Ham Radio for Disaster Relief Volunteers: What to Pack and Know

When Everything Else is Down, Ham Radio Works

After hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, cell towers are often the first thing to fail. Ham operators are consistently the only ones communicating in the first 24-48 hours. If you want to help, here is what you need.

Essential Disaster Relief Kit

Item Why
Dual-band handheld UV-K1(8) — NOAA, wideband, USB-C
Spare batteries x3 Power may be out for days
Solar charger + power bank Unlimited off-grid recharging
Roll-up J-pole antenna Throw over a tree branch — instant range boost
Printed frequency list Phones may be dead or wet
Notepad + pen Log messages, relay traffic

Key Organizations to Know

  • ARES — Amateur Radio Emergency Service — join your local chapter
  • RACES — Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
  • Skywarn — Storm spotting for National Weather Service
  • SATERN — Salvation Army emergency radio network

First 24 Hours Protocol

  1. Check in with your local ARES net
  2. Monitor NOAA for ongoing weather threats
  3. Relay damage reports to emergency coordinators
  4. Assist with health-and-welfare messages

Build your disaster kit →

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