What will you do when you can’t make a phone call because the lines are down? What if your cell phone service is no longer available? What are your plans for emergency communications?
Brent Yeates was driving a dairy truck in a remote section of Logan, Utah when he came upon a car crash. Yeates got out of his vehicle, waded through the Logan River, which was cold, and helped the driver get out.
There was no cell phone service for miles. However, Yeates was prepared. He had a ham radio with him and used it to call for help. Another ham radio operator heard Yeates’ call and sent for help immediately. Emergency dispatchers were able to come to the scene and help the driver, all because Yeates made a call on the ham radio which was heard by someone else.
Perhaps we are too reliant on our cell phones, and are counting on it as our only means of communication in a time of crisis. While it’s certainly a helpful tool to contact others and receive e-alerts and updates from your local Emergency Management Agency, you may not be able to get service. At the same time, not everyone can own a ham radio because you need a license, and the equipment can be spendy. You must take the time to solve your communications issues and plan for contingencies, such as no service. A two-way family radio and a phone tree consisting of family members and close friends is a good place to start.