Are You Inclined to Assist In During A STATE OF EMERGENCY?"

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Are you aware that in the U.S., August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month. 

Emergency Management Awareness 


National Emergency Management Awareness Month

This organization will conduct a coordinated, industry-wide awareness and advocacy campaign to promote the capabilities of emergency management.  As Amateur Radio Operators this is something we should be aware and and ready to assist when needed. It is in our DNA.   My question to YOU:

 Are You Inclined to Assist In During A STATE OF EMERGENCY?"


2026 may seem like the entire world is under some sort of daily natural disaster, threat or emergency.

Recent earthquakes in Japan,



earthquakes in Venezuela,



earthquakes in Columbia


 

Extreme heat conditions around the earth are deeply pushing our power grids to the brink of collapse.





Drought conditions around many parts of the world causing widespread wildfires.





Recent weather conditions in the U.S. have produced record rainfall which have caused deadly, crippling flashflood events that have inundated and displaced many residents.



Least we forgot devastating tornadoes and straight line winds that have converged on areas of the U.S. where these storms usually don't happen.



As this post is published the 2nd week of August 2026, the U.S. National Hurricane Center is tracking two potential threats in the Atlantic basins. Folks, its the peak of Hurricane season.



As a former Net Control Operator, I've had some time with Emergency Communications Preparedness through my local R.A.C.E.S. organization. While on vacation once, I assisted a Ham Radio Club with Health and Welfare messages during the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Most recently while in Iowa City, IA for a family Medical Emergency I checked into the Johnson County Iowa SkyWarn Net to assist with weather observations during a tornado. I was at the University of Iowa Healthcare Facility. From my vantage point on the top floor of the facilities I had an excellent view from the west and east of tornadic activities.







If all of these previously mentioned emergencies are not enough to be concerned about there is the daily threat of CYBER ATTACKS which can disrupt our infrastructure and create chaos in our communities.



Recently there have been cyber attacks on municipal water systems in several communities in the U.S.

And just when you think you can call your local 911 Emergency department for assistance, this recently happened in California.




My point is, you don't have to be at your QTH to assist in an emergency. You just have to be prepared and inclined to assist during a State of Emergency no matter where it occurs.  For those of us involve in Parks on the Air, Summits on the Air and other portable operating, if a state of emergency occurs this is the time to put what we've learned into real time assistance.  

Check with your local Emergency Management Organization, RA.C.E.S., A.R.E.S. or local club to see how you can assist when the need arises.

When All Else Fails...

Amateur Radio Works



Note; Thanks to John Kauble / K0GH and all the others of the Iowa City Amateur Radio Club and the Johnson County Skywarn Net for allowing me to check into their net.









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