for updating customers
- Vendor coordination: Maintain supply chain communication
- Financial institutions: Banking and financial service access
- Insurance communication: Business insurance claim coordination
Remote Work
- Internet backup: Multiple internet connection options
- VPN access: Secure remote access to business systems
- Cloud services: Access to cloud-based business applications
- Video conferencing: Capability for remote meetings
- File sharing: Access to business documents and files
International Considerations
Tourist Communication
- Embassy contact: Know location and contact information
- Travel insurance: Understand coverage for communication costs
- International calling: Understand costs and options
- Local resources: Identify local resources for tourists
- Language barriers: Translation services and resources
International Calling
- Country codes: Know country codes for international calls
- Calling costs: Understand costs for international calls
- Time zones: Be aware of time zone differences
- Alternative services: WhatsApp, Skype, other internet calling
- Emergency services: Know how to contact emergency services
Accessibility Considerations
Hearing Impaired
- Text messaging: Preferred communication method
- Video calling: Sign language communication
- TTY services: Traditional teletypewriter services
- Alert systems: Visual alert systems for emergencies
- Relay services: Telecommunications relay services
Vision Impaired
- Voice services: Preferred over text communication
- Audio alerts: Emergency alerts in audio format
- Screen readers: Ensure devices work with screen readers
- Braille resources: Emergency information in Braille
- Guide services: Assistance with communication devices
Mobility Impaired
- Accessible communication: Ensure communication devices are accessible
- Emergency contacts: Specialized emergency contact information
- Assistive technology: Maintain backup power for assistive devices
- Caregiver coordination: Communication with caregivers
- Medical communication: Specialized medical communication needs
Communication Technology Troubleshooting
Cell Phone Issues
No Signal
- Try different locations: Move to higher ground or different areas
- Manual network selection: Try different carriers if phone is unlocked
- Airplane mode reset: Turn airplane mode on/off to reset connection
- Battery check: Low battery can affect signal strength
- Antenna check: Ensure phone case isn't blocking antenna
Network Congestion
- Use text instead of voice: SMS more likely to get through
- Try different times: Early morning or late night may be better
- Use WiFi calling: If WiFi is available
- Social media: May work when direct calling doesn't
- Email: May work better than real-time communication
Radio Issues
Poor Reception
- Antenna check: Ensure antenna is properly connected
- Location change: Move to higher ground or different location
- Battery check: Low battery affects transmission power
- Interference: Move away from electrical devices
- Channel selection: Try different channels if available
Battery Problems
- Battery rotation: Rotate batteries between devices
- Power saving: Use low power modes when possible
- Charging schedule: Charge when generator is running
- Battery maintenance: Keep batteries clean and dry
- Backup batteries: Have multiple sets of batteries
Internet Issues
Slow Connection
- Bandwidth management: Limit non-essential usage
- Device priority: Use one device at a time
- App management: Close unnecessary apps
- Update delays: Delay software updates
- Streaming limits: Avoid video streaming
Connection Problems
- Router reset: Restart router and modem
- Device reset: Restart phones and computers
- WiFi selection: Try different WiFi networks
- Hotspot usage: Use phone as hotspot if available
- Ethernet connection: Use wired connection if possible
Emergency Communication Checklist
Before Hurricane Season
- [ ] Test all communication equipment
- [ ] Update emergency contact information
- [ ] Charge all devices and battery packs
- [ ] Download emergency apps and offline maps
- [ ] Create laminated emergency contact cards
- [ ] Sign up for local emergency alerts
- [ ] Verify insurance contact information
- [ ] Test backup power systems
- [ ] Update social media emergency contacts
- [ ] Practice family communication plan
When Hurricane Watch Issued
- [ ] Fully charge all devices
- [ ] Test all backup communication methods
- [ ] Verify family communication plan
- [ ] Download weather updates and maps
- [ ] Confirm out-of-state contact information
- [ ] Test generators and backup power
- [ ] Update emergency contacts of your status
- [ ] Monitor emergency radio frequencies
- [ ] Verify evacuation communication plans
- [ ] Prepare emergency communication kit
During Hurricane
- [ ] Conserve battery power
- [ ] Monitor weather and emergency information
- [ ] Maintain regular family check-ins
- [ ] Document damage with photos
- [ ] Coordinate with neighbors
- [ ] Monitor emergency radio nets
- [ ] Preserve fuel for generators
- [ ] Limit non-essential communication
- [ ] Keep emergency contacts updated
- [ ] Prepare for extended outages
After Hurricane
- [ ] Contact family to report safety
- [ ] Report emergencies to 911
- [ ] Document damage for insurance
- [ ] Coordinate with neighbors
- [ ] Monitor restoration updates
- [ ] Communicate with employers
- [ ] Begin insurance claim process
- [ ] Seek emergency assistance if needed
- [ ] Update distant family/friends
- [ ] Plan for long-term recovery
Resources and References
Emergency Communication Services
- 211: Information and referral services
- 311: Non-emergency municipal services
- 511: Transportation and traffic information
- Red Cross: Emergency family messages
- Salvation Army: Emergency communication services
Government Resources
- FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
- NWS: National Weather Service
- FCC: Federal Communications Commission
- ARRL: American Radio Relay League
- REACT: Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Teams
Commercial Services
- Verizon: Disaster response information
- AT&T: Emergency service updates
- T-Mobile: Disaster recovery information
- Comcast: Emergency WiFi services
- Spectrum: Disaster response services
Equipment Suppliers
- Ham Radio Outlet: Amateur radio equipment
- Universal Radio: Communication equipment
- DX Engineering: Antenna and RF equipment
- Amazon: Emergency communication devices
- Best Buy: Consumer electronics and radios
Remember: Communication is a lifeline during disasters. Having multiple communication methods increases your chances of staying connected with family and emergency services. Practice your communication plan regularly and keep equipment maintained and ready for use.
Quick Reference: Essential Communication Resources
Licensing & Regulations
- FCC GMRS License Application - $35, no test
- Amateur Radio (Ham) License Info - Study guides and testing
- FCC Emergency Communications Rules
- CB Radio Rules & Info
Emergency Networks & Organizations
- Hurricane Watch Net - 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz
- WX4NHC Amateur Radio at NHC - Direct reports to National Hurricane Center
- ARES - Amateur Radio Emergency Service
- RACES - Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
- SKYWARN Storm Spotters
- Salvation Army SATERN
Satellite Communication Providers
- Starlink - High-speed satellite internet
- Iridium Satellite - Global satellite phone coverage
- Globalstar - Satellite phone and data
- Garmin inReach - Two-way satellite messaging
- SPOT Satellite Messengers - Emergency beacons and messaging
Emergency Alert Systems
- NOAA Weather Radio - Official weather alerts
- Wireless Emergency Alerts
- FEMA Mobile App
- Red Cross Safe and Well
Equipment Suppliers
- Ham Radio Outlet - Major ham radio retailer
- DX Engineering - Amateur radio equipment
- Universal Radio - Radio equipment
- Midland Radio - FRS/GMRS radios
- BaoFeng Radios - Budget ham radios
Digital Emergency Tools
- Winlink Global Email - Email over radio
- APRS.fi - Amateur radio position tracking
- Broadcastify - Live emergency scanner feeds
- Zello - Push-to-talk over cellular/WiFi
Learning Resources
- ARRL - American Radio Relay League - Ham radio education
- Ham Radio Prep - Online license courses
- Emergency Communications Planning Guide - FEMA guide
- FCC Emergency Communications Tips
Remember to bookmark these resources NOW, before you need them in an emergency!